The engines are running, the hustle and bustle of the tailpipes pervades the starting grid, the lights are about to turn green: here are the best racing video games of all time (in our opinion).
What are the best racing video games? Here is our list
The adrenaline of a car race is a unique sensation. Throughout history, several video games have tried to recreate it, with realistic (and unrealistic) titles. However, one thing is certain: racing games have immediately fascinated players, with legendary video games and innovative game mechanics. We have decided not to consider hybrid driving games, which do not include car racing as the main element. So sorry, but no Drivers or GTAs. Here are the ones that, in our opinion, are the best racing video games ever.
BURNOUT PARADISE (PlayStation 3|4 / Xbox 360|One / PC, 2009)
What would modern running games be without Burnout Paradise? An open world title that does not distort the essence of car racing, which remains the true focus of the game. In Burnout Paradise you will be able to run through the streets of Paradise City – with the homonymous Guns’n’Roses song in the background – and cause accidents and try your hand at improvised races. To start one of these, just stop at a traffic light: simple, fun and competitive.
DIRT RALLY 2.0 (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / PC, 2018)
Dirt Rally 2.0 is a title that requires dedication, patience and a great desire to learn. A bit like it happens in reality, given the extreme realism of the title. The intent of the developers is in fact clear: to offer a practically perfect simulator, capable of reproducing all the peculiarities of a sport as dangerous as it is loved.
GREAT TOURISM 3 (PlayStation 2, 2001)
Iconic as few: the game has literally rewritten the rules of racing video games. This success is due to several factors, such as the vast selection of cars available – more than 150 – and the numerous brands present. These are various features that make this title a real must have for racing lovers. To complete the game it will be necessary to unlock the various licenses, winning races in the lower categories. Doing so will also obtain enhancements that, although they may be unrealistic, guarantee an unprecedented level of immersion.
F1 2021 (PlayStation 4|5 / Xbox Series X|S / PC, 2021)
A game that, especially from a graphic point of view, gives its best on next-gen consoles. The numerous game modes and the strong strategic component make it an accurate and immersive Formula 1 simulator. Credible and engaging, especially in story mode. Read our F1 2021 review to find out more.
MOTO GP 21 (PlayStation 4|5 / Xbox Series X|S / PC / Nintendo Switch, 2021)
The title takes up a lot of the previous chapters, presenting already consolidated methods and novelties from the point of view of physics and dynamics. The leap forward, however, comes with the graphic improvement and the management of the bike, for a truly satisfying result. It is the details, in fact, that make the difference, as also evidenced by our review.
CRASH TEAM RACING (PlayStation, 1999)
The fans of real car racing will forgive us, but this title could not fail to appear. Fun and competitive as few, it is probably in the top 5 of the games most loved by owners of the first PlayStation. The game is capable of combining driving skills with weapons to attack other pilots. Why bother with realism if the game is fun? In one word: iconic.
NEED FOR SPEED: HOT PURSUIT (PlayStation 3|4 / Xbox 360|One / Nintendo DS| Switch / PC, 2010)
The Need For Speed series is certainly not famous for its continuity, but Hot Pursuit is definitely a title worth playing, even 11 years after its release. In addition, the player can choose whether to participate in clandestine races or take sides with the law: chasing criminals in order to interrupt them. While not a title that allows you to customize vehicles, the driving remains extremely engaging for a title that is definitely in the top 10 of the best racing games ever.
GRAN TURISMO SPORT (PlayStation 4, 2017)
The Gran Turismo series is unlikely to reach the peaks of the third installment, which has literally revolutionized racing games. But the whole saga is actually spectacular and, among the best racing video games, we cannot fail to include Gran Turismo Sport of 2017. In addition to this it must be said that it is an extremely realistic title, with numerous innovations introduced, such as the collaboration with Michelin to allow tire changes in game.
iRACING (PC, 2008 but constantly updated)
More than a racing video game, this is a real driving simulator, capable of training for drivers in the real world. This incredible accuracy comes also, and above all, from the numerous collaborations that the developers have made with real circuits and manufacturers. Since the release of the original game (in 2008) the simulator has been constantly updated and improved. The professional drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are even enrolled in the service
FORCE HORIZON 4 (Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S / PC, 2020)
Unstoppable cars, bucolic landscapes and the total freedom to move within a very vast map: these are the elements that make Forza Horizon 4 one of the highest places in the history of racing games. Also read our Forza Horizon 4 review.