The Xtreme Dirt Tour returned to the game, and Tony Stewart is a driver and team owner in the series.[2] Players in career mode for the first time can start in any of the four series (NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Trucks, and Xtreme Dirt).[3] Additional updates to the game included different tire compounds for different track types[4] and a track map.[1] Also, custom cars now have an open number choice from 0-99 (including 00-09) for both quick race and career mode.
Downloadable content
Paid downloadable content packages are available.[1] The downloadable content for pre-ordering is the ability to race Martinsville Speedway at night.[1] Although later on in 2019, the Martinsville night race would be a playable option in the game without the need for a download.
NASCAR Heat 4 received "mixed or average" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.
Matthew Kato of Game Informer called this iteration of NASCAR Heat the strongest, noting that its flaws made it more admirable than excellent. The online mode and AI were also criticized for being subpar and the career mode was deemed adequate.[9]
Accolades
The game was nominated for "Game, Franchise Racing" at the NAVGTR Awards.[10]
^"2019 Nominees". National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers. January 13, 2020. Archived from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.