NASCAR Thunder 2004

 Xbox
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Xbox Nation Magazine
    90
    One kick-ass game. If you're a fan of NASCAR racing, you've never had it so good on a home console. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.97]
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  2. GamePro
    90
    If you're the kind of hardcore NASCAR fans that will revel in the challenge of Career mode, you'll have an absolute blast with Thunder, particularly now that Tiburon has included a ton of in-game help and redesigned the interface to be massively more usable.
  3. GameSpot
    88
    The "Madden" or "Tony Hawk" of stock car racing games. It's as close as you can get to the real thing.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine
    88
    Other than the unforgivable lack of online multiplayer mode on Xbox, this is one of the best ways to experience NASCAR short of making the pilgrimage to Thunder Valley. [Nov 2003, p.126]
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  6. TeamXbox
    86
    The "grudges and alliances" mode alone makes the game above and beyond any racing sim out there in terms of AI.
  7. Next Level Gaming
    86
    Extremely fun to play and highly addictive! And there are so many options that will keep you running back to your videogame system time and time again.
  8. IGN
    85
    As long as you don't come in expecting any serious realism in the driving model, there are many ways to play and enjoy this title.
  9. Game Informer
    85
    The new driver ally/rival dynamic makes for some interesting new twists. [Oct 2003, p.137]
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  10. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    85
    Taking the checkered flag involves strategy, which the Grudge/Alliance feature exemplifies perfectly. Still, the controls are a bit too unforgiving for the casual racing fan. [Oct 2003, p.132]
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  11. GameSpy
    85
    The only area that the Xbox version of this game really pales in comparison to its PS2 brother is in the lack of an online mode -- a pity when the system has the necessary hardware built right in!
  12. Sports Gaming Network
    82
    While there are some audio and AI issues, overall the game has progressed since last year. The grudge and alliance system adds a whole new element to gameplay.
  13. GMR Magazine
    80
    It's fun and impressive, but neither the drama nor the realism will convert anyone who isn't already planning on naming their first-born "Dale." [Nov 2003, p.88]
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  14. Yahoo!
    70
    Takes a step forward with a few new game modes and an interesting rival/buddy system, but the uneven graphics and performance hurt it. And on Xbox, as with all EA Sports games, the situation is worsened with no online play.
  15. Maxim Online
    60
    Fanatics will tweak tire pressure, suspension, and build dynasties, alliances, and sponsorships; rookies can learn the nuances of drafting, passing, and holding position on dozens of real-world tracks.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Xbox Game of 2003
71
#71 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 4 out of 18
  1. Zilcell
    May 6, 2012
    7
    I liked the racing. It is just the right difficulty and physics are perfect. I like the season option and the ability to create your own cars.I liked the racing. It is just the right difficulty and physics are perfect. I like the season option and the ability to create your own cars. There is quite a bit to do and it does not get boring easily.… Full Review »
  2. Uter
    Feb 11, 2004
    8
    I'm not a fan of Nascar, but this is genuinely a good game. There are a few problems though. The framerate takes a bit of a hit at some I'm not a fan of Nascar, but this is genuinely a good game. There are a few problems though. The framerate takes a bit of a hit at some camera angles (none during gameplay thankfully though). Sharing drafting to gain allies seems like a bit unrealistic and gimmicky. In multiplayer, it'd have been nice if the pit crew weren't invisible. But overall it can be really fun.… Full Review »
  3. JustinM.
    Nov 21, 2003
    10
    I have played this game quite extensively and it is by far the best nascar game to hit a game console.. Gaphically, game play, difficulty, I have played this game quite extensively and it is by far the best nascar game to hit a game console.. Gaphically, game play, difficulty, tracks, physics..you name it... This game just kicks ass... I on my 7th season in carrer mode and even in easy on career mode this game is challenging... If like to watch nascar you'll love to play this game.... by the way... Don't make the mistake of pissing off your competition they will return the favour with no hesitation....… Full Review »
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