NASCAR Thunder 2002

 PlayStation 2
NASCAR Thunder 2002 Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

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  • 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]
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Hot Games
    100
    If you were looking for the ultimate NASCAR game, you’ve found it.
  2. GamePro
    90
    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.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    Speaking as a true Winston Cup fan, I can't say enough nice things about this game. [Dec 2002, p.169]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. IGN
    83
    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.
  5. GameSpot
    82
    Stunted graphics aside, NASCAR Thunder 2002 is a Winston Cup fanatic's dream...absolutely the best NASCAR title available for the PS2.
  6. Operation Sports
    81
    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.
  7. Core Magazine
    67
    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.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Jake
    Nov 28, 2001
    10
    Best game with Busch drivers and new Dodges!!!
  2. TravisF.
    Oct 18, 2001
    10
    This game is the best NASCAR game I hav ever played. I ecspecially love the Dodges. Its worth saving up money for.
  4. Frank85
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this was a great start to the nascar franchise on Playstation the season mode where u could upgrade car and pit crew was a must very good graphics for when the game came out… Expand
  5. Stevo
    Dec 15, 2001
    10
    Best NASCAR sim yet.
  6. M.Ben
    Jun 29, 2002
    10
    Fantastic for Nascar fans (career mode is truly addictive).
  7. RyanM.
    Feb 13, 2003
    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 detailsOne 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.… Expand
  8. [Anonymous]
    Oct 20, 2001
    9
    Very good game, career mode sucks.

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS2 Game of 2001
44
#44 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
69
#69 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001