Racing. Conceptually probably the most basic of
all forms of video games, however for every top flight, must have title there
are literally dozens which range from mediocre to downright boring. NASCAR
racing continues to grow, formerly the sport of southern good ‘ol boys, it has
filtered throughout mainstream America and is now the single greatest sporting
event in the US, both in attendance and TV popularity. So the combination of
NASCAR and gaming has been a no brainer, and quite successful. The question
is, does EA Sport’s NASCAR Thunder 2003 deliver the goods? I think so,
read below.
TRACKS & DRIVERS
NASCAR drivers enjoy a following that rivals (or exceeds) that of any
sports team/celebrity. Obviously they’re all here for you choosing, with 38 to
select from. Upon picking a driver you can then select a car. You can choose
from the driver’s 2001 or 2002 car, which generally vary minimally. In addition,
most teams will have special paint schemes available for certain races, or to
commemorate specific events/sponsor changes. For example, Jeff Gordon has seven
cars available. Well kinda, only two are immediately offered, the other five
must be unlocked. Though most of the drivers have fewer than Gordon’s seven
cars, it definitely gives you something to work toward with your driver of
choice.
Not only do you have all the guys, their places of business are all well
represented. 23 tracks are listed, and again you have multiple variations for
each, many of which are locked. Some are simply changes from daytime to
nighttime racing, other changes actually alter the course setup. Point is, it’ll
be a longtime before you get bored with these tracks.
WANNA BE A NASCAR DRIVER?
The first thing I did before entering a race was find the Create A Driver
mode and go to work. You have a wide variety of options, so you can get very
detailed in setting up your deal. First thing you’ll do is create your driver
profile, which means entering a name and basic vital statistics. Next is the
car. You have 24 basic color/design schemes to choose from, some of which are
very cool, most will be familiar if you watch NASCAR. After selecting a
scheme, you choose your make of car (Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and Pontiac). The next
major visual is the secondary design scheme, which simply compliments the major
scheme and allows greater flexibility. Now you gotta pick a number. Obviously
all of the numbers for the established stars are taken, so you have to find one
of the remaining, and it tally’s up to 199, so there are plenty available. After
choosing your number, you have fifteen choices as to the script style of it,
choose away. You now can select the degree of which your car is covered with the
small decal sponsor stickers, there are seven degrees, from full to none. Next
you can choose virtually any color combination. You’ll select your primary and
secondary colors, then the colors for your numbers. Lastly you choose your
sponsors. There are 32 to choose from. You’ll select a major, secondary, and
then a couple minor one’s for the fenders, or you can choose to go nude with no
sponsors. All 32 are major name brands that you’re surely to recognize. When its
all said and done, there are literally thousands of combinations available, and
you should have no problem coming up with something fresh to satisfy yourself.
RACE MODES
The first major mode, and what I’ve spent the most time in is the Quick Race. It
allows you to pick a car/driver combo, a track, and then go at it. You can race
up to four player (provided you have a multiplier), though I’ve only done single
player thus far. Once in you can practice, alter car setup, qualify, and of
course race. See the Options section below, as there are numerous things
you can change which will greatly affect the type of experience you have.
One of the neat modes which allows for faster more intense play are the
Lightening Challenges. You have thirty different races, what makes them
interesting is that they are all one lap long. All thirty are the last lap from
real races, and focus in on a specific drivers win, or attempt to win, high
octane races. Each race features a video feed from the focus driver, in which he
gives his take on the race ending, which is really cool. Your goal is to
recreate the win, or in some cases the focus driver finished second, and you’ll
have to change history and get that victory. Succeeding in these challenges is
what will open up some of those locked cars and tracks. Thunder Challenges
allow you to race the tracks with the assistance of another top driver, who
gives you pointers on the track, the best lines, etc. You can race with varying
degrees of assistance (optimal line, braking, and stabilizing) and really get
familiar with the tracks. In addition you have a vast Season Mode which
allows to take a run at the championship, and Career Mode which lets to
take control of the entire team and build a successful program. Plenty to do!
OPTIONS
You have literally dozens of options, which make it possible to customize the
race style from a more arcade feel, to a highly simulation oriented vibe.
Gameplay has settings for race length, assistance, fuel/tire wear, damage,
flags, and more. AI allows you to control opponent difficulty, speed,
wreck frequency, aggressiveness, defensiveness, pit strategy, and mistakes.
Assists gives you the option to turn on best line, stability control, auto
brakes, and passing indicators. You also have areas for Display and
Audio, which simple let you customize both to your liking. The options are
so deep that everyone should be able to find a level of difficulty that
challenges them yet allows them to progress, which is good as often games miss
the mark, being either too easy and boring, or too hard and frustrating. As you
skills progress you’ll be able to amp up the AI and continue to be challenged.
CONTROL/GAMEPLAY (7)
You have four control sets, which is nice, again variety being paramount
throughout the game. I used the default settings, which follow the standard
setup on most PS2 racers. One thing worth noting is though I usually use the
Analog Stick to steer, I actually found the d-pad to be easier and more
effective to control, which was a surprise. Often you’re required to make split
second subtle adjustments, and I just found it more accurate you tap the d-pad
than the stick. I suspect this had something to do with the amount of travel in
the stick, making small adjustments more difficult to nail. Otherwise the
controls were very good, and never an obstacle.
The gameplay was also very fitting, and never really an issue. Sure if you place
the settings beyond your skill level you’ll be all over the track and into every
wall, but you can’t fault the controls for lack of skills. It did take some
trial and error to find a happy medium between challenge and the ability to be
competitive. The variety in track styles are also important, as the larger super
speedways are much easier to navigate than the winding road courses or tight
short tracks. You’ll have to be good at ‘em all if you expect to be successful
in the season mode. Whether a beginner or seasoned racer, you’ll enjoy the
controls and have a long lasting, fulfilling racing experience.
GRAPHICS (8)
2003 definitely takes a step forward over previous variations, as the modeling
of the cars and detail in the tracks are all improved. Occasional sun effects
are very good, and the nighttime races look outstanding. All of the car models
are crisp and accurate, down to the details of the stickers, and the colors are
vibrant. Smoke/dust effects are only average, but hopefully you won’t be needing
to see a lot of either! The guys in the pits are a bit blocky looking and
robotic moving, but it’s such a minor part of the game that it really isn’t an
issue. The greatest flaw would be noticeable aliasing in the tracks, but
virtually all racing games suffer from this and it isn’t obtrusive in this game.
Overall very nice, and I’m impressed with the look and performance, as the game
runs without a hiccup, especially being on the PS2.
SOUND (6)
This game sounds good, but not great. There are only four songs in the
whole game, which for some may be really annoying, I always have the music off
for racing, so it’s a non-issue for me. The engine sounds are good, but nothing
that really makes you feel like you’re there. The game supports Dolby Surround
Sound, so running in that format would surely give a boost. Sound effects are
quite good, but won’t play a big role unless you’re hitting things, which you
don’t want to do. Your spotter gives you a constant stream of info, which is
very helpful. From things like cars making moves on you, to whether you're
gaining or losing on the leader, and what the intervals are. You'll also be
hearing from your crew chief, especially if you're screwing up. His comments can
get a bit repetitive, but I see it as more incentive to drive clean.
REPLAY (10)
This game is really deep. Currently I’m still enjoying the variety of tracks
drivers available in the Quick Race Mode. When you factor in the Lightening
Challenges, and of course the Season and Career modes you’ll have plenty of
racing to do, especially if you run your races at 100% in length. If that’s not
enough you still have multiplayer, which always amplifies the replay value. I
could easily see a racing fan investing over 100 hours in this game.
OVERALL (8)
Has all the goods, and is definitely a must purchase for NASCAR/racing fans. 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.
 
NASCAR THUNDER 2003
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NASCAR
Thunder 2003
