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NASCAR Thunder 2003
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 1 vote
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 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...
Electronic Gaming Monthly
I can't recommend this game enough. [Nov 2002, p.300]
Gamers' Temple
It provides plenty of challenge for sim fans, and does a great job of giving racing rookies a chance to gain racing skills without the need for countless hours of frustration.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
Last year's Thunder was a great game, but 2003 leaves it in its dust. [Nov 2002, p.144]
GamePro
Its hearty NASCAR personality will hugely appeal to fans, while its innovative and deep approach will reel in plenty of racing gamers.
Read Full Review >GameZone
While its heavy-on-the-realism feature can be too realistically demanding the game’s racing fun does not slow down very much.
Read Full Review >IGN
The user-friendly controls and interface along with an absolutely splendid presentation really helped draw me in.
Read Full Review >Operation Sports
If you love Nascar, but don’t have the time to play a game for a week before you can even compete, then this is your cup of tea...It’s fun, it’s easy, and it doesn’t take a lot of intelligence to succeed in.
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 >Official Xbox Magazine
Ups the ante from its predecessor by a country mile. [Nov 2002, p.120]
G4 TV
Its sense of speed, tight controls, and terribly addictive career mode will appeal to just about anyone.
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 10.0 (out of 10) based on 1 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Kyle C. gave it a 10:
This is by far the best racing game i have ever played...the career mode is hard yet always fun and very very addictive!...
