Overall: Same as the first two, but with quit a few more things to unlock etc... by far more realistic then the first two. No "live" but still worth to buy. Gameplay: The gameplay is better then ever in 2004. more options with your team,car,garage,shop etc. you can no longer bash your way to the front in any given race, not even rookie setting. season and career modes are more realistic as well. Graphics: the best graphics to date for any Nascar game. Not much better then the previous two, but better indeed. Sound: The sound has improved, music getting better as well. I think there is still room for improvement here. Suggestions: "Xbox live", with all the hardcore Nascar fans out there it would probably be one of the best selling games ever.
Overall: If you are a NASCAR fan, of course, every year you must get the newest version. For the casual gamer, is this version for you? Maybe. The addition of the grudges/alliances is by far the biggest improvement. Also added to the '04, sort of a "NASCAR 101", I assume to help those not necessarily familiar with certain aspects of the sport. This verison is by far the best, and probably one of the more difficult to date. Win at Daytona, but perhaps bumped someone too hard? They may come looking for you next week at Rockingham. I like this addition to the game, but sometimes the AI really goes out of their way to ruin a good run you might have. Gameplay: Gee, let's see....you set-up your car, practice with the settings chosen, you qualify, then race. Not too hard, huh?
If you're not a NASCAR fan, don't buy this game. Its not easy to win a race, on any setting. Graphics: If only the graphics were as nice as the Papy (PC) version...
Nothing too spectacular here. I have seen some framerate loss, kinda disappointing. Watching the sun set, fade into darkness is cool though. Sound: BORING! Doesn't anyone at EA know how to reproduce the sound of an 800-HP engine? Crashes sound nice. Suggestions: LIVE LIVE LIVE!!!!
Please let me race against others!
Improve the sounds, make them more realistic. Learn how to use the visual power of the XBOX.
Overall: Good NASCAR series. Nice graphics and gameplay. Awesome NASCAR simulation. NASCAR Thunder 2003 is just as good. No real need to buy the 2004 Thunder because EA has chosen to shun XBOX Live and online users. No Multiplayer online makes this game useless. Gameplay: Cars look awesome. The gameplay is smoothe as hell. The tracks are very realistic and totally fun to try and master. No Live multiplayer makes this game a flop. Graphics: Graphics are the best yet. The smoke looks very realistic. The sun shines in your eyes enough to make you squinnt. The cars are nice. Sound: Sounds like cars crashing and metal smashing. The engine roar could be improved but otherwise the sound is nice. Suggestions: I will not buy any other EA title until they support online play. I am paying $49.99 for an XBOX title that has less features than the PS2 version. I don't think so. Save your money and buy Thunder 2003 for $19.99. Boycott EA Games until they offer Live support. No Madden Live, No NASCAR Live, no thanks EA.
