# NASCAR Heat Evolution

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2016 racing video game

Not to be confused with [NASCAR Heat](/source/NASCAR_Heat).

2016 video game

NASCAR Heat Evolution Cover art featuring Carl Edwards Developer Monster Games Publisher Dusenberry Martin Racing Series NASCAR Heat Engine Unity Platforms Microsoft Windows PlayStation 4 Xbox One Release NA: September 13, 2016 (2016-09-13) Genre Racing, Sports Modes Single player, multiplayer

***NASCAR Heat Evolution*** is a [racing video game](/source/Racing_video_game) developed by [Monster Games](/source/Monster_Games) and published by [704Games](/source/704Games). The game was released in North America on September 13, 2016 for the [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4), [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One) and [Microsoft Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows). It is the follow-up to the 2015 release of *[NASCAR '15 Victory Edition](/source/NASCAR_'15#NASCAR_'15_Victory_Edition)* and the first developed by Monster Games since *[NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona](/source/NASCAR%3A_Dirt_to_Daytona)* was released in 2002.[1]

## Gameplay

The game features all 23 tracks from the [2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series](/source/2016_NASCAR_Sprint_Cup_Series) schedule, as well as drivers from several teams like Childress, Ganassi, Gibbs, Hendrick, Petty, Penske, Roush and Stewart-Haas.[2] A November update added the drivers of the 2016 NASCAR Next class, such as [Todd Gilliland](/source/Todd_Gilliland), [Ty Majeski](/source/Ty_Majeski), [Harrison Burton](/source/Harrison_Burton) and others, though those drivers are only available in quick race mode.[3] *NASCAR Heat Evolution* also includes a dynamic [AI](/source/AI) and Speed Rating system that matches the players skill level.[2] Several different modes are built in the game, including a quick race mode, career mode, and a challenge mode.[2] In the challenge mode, players attempt to match or exceed current [NASCAR](/source/NASCAR) records.[2]

## Development

In 2015, Dusenberry Martin Racing, then known as DMi Games, acquired the NASCAR license from [Eutechnyx](/source/Eutechnyx)[4] in a deal lasting through 2020.[5] The company's President Ed Martin formerly worked for [Papyrus Design Group](/source/Papyrus_Design_Group), [Hasbro Interactive](/source/Hasbro_Interactive), [EA Sports](/source/EA_Sports) and Eutechnyx, who developed the *[NASCAR Racing](/source/NASCAR_Racing)*, *[NASCAR Heat](/source/NASCAR_Heat)*, [EA Sports *NASCAR*](/source/EA_Sports_NASCAR) and *[NASCAR The Game](/source/NASCAR_The_Game)* series, respectively. CEO Tom Dusenberry was the founder and president of Hasbro Interactive.[4]

## Drivers

On May 20, DMR officially announced the game at [Charlotte Motor Speedway](/source/Charlotte_Motor_Speedway), partnering with Monster Games, who had developed *NASCAR Heat* and *NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona*. Monster President and *Evolution* lead developer Richard Garcia was a former member of the *Heat* design team.[1] Drivers [Joey Logano](/source/Joey_Logano), [Ryan Blaney](/source/Ryan_Blaney), [Brad Keselowski](/source/Brad_Keselowski), [Matt Tifft](/source/Matt_Tifft), and [Ben Kennedy](/source/Ben_Kennedy_(NASCAR)) were hired by DMR to help develop the game.[6][7] The game is the first NASCAR game to be released on [eighth generation consoles](/source/Eighth_generation_of_video_game_consoles), with releases for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.[1]

To determine the cover driver, the highest-placing [Toyota](/source/Toyota) driver in the [Sprint All-Star Race](/source/2016_NASCAR_Sprint_All-Star_Race) was selected;[6] the eligible drivers were [Kyle Busch](/source/Kyle_Busch), [Carl Edwards](/source/Carl_Edwards), [Denny Hamlin](/source/Denny_Hamlin), [Matt Kenseth](/source/Matt_Kenseth), and [Martin Truex Jr.](/source/Martin_Truex_Jr.)[8] Edwards won the cover driver competition with a fourth-place finish.[9]

[A sequel to the game, released fall 2017](/source/NASCAR_Heat_2), was released on September 12. The move came as DMR rebranded as [704Games](/source/704Games).[10]

## Reception

Reception

Aggregate score Aggregator Score Metacritic 66/100[11]

Review scores Publication Score Game Informer 7/10[13] Polygon 7.5/10[12]

The game received lackluster reviews from critics, who lamented the game's inability to keep users interested and the lack of improvement in online lobbies. [Forbes](/source/Forbes) gave the game a 5.8 out of 10, citing a "worthless" career mode.[14] [FanSided](/source/FanSided) gave the game a four out of 10, saying that it "came in dead last".[15]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-polygonann_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-polygonann_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-polygonann_1-2) Good, Owen S. (May 20, 2016). ["NASCAR makes current-gen console debut this fall with NASCAR Heat Evolution"](http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/20/11719046/nascar-heat-evolution-xbox-one-ps4-launch-date-september-13). *[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))*. Vox Media. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201109044038/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/20/11719046/nascar-heat-evolution-xbox-one-ps4-launch-date-september-13) from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gamespot_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gamespot_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-gamespot_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-gamespot_2-3) Makuch, Eddie (May 20, 2016). ["First NASCAR Game for PS4, Xbox One Announced"](http://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-nascar-game-for-ps4-xbox-one-announced/1100-6440007/). *[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)*. CBS Interactive. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160527092604/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/first-nascar-game-for-ps4-xbox-one-announced/1100-6440007/) from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["NASCAR Heat Evolution Update #3 – NASCAR Heat Evolution"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161130034903/http://www.nascarheat.com/2016/10/12/nascar-heat-evolution-update-3/). Archived from [the original](http://www.nascarheat.com/2016/10/12/nascar-heat-evolution-update-3/) on 2016-11-30. Retrieved 2016-11-29.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-GI_DMi_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-GI_DMi_4-1) Kato, Matthew (January 19, 2015). ["New Company Gets Exclusive NASCAR Rights"](https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/01/19/new-company-gets-exclusive-nascar-rights.aspx). *[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150121014627/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/01/19/new-company-gets-exclusive-nascar-rights.aspx) from the original on January 21, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NASCAR.com_5-0)** ["Dusenberry Martin Racing announces NASCAR Heat Evolution"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170811111738/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2016/5/20/dusenberry-martin-racing-nascar-heat-contest.html). *NASCAR.com*. NASCAR Media Group, LLC. May 20, 2016. Archived from [the original](http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2016/5/20/dusenberry-martin-racing-nascar-heat-contest.html) on August 11, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Fox-DMR-HeatEvo-May2016_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Fox-DMR-HeatEvo-May2016_6-1) Jensen, Tom (May 20, 2016). ["Dusenberry Martin Racing to unveil new NASCAR video game"](http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/dusenberry-martin-racing-nascar-heat-evolution-sprint-cup-series-charlotte-motor-speedway-052016). *[Foxsports.com](/source/Foxsports.com)*. [Concord, North Carolina](/source/Concord%2C_North_Carolina): [Fox Sports Digital Media](/source/Fox_Sports_Digital_Media). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180910094728/https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/dusenberry-martin-racing-nascar-heat-evolution-sprint-cup-series-charlotte-motor-speedway-052016) from the original on September 10, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NASCARHeatVideo-History_7-0)** ["The Making of NASCAR Heat Evolution: History"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NAr6o5675U). *[YouTube](/source/YouTube)*. DMR NASCAR Heat. June 29, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160812170856/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NAr6o5675U) from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Kato, Matthew (May 20, 2016). ["Monster Games Returns With NASCAR Heat Evolution"](https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/05/20/monster-games-returns-with-nascar-heat-evolution.aspx). *[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160523090335/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/05/20/monster-games-returns-with-nascar-heat-evolution.aspx) from the original on May 23, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Edwards_9-0)** Albert, Zack (May 22, 2016). ["Carl Edwards rallies from miscues for top-five spot"](http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2016/5/22/carl-edwards-rallies-lug-nut-penalty-sprint-all-star-race-charlotte.html). *NASCAR.com*. [Concord, North Carolina](/source/Concord%2C_North_Carolina): NASCAR Media Group, LLC. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170305023545/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2016/5/22/carl-edwards-rallies-lug-nut-penalty-sprint-all-star-race-charlotte.html) from the original on March 5, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["NASCAR Heat Evolution publisher rebrands, plans sequel and mobile game"](https://sports.yahoo.com/m/7cd7d3b4-94cb-365a-855f-bfe25f5afdf3/ss_nascar-heat-evolution.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170323055258/http://sports.yahoo.com/m/7cd7d3b4-94cb-365a-855f-bfe25f5afdf3/ss_nascar-heat-evolution.html) from the original on 2017-03-23. Retrieved 2017-03-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["NASCAR Heat Evolution"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/nascar-heat-evolution/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170920041419/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/nascar-heat-evolution) from the original on 2017-09-20. Retrieved 2017-09-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** S Good, Owen (22 September 2016). ["NASCAR Heat Evolution review"](https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/22/13002854/nascar-heat-evolution-review-ps4-xbox-one). *[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220215203012/https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/22/13002854/nascar-heat-evolution-review-ps4-xbox-one) from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 15 February 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Kato, Matthew (13 September 2016). ["NASCAR Heat Evolution Review – The Return of That Racing Spirit"](https://www.gameinformer.com/games/nascar_heat_evolution/b/playstation4/archive/2016/09/13/game-informer-nascar-heat-evolution-review.aspx). *[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160916121555/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/nascar_heat_evolution/b/playstation4/archive/2016/09/13/game-informer-nascar-heat-evolution-review.aspx) from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Reviews, Forbes Games. ["'NASCAR Heat Evolution' Review: DNF"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/games/2016/09/24/nascar-heat-evolution-review-dnf/#5704343f7642). *Forbes*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161129014616/http://www.forbes.com/sites/games/2016/09/24/nascar-heat-evolution-review-dnf/#5704343f7642) from the original on 2016-11-29. Retrieved 2016-11-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["NASCAR Heat Evolution Review: Coming In Dead Last"](http://apptrigger.com/2016/09/15/nascar-heat-evolution-review-coming-dead-last/). *App Trigger*. 2016-09-15. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161129210729/http://apptrigger.com/2016/09/15/nascar-heat-evolution-review-coming-dead-last/) from the original on 2016-11-29. Retrieved 2016-11-29.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.nascarheat.com/)

v t e NASCAR video games 1980s Richard Petty's Talladega 1990s Days of Thunder (1990) Bill Elliott's NASCAR Challenge ESPN SpeedWorld Kyle Petty's No Fear Racing Racing Racing 2 98 3-D Ultra Pinball 99 Challenge Racing 1999 Edition Revolution Road Racing Racing 3 2000 Legends 2000s Rumble 2001 Heat Racers Arcade Racing 4 Thunder 2002 Heat 2002 Racing 2002 Season Thunder 2003 Dirt to Daytona Racing 2003 Season Thunder 2004 2005: Chase for the Cup SimRacing 06: Total Team Control 07 08 EA Sports NASCAR Racing iRacing 09 Kart Racing 2010s Gran Turismo 5 Days of Thunder (2011) The Game: 2011 Unleashed The Game: Inside Line Gran Turismo 6 '14 '15 Heat Evolution Forza Motorsport 6 Heat 2 Project CARS 2 Forza Motorsport 7 Heat 3 Heat 4 2020s Heat 5 Ultimate Edition+ 21: Ignition Rivals 25 Series NASCAR Racing EA Sports NASCAR NASCAR The Game NASCAR Heat (2016–2020)

v t e Monster Games NASCAR video games NASCAR Heat NASCAR Heat 2002 NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona NASCAR Heat Evolution NASCAR Heat 2 NASCAR Heat 3 NASCAR Heat 4 NASCAR 25 Other games Viper Racing Test Drive: Eve of Destruction Excite Truck Excitebots: Trick Racing Excitebike: World Rally Pilotwings Resort Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (3DS) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (3DS) Tony Stewart's Sprint Car Racing SRX: The Game

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [NASCAR Heat Evolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_Heat_Evolution) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_Heat_Evolution?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.