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NASCAR Thunder 2003
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 12 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 3 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Sports - Tiburon
Genre(s): Racing, Driving
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: September 23, 2002
Summary
NASCAR Thunder 2003 features an all-new game engine with more realistic vehicle dynamics, including tire grip and wear patterns, handling and suspension behavior, and collision physics; fun entry-level control with progression to deeper "simulation." The Career mode now includes 20 successive seasons in which you will need to manage four major components while building a racing car. Compete for top sponsors, the best crewmembers, and the latest racing technology. [EA Sports]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GamePro IGN
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GameZone
Stunning to look at and a joy to play. The racing dynamics are excellent, and everything is in place for the best racing experience to date on the GameCube.
Read Full Review >Nintendophiles
It's amazing to think that a guy like me, the type who used to hate NASCAR with a corrupt passion, has actually found love in a game like this.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
I suggest you heartily plow into the game's wealth of career options, lose yourself in the Lighting Challenges, and laugh all the way to victory lane. [Oct 2002, p.87]
GamePro
As for the overall gameplay, it’s challenging and realistic with a sim-style feel much like Gran Turismo’s.
Read Full Review >Gamers' Temple
A deep and gameplay-packed treat for fans of racing whether they are looking for casual play or a more serious racing sim.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
The most immersive NASCAR title ever on any console...The ultimate mix of speed, beauty, gameplay and worthwhile extras. [Nov 2002, p.306]
GameSpy
Getting 43 cars running on-screen at once is no easy task, but the graphics engine used for the GameCube version of NASCAR Thunder 2003 pulls it off without breaking a sweat.
Read Full Review >IGN
The user-friendly controls and interface along with an absolutely splendid presentation really helped draw me in.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
It's fast fun. [Nov 2002, p.222]
GameSpot
A well-made, polished, and thoroughly playable game, and stock car racing fans should be quite pleased with it.
Read Full Review >Cincinnati Enquirer
From the first few notes of Steppenwolf's “Magic Carpet Ride” to the victory lap at the end of the season, NASCAR Thunder 2003 proves to be the most enjoyable NASCAR racing game yet on any console.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
Packed with nuances that, for aspiring fans and drivers must really float their Skoal. Drafting, line selection, pitting...this is a great simulation covering 20 seasons. Not for me. [Oct 2002, p.84]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 7.0 (out of 10) based on 3 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Uter gave it a 5:
While there's some fun gameplay to be had here, i didn't find it all that engaging overall. lots of little annoyances get in the way of the fun.
