NASCAR Thunder 2002

Game Informer

Thunder absolutely screams on the Xbox with very short loading times and beautifully rendered environments. [Dec 2001, p.108]

Hot Games

Fluid handling, detailed cars and tracks, varying weather conditions, and an impressive 43 cars on the playing field all add a sense of depth to a game that was once known as the smallest niche in the race market.

GamePro

Despite Thunder’s minor imperfections, it still has the most engaging gameplay of any NASCAR game.

Electric Playground

On both the Xbox and PlayStation 2, EA Sports has brought the Thunder with authority as far as this race fan is concerned. I've played both versions and the Xbox version is the better of the two.

Xbox Exclusive

The overall best looking, sounding, and playing NASCAR game to date, for any gaming system.

GameSpy

Not only a great racing game, but it's actually better on the Xbox than anywhere else.

IGN

An excellent stock car racing sim that cannot and should not moonlight as a mass appeal racing game.

Cloudchaser

The gameplay is absorbing, and you’ll find yourself learning quite a bit about the nuts and bolts of racing.

TeamXbox

WARNING: After a few hours of playing this you may notice your neck a little red.

Sports Gaming Network

It's the best-looking NASCAR racer on any of the next generation consoles...The AI is solid most of the time, but there are instances where you get clipped for no known reason.

Next Generation Magazine

Graphically, a solid game, with great reflections, sun wash, damage modeling, persistent skid marks, and more. [Jan 2002, p.28]

GameSpot

NASCAR Thunder 2002 on the Xbox is the most visually appealing stock car racing game on the market, and its gameplay will appeal to a wide range of racing fans.

Cincinnati Enquirer

This title feels more like an arcade game than a serious simulation, so players who crave an authentic experience probably would prefer Sierra's "NASCAR Racing 4" for the PC, where you drive using a game controller with a steering wheel and pedals.

Game Revolution

The attention to detail, from the realization of 43 cars to the breadth of 23 tracks, should make any NASCAR nut proud.

Yahoo! Games

The career mode is very well implemented, and is something that should be found in more games like this.

Official Xbox Magazine

A PS2 port that went un-enhanced but otherwise plays fairly well, but it's not without some flaws. [Jan 2002]

Xbox Nation Magazine

Competent but uninspired. [Jan 2002, p.94]