All you need: Skynyrd and a six-pack

NASCAR Thunder 2002\nRating: E for Everyone\nFor: Playstation 2, XBOX, Playstation \nBy: EA Sports\nIf you're a person who likes to shop in the NASCAR store at the mall, then "NASCAR Thunder 2002" was made for you. EA Sports has created not only a vivid portrayal of the racing environment, but has also captured the attitude of stock car racing.\nThe game opens with its title song, "Sweet Home Alabama" and also pays homage to the late Dale Earnhardt with his number "3" displayed on a black screen. While jammin' to the down-south twang of Lynyrd Skynyrd, you can decide whether you want to race for a season, race head-to-head (up to four players can race at a time) or pick your favorite race to run.\nYou can create new drivers and cars and start a racing career against the rest of the stock car racing world. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart will dominate the races at first -- but as your career progresses and you achieve more fame, you get more sponsors and better equipment. Jeff Gordon is still a tough one to beat even when you're a seasoned veteran -- maybe he cheats in the video game world, too.\nDriving on any of the 23 included NASCAR tracks, you'll see what the driver sees and even hear your crew boss advising you over the radio. Weather options give the environment a real feel: If you're driving in a long race, you'll notice the sun set and the lights come on. But watch out when the sun is going down -- if you're heading west you'll be driving blind. Other conditions can factor into your race, too. If the track is wet and you take a turn too fast, you'll end up in a wall.\nOther aspects of the game are realistic, too. The stock cars run just like the real ones: if you want to win the race, learn to draft the lead car and save fuel. If you bump the wall, you'll take damage and have to pull into the pit. Stops are crucial because one at the wrong moment can drop you back to the end of the pack.\nRaces are a constant battle for position, and are usually exciting from beginning to end. But, as with any racing game that doesn't begin with "Mario" and end with "Kart," the racing will get repetitive. A five-day rental of this game would satisfy the average person -- but if you're a NASCAR fan, then this game is for you.\n

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