Since it seems as though a sequel is in the works and has been all but officially announced, I thought it might be a good idea to collect our thoughts and opinions about NASCAR Heat Evolution 2 (or whatever it ends up being called) and what we're hoping to see in a sequel. I know we've all had quite a few gripes about the first game in the other threads (myself included), but let's try to keep this one on a positive tip. 
First off, I'm a graphics guy, and therefore the majority of my comments will be directed toward the visual aspect of the game. You guys that are more qualified than me can speak on AI, physics, etc.
1) 60fps - This game moving at a steady 60 frames per second is absolutely at the top of my list. I'm not sure it's achievable with the resources at hand, but a fast moving NASCAR game with a steady frame rate would definitely have me interested in a sequel.
2) Wreck replays! - I'd love to see replays of wrecks, it's a bit disappointing to get a yellow caution flag and have no idea what happened.
3) Revamped Career Mode with Xfinity and Truck series - This is probably a huge hurdle this early in the series, but the current "buy upgrades to make your car faster" model is a real discouragement to playing Career Mode. Adding the lower circuits would add a ton of depth and a real sense of progression.
Also, let us name our Career driver and add custom schemes, so if I wanted to race my career as Ricky Bobby in the Wonder Bread car I could do that. Pro Evolution Soccer and NBA 2K both do a great job of this, even the NHL series is stepping up its game in the customization department.
4) Revamped damage model - It seems as though there are currently only a few stages of damage, with tons of smoke to obscure the track when things get heavy. It would be great to see these models expanded upon. A massive pileup should look and feel like one (and we should see a replay!).
5) Mini-map - The game is actually fine without one, but it's pretty much standard to have a mini-map in racing games these days.
6) More immersion/little things - Although the tracks themselves are extremely well done, the on-track experience could definitely use a facelift. For example, the mega-screens at Charlotte and Texas only display static images.
Also on the topic of little things, the numerous typos on the splash screens ("futher", "road coarse") make the game feel a bit amateurish. Maybe I'm a just grammar hound, but whenever I see these things it makes the game feel less like a AAA release and more like a budget title.
What about you guys? Any thoughts?
First off, I'm a graphics guy, and therefore the majority of my comments will be directed toward the visual aspect of the game. You guys that are more qualified than me can speak on AI, physics, etc.
1) 60fps - This game moving at a steady 60 frames per second is absolutely at the top of my list. I'm not sure it's achievable with the resources at hand, but a fast moving NASCAR game with a steady frame rate would definitely have me interested in a sequel.
2) Wreck replays! - I'd love to see replays of wrecks, it's a bit disappointing to get a yellow caution flag and have no idea what happened.
3) Revamped Career Mode with Xfinity and Truck series - This is probably a huge hurdle this early in the series, but the current "buy upgrades to make your car faster" model is a real discouragement to playing Career Mode. Adding the lower circuits would add a ton of depth and a real sense of progression.
Also, let us name our Career driver and add custom schemes, so if I wanted to race my career as Ricky Bobby in the Wonder Bread car I could do that. Pro Evolution Soccer and NBA 2K both do a great job of this, even the NHL series is stepping up its game in the customization department.
4) Revamped damage model - It seems as though there are currently only a few stages of damage, with tons of smoke to obscure the track when things get heavy. It would be great to see these models expanded upon. A massive pileup should look and feel like one (and we should see a replay!).
5) Mini-map - The game is actually fine without one, but it's pretty much standard to have a mini-map in racing games these days.
6) More immersion/little things - Although the tracks themselves are extremely well done, the on-track experience could definitely use a facelift. For example, the mega-screens at Charlotte and Texas only display static images.
Also on the topic of little things, the numerous typos on the splash screens ("futher", "road coarse") make the game feel a bit amateurish. Maybe I'm a just grammar hound, but whenever I see these things it makes the game feel less like a AAA release and more like a budget title.
What about you guys? Any thoughts?
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