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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NASCAR Thunder 2002
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 17 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 20 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Sports - Tiburon
Genre(s): Racing
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: October 16, 2001
Summary
Includes over 50 drivers (Gordon, Earnhardt Jr., Jarrett, and unlockable NASCAR® Busch Series drivers) and all 23 tracks from the NASCAR Winston Cup® series and allows you to Create-A-Car and earn money and sponsors to build your own racing dynasty. [EA Sports]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central Game Revolution GamePro
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...
Gaming Age
One of the best NASCAR games I've ever played. With a full 43-car field displayed, the atmosphere of NASCAR racing is front and centre, drawing you in from the get go.
Read Full Review >GameZone
It's like watching a race on TV -- the graphics, even on a standard television, are picture perfect. I don't think I've ever seen pavement in a video game that looked so real before. The color and texturing is unprecedented.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Speaking as a true Winston Cup fan, I can't say enough nice things about this game. [Dec 2002, p.169]
GamePro
Edges out "NASCAR Heat" as this season’s top stock-car racer. Slick A.I. and a great Career mode make this game addictively playable.
Read Full Review >Gamezilla!
With graphics and frame rate no longer an issue, this time around, gamers will no doubt appreciate the depth of gameplay that the game has to offer.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
Xbox's NASCAR Thunder is better. [Dec 2001, p.93]
GameShark
The game itself just needs more depth; they should have put the Thunder Cards in like the PlayStation version.
Read Full Review >IGN
As a simulation, it doesn't hold a candle to some of the games offered on the PC, but it makes up for it with its breadth of career mode features that help make it more than just a racing game, but a racing RPG of sorts.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
What really lights my fire is the Career mode…Second on my list of great stuff is the sweet control. [Dec 2001, p.244]
GameSpot
Stunted graphics aside, NASCAR Thunder 2002 is a Winston Cup fanatic's dream...absolutely the best NASCAR title available for the PS2.
Read Full Review >Sports Gaming Network
Despite some of the AI problems NASCAR Thunder 2002 still provides a good race. The huge field certainly enhances the gameplay and makes passing a key aspect of the game.
Read Full Review >Operation Sports
I believe the career mode could take a lesson from Madden. It seems the sponsers would be more fun if the negotiations were more like the free agent signings in Madden.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
Thunder 2002 opens to the rhythms of "Sweet Home Alabama," giving the game a touch of atmospheric country twang and setting the tone for the rest of the game. Get used to it, because it will be heard through most menu screens.
Read Full Review >PSX Nation
Thunder 2002 comes as close as any NASCAR title ever could to making me a convert to the sport, which is a high complement from someone that finds NASCAR races on TV way too boring and repetitive.
Read Full Review >Core Magazine
Makes enough nods to the uninitiated that it is an accessible game, but at the same time it retains the depth that diehard NASCAR fans demand.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 20 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
R. Olson gave it a10:
Im addicted probably the best racing game out there next to 04' and 05'
Ryan M. gave it a 10:
One of the best racing games I've ever played. The graphics are great, but you may have trouble in the beginning getting all the details straight. I first played this game over my friends house, and I loved it so much I went out and bought it the next day. A must buy! Great addictive racing game.
Tori W. gave it a 10:
This game is awesome if you know what your doing, but if not you really hate it!
M. Ben gave it a 10:
Fantastic for Nascar fans (career mode is truly addictive).
Travis F. gave it a 10:
This game is the best NASCAR game I hav ever played. I ecspecially love the Dodges. Its worth saving up money for.
[Anonymous] gave it a 9:
Very good game, career mode sucks.
Austin gave it a 0:
Sucks sucks weird weird too much for a country hick!
