Racing games have always been a must since forever, and over the years, they have evolved into some of the most popular and beloved games in the industry. From the high-speed thrills of games like Need for Speed and Forza to the destruction-fueled mayhem of games like Burnout and Wreckfest, the racing genre has become so diverse and attracted millions of players.
In this list, we revisit some racing games we believe have endured the test of time and proven to be the best in terms of graphics, mechanics, variety, and, most importantly, delivering the adrenaline-filled racing experience we all play for.
1. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
This decade-old banger is still making rounds in the racing game community after Criterion released a remastered version in 2020. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is unlike other racing genres and has been loved since day one for its graphics, gameplay, and fun factor.
It is impossible not to have fun as you total the racer’s cars in your modified supercar as cops or leave the authorities in the dust in your flashy speedsters as racers. What makes it so much better than all the other car-chase games? The roadblocks, the EMPs, and all the other tactical weapons at your disposal to help outsmart your opponents!
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered seamlessly teleports you behind the wheel with its improved graphics and the timeless thrill of speed, the opportunity of empty roads, and a nitro tank that’s dying to be depleted.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
Yet another successful remaster by Criterion, Burnout Paradise Remastered. If you haven’t played the original game, buckle up because the ride only gets crazier.
Paradise City is the perfect playground for arcade-style racing and open-world exploration, with a giant map full of different terrains, shortcuts, and sleek and shiny cars to ram into. The game is as engaging as it is chaotic, with multitudes of cars to unlock and events to complete, and to top it all off, there are no microtransactions!
Burnout Paradise Remastered also keeps things competitive with local and online multiplayer so you can smash full speed into your friends and see who comes out on top. From crashing through billboards to taking down other racers, the game lets you unleash your inner road warrior and wreak havoc on the streets.
Forza Motorsport 7
Forza Motorsport 7 is the ultimate racing simulator that deserves its spot as one of the best racing games ever.
Though it lacks some of the features provided in the previous games, the attention to detail in the graphics and physics more than covers up for it. In addition, Forza Motorsport 7 flaunts the option to change the weather to recreate whatever drive-feel you’re in and customize and drive more than 700 vehicles ranging from classic muscle cars to modern supercars.
The multiplayer mode lets you play with your friends all over the globe and compete in different game modes such as classic racing, drifting, and drag racing. Even if you rid the game of its different modes and graphics, the raw mechanics and unique feel of each car would still place the game on this list.
Need for Speed: Underground
Flashing lights, a beautiful city with tons of places to explore, and hot HOT cars, explore the lit underground car scene of Olympic City in Need For Speed: Underground.
Need For Speed: Underground allows you to pimp out your ride with all kinds of crazy modifications, from neon lights to whacky-looking spoilers. Live out your fantasy as a street racer as you take part in races and evade cops while listening to iconic soundtracks that bring together everything.
The easy learning curve, online multiplayer, stunning visuals, and thrilling Tokyo drift vibe make it one of the best arcade racing experiences ever.
DiRT Rally
DiRT Rally is an off-roader fan’s heaven. From the rugged and rocky mountains of Greece to the fast-flowing dirt tracks of Finland, it tests your precision driving skills, decision-making ability, and car control.
The rugged tracks give you a sense of accomplishment once you finally master them and can glide through them like a pro. The attention to detail in DiRT Rally is excellent, you can feel the gravel under your wheels, and the option to set the time of day and weather gives it an even real-er feel.
DiRT Rally is a masterpiece that has earned its place among the best racing games of all time by going far beyond the typically flashy and unrealistic car racing games and recreating the nerve-racking high-speed rally racing experience.
Forza Horizon 5
This Forza title is set in Mexico, and we know what that means, beautiful backdrops and amazing tracks. Forza Horizon 5 stays true to its legacy, delivering stunning graphics and an authentic feel.
The game’s car selection is also a massive draw, with an extensive list of cars available for players to choose from. Like always, the cars are highly customizable, allowing players to fine-tune their vehicles’ performance to match their driving style.
The online multiplayer is also loads of fun and allows you to team up with your friends in different game modes, such as arcade open-world events, tour team races, and much more. Overall, Forza Horizon 5 sets the bar high for both entertaining and challenging racing games, with beautiful visuals and addictive gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition has everything a gearhead could ever want. The game features an open-world environment with a ton of different vehicles to choose from, ranging from muscle cars to SUVs and even motorcycles like choppers and heavy bikes. You can also customize your ride to make it truly unique, with various parts and paint jobs available.
Racing around at night in Detroit, Atlanta, and San Diego really comes alive with the hit soundtracks that pump adrenaline straight into your veins. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition also lets you participate in different game modes and allows online multiplayer where players can join clubs or make their own street legacy.
Midnight Club is a timeless masterpiece that always has us returning for the nostalgic feel and unmatched experience.
Wreckfest
Wreckfest is the ultimate racing game for anyone who loves smashing things up. However, unlike other racing games where you must carefully navigate a course, Wreckfest encourages you to cause as much destruction as possible.
The chaotic gameplay, high-speed collisions, and explosions will leave you grinning from ear to ear. The game’s realistic physics make every crash a cathartic experience, with cars crumpling and debris flying everywhere. The tracks are filled with obstacles, jumps, and other hazards that will test your driving skills and ability to survive the chaos.
Wreckfest perfectly balances the destructive element that the players crave and the competitive feeling of traditional racing games. As a result, Wreckfest is a blast to play, especially online, where the madness only gets worse.
Conclusion
This was our collection of the best racing games of all time, some are pretty recent, and some are games we grew up playing. Regardless each one has its own silver lining, which adds to the modern racing genre and compliments the other. We hope you liked our list, and if you haven’t played any of them, go ahead and give them a go. Drive safe!
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