NASCAR Thunder 2003

 PlayStation 2
NASCAR Thunder 2003 Image
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

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  • 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 20NASCAR 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]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. GameZone
    91
    The experience of NASCAR Thunder 2003 can be summed up in four words...replayability, challenge, realism, and FUN!
  2. Game Informer
    90
    Off the track, the game is a revelation. [Oct 2002, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Yahoo!
    90
    Truly the best NASCAR package for console racing fans. Regardless of your console, NASCAR gamers need look no further.
  4. IGN
    85
    The user-friendly controls and interface along with an absolutely splendid presentation really helped draw me in.
  5. netjak
    80
    The create a driver mode is well executed, and is yet another way in which you can expand the replay value. The best NASCAR game available on the PS2, and one of the best racing games overall.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PSM Magazine
    80
    It still manages to finish as the best stock car racer you're likely to find on a home console. [Dec 2002, p.46]
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  7. Play Magazine
    60
    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]
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See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. ChrisK.
    Nov 8, 2002
    10
    This Game is Awesome. the graphics are great. i like the career mode probably the most. wonder what the next one will look like.
  2. 99thRangernick
    May 25, 2023
    10
    I honestly prefer NASCAR Thunder 2003 over the more beloved (by NASCAR fans at least) Thunder 2004. The career mode feels less complex andI honestly prefer NASCAR Thunder 2003 over the more beloved (by NASCAR fans at least) Thunder 2004. The career mode feels less complex and straightforward in this game compared to 2004 and I prefer the physics and bonus modes in this game versus the ones included in 2004.… Expand
  4. KurtB.#1
    Dec 7, 2002
    10
    This game is awesome. I pick my favorite driver (kurt busch), the best looking paint scheme(the red one), and the track(daytona...duh) simple This game is awesome. I pick my favorite driver (kurt busch), the best looking paint scheme(the red one), and the track(daytona...duh) simple as that. … Expand
  5. RichardS.
    Jul 20, 2003
    10
    The best nascar game yet, realistic.
  6. mmcfly566
    May 25, 2023
    10
    My personal favorite NASCAR game, amazing gameplay and career that can be enjoyed by all NASCAR fans.
  7. BlueThunderfan
    Aug 24, 2013
    9
    I have had this game for a long time, and I can say it is one of the best racing games in the ps2 library. the graphics are great for 2002.I have had this game for a long time, and I can say it is one of the best racing games in the ps2 library. the graphics are great for 2002. the music is good, albeit limited. the AI is solid, it has possibly the best career mode in a Nascar game, and most importantly, it's very fun! it is a fantastic game that succeeds in all categories.… Expand
  8. BrandonH.
    Sep 27, 2002
    8
    Good game, but doesn't hold a candle to some of the games offered on pc such as nascar racing 2002 season. The graphics are a huge Good game, but doesn't hold a candle to some of the games offered on pc such as nascar racing 2002 season. The graphics are a huge improvement from last year and the controls are good to overall a great game but i'm more excited about the upcoming grand theft auto game we all know about.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best PS2 Game of 2002
83
#83 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002