NASCAR 2001

 PlayStation 2
NASCAR 2001 Image
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

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  • Summary: Easily the most ambitious NASCAR game to date on any platform, NASCAR 2001 has been designed from the ground up with completely original programming code that takes advantage of the power of the PlayStation 2. With the advanced power of the Emotion Engine, the designers for NASCAR 2001 haveEasily the most ambitious NASCAR game to date on any platform, NASCAR 2001 has been designed from the ground up with completely original programming code that takes advantage of the power of the PlayStation 2. With the advanced power of the Emotion Engine, the designers for NASCAR 2001 have been able to duplicate key driving points and strategies of some of the biggest names in the racing field. Gone are the days of one-dimensional AI, thanks to independent artificial intelligence routines geared towards each racer's personality--older drivers will wisely hold back until key moments, while the rookies and speed demons will be more prone to charging recklessly into turns. Thirty-five active drivers with their respective cars (complete with sponsors) are available to rip around 14 different tracks--including night races and (in a NASCAR game first) Daytona. Body deformation, particle effects (like smoke and fire), sparks, tire marks on the road, and wall marks ensure that it looks as good as it plays.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. GamePro
    90
    It's not perfect, but it's a polished, exciting ride.
  2. IGN
    78
    The cars are dialed, and the framerate is excellent, but when NASCAR comes back next year, I'd like to see more detailed damage animations and better-looking tracks.
  3. CNET Gamecenter
    70
    Aside from lacking an overall slick visual polish, NASCAR 2001 is everything racing fanatics could want, thanks to its huge list of licensed drivers, cars, and tracks, and its intense gameplay.
    All this publication's reviews
  4. GamerWeb Sony
    65
    Hardcore fans will love the action and the realism, but casual gamers just looking for action-packed racing fun may want to look elsewhere.
  5. Hot Games
    60
    It's almost impossible to ignore the game's graphical flaws -- specifically, its propensity to suddenly switch from high-res to low-res mode in the middle of a race, taking the frame rate south with it.
  6. Daily Radar
    50
    Whether standing on its own or against the legion of fine racing alternatives out there (from "Gran Turismo" to "Wipeout"), this is one racer we'll probably leave in the games garage.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. PSX Nation
    40
    The physics and feel of the cars is great, meanwhile the visuals are strictly last generation... Definitely not what we expected and not worthy of the PS2 name.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. JackC.
    Oct 20, 2003
    8
    A good game but could have been made better.
  2. Michael
    Mar 23, 2003
    8
    This game is a good game, by my personal opinion I like it better on two player mode.
  4. The_D4RknesS
    Jan 26, 2023
    6
    Of everything this game gives you the coolest and the destruction of cars that surpasses practically every Nascar ever made to date, otherOf everything this game gives you the coolest and the destruction of cars that surpasses practically every Nascar ever made to date, other than that the game is crap and EA doesn't know how to do Nascar Funny… Expand
  5. JackH.
    Jul 6, 2001
    4
    Car adjustments DO NOT WORK. There are hardly any adjustments, even at the advanced level. If you're into fine tuning car adjustments to Car adjustments DO NOT WORK. There are hardly any adjustments, even at the advanced level. If you're into fine tuning car adjustments to get around the track, this game is not for you. … Expand

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PS2 Game of 2000
20
#20 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000