27May
Before we begin, let's address the obvious elephant in the room: what good are racing games besides entertainment? You mean aside from the adrenaline-rushing, heart-racing entertainment? Shouldn’t that be enough – just the pure, clean fun of racing extraordinary cars you may never lay eyeballs on in real life?
If that's not enough, we're happy to remind you that playing racing video games can sharpen your decision-making skills, improve your ability to concentrate and focus, hone your hand-eye coordination, sharpen your strategy and problem-solving skills, help you beat stress, and several other emotional and physical benefits. What's more? Playing racing games can actually help make you a better real-world driver.
After all, professional race car drivers often practice with ultra-realistic sim racing games. It's not hard to see how such accurate driving simulations can improve a driver's control skills, such as precision steering. Racing games have been a mainstay of the video game industry since the earliest days of gaming.
From the simple, arcade-style racers of the 1980s to the realistic simulations of today, racing games remain a popular genre among gamers of all ages. With so many racing games available on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth your time and money. Let’s check out the top ten best racing games of all time.
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The Tantalizing World Of Virtual Racing
Racing games have been a popular genre in the video game industry for decades, offering players the chance to experience the thrill of high-speed racing from the comfort of their own homes.
From classic arcade-style racers to realistic simulations, racing games come in many different forms and have evolved significantly over the years. In these games, players take control of a vehicle, whether it be a car, motorcycle, or spaceship, and compete in races against other players or computer-controlled opponents.
Racing games often feature a variety of tracks, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles, as well as a variety of vehicles to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Over the years, racing games have become more and more realistic, with advanced physics engines and handling models that simulate the real-world physics of driving a vehicle.
Some racing games even offer players the chance to customize their vehicles with different parts and upgrades, allowing them to fine-tune their machines to their liking.
Whether you're a casual player looking for a fun and exciting racing experience or a hardcore racing fan looking for a realistic simulation, there's a racing game out there for everyone. So rev your engines and get ready to hit the track because the world of racing games is waiting for you.
The Best Racing Games Of All Time, According To Cars & Horsepower
10. Wipeout HD
Wipeout HD, released in 2008 for PlayStation 3, is a futuristic racing game set in anti-gravity ships. The game's fast-paced action and stunning visuals make it a standout among racing games.
The game also features a variety of game modes and challenges, as well as online multiplayer, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
9. Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 3: Takedown, released in 2004 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, is an arcade-style racing game that lets players race through traffic while trying to cause as much destruction as possible.
The game's "takedown" feature, which allowed players to take down rival racers in spectacular fashion, was a highlight of the game. The game's fast-paced action and over-the-top crashes make it a favorite among arcade racing fans.
8. F1 2020
F1 2020, released in 2020 for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Google Stadia, is the latest entry in the Formula One racing game franchise.
The game features all the teams, drivers, and tracks of the 2020 Formula One season, as well as a variety of game modes and challenges.
The game's handling model is among the most realistic in any racing game, making it a must-play for fans of the sport.
7. Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsa, released in 2014 for PC and later ported to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, is a realistic racing simulator that offers a wide range of cars and tracks for players to race on.
The game's handling model is among the most realistic in any racing game, making it a favorite among hardcore racing fans. The game also supports a variety of mods, allowing players to customize the game to their liking.
6. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need for Speed: Most Wanted, released in 2012 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, is an open-world racing game that lets players race through the streets of a fictional city while trying to evade the police.
The game's unique "autolog" feature allowed players to compete against friends and rivals in a variety of challenges and events, adding a competitive edge to the game.
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5. Dirt Rally 2.0
Dirt Rally 2.0, released in 2019 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, is a challenging and realistic rally racing simulator.
With over 50 cars and tracks, as well as a variety of weather conditions and surface types, Dirt Rally 2.0 offers a deep and rewarding racing experience for hardcore racing fans.
The game's physics engine and handling model are among the most realistic in any racing game, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, is the latest entry in the long-running Mario Kart series.
With a variety of characters and tracks, as well as new features like anti-gravity sections and a revamped battle mode, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version of the beloved kart racing franchise.
3. Project Cars 2
Project Cars 2, released in 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, is a realistic racing simulator that puts players in the driver's seat of some of the world's most iconic cars.
With a wide range of tracks and weather conditions, as well as a comprehensive career mode, Project Cars 2 offers a deep and rewarding racing experience.
2. Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4, released in 2018 for Xbox One and PC, is an open-world racing game set in the UK. With over 450 cars and a variety of events and challenges, there's always something to do in Forza Horizon 4.
The game's dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add to the immersive experience, while the stunning graphics and detailed car models made it one of the best-looking racing games on the market.
1. Gran Turismo 4
Gran Turismo 4 is widely regarded as one of the greatest racing games ever made. Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, it boasted over 700 cars and 50 tracks, as well as stunning graphics and realistic physics.
The game's career mode, which required players to earn licenses and compete in various races, was both challenging and rewarding.
Summary Of The Best Racing Games Of All Time
Summarily, these ten racing games are some of the best of all time, offering a wide range of gameplay experiences for racing fans of all levels. From realistic simulations to arcade-style racers, there's something for everyone on this list.
Whether you're a fan of Formula One, rally racing, or kart racing, there’s a game on this list to scratch your racing itch.
While there are certainly other racing games out there that are worth playing, these ten games represent the cream of the crop, each offering something unique and memorable that has helped to define the racing game genre over the years.
So if you're a fan of racing games, be sure to try these titles and see for yourself why they are considered some of the best racing games of all time.
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