| 100 |
Hot Games
If you were looking for the ultimate NASCAR game, you’ve found it.
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| 91 |
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.
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| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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]
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| 90 |
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.
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| 87 |
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.
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| 85 |
Game Informer
Xbox's NASCAR Thunder is better. [Dec 2001, p.93]
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| 84 |
GameShark
The game itself just needs more depth; they should have put the Thunder Cards in like the PlayStation version.
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| 83 |
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.
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| 82 |
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]
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| 82 |
GameSpot
Stunted graphics aside, NASCAR Thunder 2002 is a Winston Cup fanatic's dream...absolutely the best NASCAR title available for the PS2.
|
| 82 |
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.
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| 81 |
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.
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| 75 |
GamerWeb Sony
A blast to play.
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| 75 |
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.
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| 70 |
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.
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| 67 |
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.
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