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NASCAR Heat 3

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2018

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Quick resume

There are more ways to race than ever before in NASCAR Heat 3! Jump into the enhanced Career Mode, build your own race team and compete in the Xtreme Dirt Tour. Prove that you're the best in the world in the new Online Tournaments feature. Plus, all your favorite modes are back and better than ever.

Global score

77/100

Genres

Racing

Pros

  • Improved ai and physics over previous versions
  • Engaging career mode with team ownership
  • Includes dirt racing series for variety
  • Supports wheel and controller input
  • Fun for nascar fans and casual players

Cons

  • Limited customization and paint schemes
  • Graphics and sound are average and dated
  • Online multiplayer community is small and often empty
  • Some physics and ai issues reported
  • Career mode and team management lack depth

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can choose to be a driver or owner/driver and manage team members and upgrades, indicating some control over decisions."

  • Competence
    3

    "AI provides competitive racing and challenge especially at higher difficulties; car setups and driving skills affect performance."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes online multiplayer and AI rivals; players compete for race wins and career progression."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Career mode and multiple series encourage long play sessions; some players report many hours invested."

  • Cooperation
    -2

    "Primarily focused on individual racing and team management; limited evidence of cooperative multiplayer or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    -3

    "Customization is limited; paint schemes and car numbers are restricted; no robust paint booth or custom designs."

  • Domination
    -1

    "Rivalry system exists but is mostly about competition rather than exerting control or authority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game for stress relief and distraction; some report it helped them through difficult times."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players try different car setups, series, and driving styles; some experimentation with dirt and asphalt racing."

  • Exploration
    1

    "New dirt series and tracks add some novelty, but mostly familiar NASCAR circuits and modes."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Limited customization options restrict self-expression; paint schemes and numbers are mostly preset."

  • Fantasy
    -1

    "Realistic NASCAR environment and drivers; some fantasy elements in dirt series but mostly grounded in reality."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some social interaction via rivals and online multiplayer, but community is small and online often empty."

  • Growth
    3

    "Career mode progression, team management, and skill improvement provide learning and development opportunities."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or rehab elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during races and career mode; not suited for casual background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited social depth; interactions are mostly competitive or surface-level rivalries."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Team owner mode allows some leadership in managing employees and car upgrades."

  • Progression
    4

    "Career mode involves accumulating upgrades, employees, and better equipment to improve performance."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find the game fun and relaxing, though others note frustration with AI and physics."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Graphics and sound are average; some sensory enjoyment but not a major focus."

  • Status
    1

    "Online multiplayer and rivals provide some social recognition, but community is small and limited."

  • Story
    -3

    "No narrative or plot; career mode progression but no immersive story elements."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Team management and car setup choices require planning and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Competitive racing and AI challenge provide some excitement and tension."

  • Value
    1

    "Mixed opinions on value; some recommend waiting for sales; provides many hours of play for fans."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Focus on racing and competition; crashes occur but no enjoyment of destruction emphasized."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some resource and team management elements; avoiding failure in races and career progression."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026