NASCAR Thunder 2004

Again, greatness from EA Sports

Wow, EA Sports has done it again. This game is awesome. It worries me that people who are not NASCAR gurus will not see the game for its great gameplay and superb graphics, but just as another NASCAR game. The differs from last year's EA release (NASCAR Thunder 2003) in the sense that it is much harder, yet more realistic to drive. You cannot go down into turn 1 at Bristol Motor Speedway (1/2 mile track) going 200 MPH and expect to just drive around the corner. This game actually takes skill. If you go through career mode, expect to find yourself scurrying for a top-40 qualifying run. During the race, you will not have a great car until you progress and build up your race team. I have been playing the EA Sports NASCAR titles since the beginning (NASCAR '98). In my first season on NASCAR Thunder 2003 I ran very competitively and finished 7th in points. I won the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in my second year, so needless to say, my career was pretty mucha breeze after that. So far, in EA's 2004 edition I have run 7 races, and still no top-10 finishes, and 2 DNF's. Career Mode will challenge veterans but may discourage rookies. To all rookies out there, stick with the game, you will eventually get the hang of it, and you will be a veteran in no time. Another compelling feature is the Alliances and Grudges. This is probably the second best addition in the game. The best addition I would have to say is in the Career Mode. The addition of being able to purchase actual shop equipment such as an engine hoist. Some equipment you need a prerequisite like an engine shop or a chassis shop. Hope you enjoy your copy of NASCAR Thunder 2004, its a great game, and I urge you to go buy this title if you have not already. If you are working on your EA Sports Bio, then this title will certainly help you through that.