NASCAR Heat is a 2000 racing video game for the PlayStation, Windows and Game Boy Color. It was developed by Monster Games and published by Hasbro Interactive. The PlayStation version was co-developed with Digital Illusions CE.
The gameplay in NASCAR Heat centers on competing as licensed NASCAR drivers in stockâÂÂcar races across more than a dozen tracks. Players select from the roster of real 2000âÂÂ2001 Winston Cup drivers and enter events where each race unfolds at high speed against AIâÂÂcontrolled opponents whose cars generally outpace the player's vehicle. During races, players manage their car's handling and speed while navigating track layouts. Engine sounds and minimal commentary accompany the action, and static screens present drivers and track previews before each event. Multiplayer is available through LAN connections or manually located online servers, allowing humanâÂÂversusâÂÂhuman races. A 60âÂÂpage manual provides details on controls, drivers, and tracks.
A PlayStation 2 version of NASCAR Heat was in development.
The PC version received "favorable" reviews, while the PlayStation version received "mixed" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.
The PC version was nominated for the Racing award at Computer Gaming Worlds 2001 Premier Awards, which went to Motocross Madness 2.