Which in turn makes the game feel very easy, or very hard for no apparent reason.

Granted none of those issues are game-breaking, but still, the competition seems unpolished at times. This alone made this game stand out among the competition at the time, and made it as well-received as it was.Ĭommending the AI is tricky because while the concepts mentioned above worked beautifully, there were still several issues with the AI.

On the other hand, being a neutral driver would eventually create alliances that would seldomly allow easier passes for the player. With this system players could affect the way the other racers treated them inside the track, this meant the more bumpy, aggressive, and reckless you were the more you could expect payback from the AI. In career mode you get to create a team, and manage it to success, it is nothing new for EA, but why change a formula that has worked so well? Crossing Linesįor regular players of racing games Nascar Thunder 2004 might not be refreshing, or brand new in many ways, especially with over a decade since its release, yet this doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything to offer, in fact, its “Grudges and Alliances” mechanic was - and still is - a very interesting AI development. Building a name for yourself, and grinding yourself through the seasons is a very nice reward for those who love racing. They are all decent modes, but nothing feels as rewarding, challenging, and strategic as career mode. There are multiple modes in Nascar Thunder 2004, such as Career, Season, Speedzone, Challenge, and a tutorial. Through the multiple game modes you are able to control over forty-two of the best drivers of the era, and while this might be a blast to go through especially with friends who love the sport as much as you, the best part of the game is probably career mode. One of the most enjoyable parts of sports games is usually the ability to put yourself in the shoes of your favorite athletes - in this case, pilots.

Upon release, it was very well-received by critics and fans, especially because it was, at the time, the closest to the real thing that racing fans would be able to play. This game was focused on delivering a more realistic, simulation approach to racing, and it succeeded. Nascar Thunder 2004 is the second racing simulator title from EA, after receiving producing rights from NASCAR itself. If it is a sport, if it is popular and if it can be adapted into a video game you can be sure that Electronic Arts (EA) is most likely responsible for it, and in this case, you would be right. Stock car racing has been a phenomenon in the world, but especially in the United States of America for decades.

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