The racing genre has always held a special place in the world of games, captivating players of all ages and backgrounds over the decades. That’s why we’ve listed the greatest racing games of all time.
With their ability to offer adrenaline, competition and the thrill of dizzying speeds, racing games have gained a dedicated fan base all over the world.
From the early days of arcades to the latest generation of consoles and mobile devices, the genre has evolved considerably, offering a wide variety of experiences ranging from realistic simulations to thrilling arcade races. Check out our list and take a look back:
The greatest racing games of all time
Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is a series of racing games developed by Polyphony Digital. Since the release of the first game in 1997, the series has been known for its meticulous attention to detail, wide selection of cars and tracks, realistic physics and comprehensive career mode. The games are highly acclaimed for their fidelity to the vehicles and their driving simulation experience, making it a benchmark for racing enthusiasts.
Forza Motorsport
Developed by Turn 10 Studios, the Forza Motorsport series is known for its combination of impressive graphics, accessible gameplay and depth of simulation. The series stands out for both casual gamers and racing enthusiasts. Integration with the online community also adds longevity to the title, allowing for competitions and sharing of designs.
Mario Kart
Mario Kart is a series of racing games from Nintendo that combines characters and elements from the Mario franchise with fun and chaotic races. It features accessible gameplay, creative tracks and a variety of items that can change the course of a race in seconds. Its ability to attract players of all ages and abilities, along with local and online multiplayer fun, makes Mario Kart one of the greatest racing games of all time.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
Need for Speed: Most Wanted, developed by EA Black Box, is one of the most iconic games in the Need for Speed series. It combines thrilling street racing gameplay with a gripping narrative of running from the law. The game is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, a wide range of licensed cars and a memorable soundtrack. Its mix of intense racing, thrilling police chases and in-depth car customization make it one of the best racing games to date.
Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 3: Takedown, developed by Criterion Games, is one of the most acclaimed games in the Burnout series. It stands out for its frantic and highly destructive gameplay, where players are encouraged to cause as much damage as possible during races. It became an instant classic and one of the greatest racing games of all time.
Project CARS 2
Developed by Slightly Mad Studios, Project CARS 2 is praised for its stunning visual fidelity, realistic physics and vast selection of cars and tracks. The game offers a highly immersive driving simulation experience, allowing players to adjust details such as dynamic weather conditions and the day/night cycle. In addition, its wide range of car customization options and support for virtual reality make it one of the leading racing games for simulation enthusiasts.
F-Zero GX (2003)
F-Zero GX is a futuristic racing game developed by Amusement Vision for the Nintendo GameCube. It is acclaimed for its high-speed action, impressive graphics and electrifying soundtrack. The game is known for its challenging difficulty and precise controls, providing an intense and exciting experience for players. Its breakneck speed and addictive gameplay guarantee its position among the greatest racing games of all time.
Dirt Rally 2.0 (2019)
Developed by Codemasters, Dirt Rally 2.0 is one of the most realistic rally games available. It offers an authentic rally experience, with precise driving physics, a variety of terrain surfaces and a selection of historic and modern cars. The game is praised for its challenging difficulty, demanding concentration and skill from players to master the technical stages. Its faithfulness to the sport of rallying and its rewarding gameplay make it one of the greatest racing games of all time.
Assetto Corsa (2014)
Assetto Corsa, developed by Kunos Simulazioni, is a racing simulator acclaimed for its realistic driving physics and accuracy of detail. The game offers a wide range of licensed cars and tracks, along with extensive customization options and support for community mods.
Its realism-centered approach appeals to simulation enthusiasts, while its accessible gameplay also captivates casual gamers. Assetto Corsa is widely regarded as one of the best racing simulators ever released.
Colin McRae Rally
The Colin McRae Rally series, initially developed by Codemasters, is known for its authenticity in rallying. The games offer a variety of cars and tracks based on the World Rally Championship, along with challenging gameplay and realistic physics.
The series has gained prominence for its fidelity to the sport and for capturing the excitement and adrenaline of rallying. Colin McRae Rally features some of the greatest racing games of all time, especially for fans of the sport.
GRID
The GRID series, developed by Codemasters, is known for its unique and exciting approach to circuit racing. With a mix of simulation and arcade, the games offer an accessible yet challenging driving experience with a variety of cars and exciting tracks.
The highlight of the series is the “flashback” system, which allows players to rewind time during a race to correct mistakes, adding an extra layer of strategy and tension. These factors solidify its place among the greatest racing games of all time.
Out Run (1986)
Out Run is an arcade classic developed by Sega in 1986. It is known for its simple but addictive gameplay and iconic soundtrack. The game puts players in control of a sports car as they speed across exotic landscapes.
Its intuitive gameplay and unique visual style made it one of the greatest racing games of all time, influencing a generation of arcade racing games. It is fondly remembered for its atmosphere and timeless fun.
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (2005)
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, developed by Rockstar San Diego, is one of the most outstanding games in the Midnight Club series. The game stands out for its urban street racing gameplay, with a vast selection of customizable cars and a variety of exciting game modes. Its authentic representation of cities such as Atlanta, Detroit and San Diego, along with its eclectic soundtrack, adds immersion to the racing experience.
Wipeout HD (2008)
Wipeout HD is a futuristic racing game developed by Sony Studio Liverpool for the PlayStation 3. It is acclaimed for its high-speed action, stunning visuals and pulsating electronic soundtrack. The game is known for its frantic and competitive gameplay, where players pilot anti-gravity spaceships on futuristic tracks full of obstacles and power-ups.
iRacing (2008)
iRacing is an online racing simulation platform. Praised for its simulation accuracy, exciting online competitions and dedicated community, the game offers a wide variety of cars and tracks, accurately reproducing the world of motorsport. Its emphasis on online competition and collaboration between drivers makes iRacing a popular choice for racing enthusiasts looking for a challenging experience.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (2012)
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a racing game developed by Sumo Digital featuring popular Sega characters. It is praised for its fun and varied gameplay, dynamic tracks that transform during the race and a wide variety of game modes.
The game also offers a wide selection of playable characters, each with their own special abilities, and a vibrant soundtrack. Certainly considered one of the greatest racing games of all time.
Test Drive Unlimited 2 (2011)
Test Drive Unlimited 2 is a racing game developed by Eden Games that stands out for its open-world gameplay and emphasis on exploration and customization. Players can compete in a variety of races on tracks and open roads on the fictional island of Ibiza and in Oahu, Hawaii. The game also offers a robust social experience, allowing players to meet and interact with other players in a persistent online environment.
F1 2020
F1 2020 is the official game of the 2020 season of the Formula 1 World Championship, developed by Codemasters. It offers an authentic Formula 1 racing experience, with all the teams, drivers and circuits of the season.
The game is praised for its realistic physics, impressive graphics and an immersive career mode that allows players to manage a Formula 1 team. It is widely considered to be one of the best Formula 1 racing simulators ever released.
Ridge Racer Type 4 (1998)
Ridge Racer Type 4 is a classic arcade racing game developed by Namco for the PlayStation. It is known for its fast and frantic gameplay, impressive graphics and a striking electronic soundtrack. The game offers a variety of exciting cars and tracks, along with a precise drift system that challenges players to master the corners.
Twisted Metal 2 (1996)
Twisted Metal 2 is a classic vehicular combat game developed by SingleTrac and published by Sony for the PlayStation. It is praised for its frenetic action, a variety of armed vehicles and a selection of destructive battle arenas. The game offers an intense multiplayer experience, where players compete against each other in customized vehicles equipped with powerful weapons. Definitely one of the greatest racing games of all time.
List: the 20 greatest racing games of all time
- Gran Turismo (série)
- Forza Motorsport (série)
- Mario Kart (série)
- Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
- Burnout 3: Takedown
- Project CARS 2
- F-Zero GX
- Dirt Rally 2.0
- Assetto Corsa
- Colin McRae Rally (série)
- GRID (série)
- Out Run
- Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
- Wipeout HD
- iRacing
- Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
- Test Drive Unlimited 2
- F1 2020
- Ridge Racer Type 4
- Twisted Metal 2
We can see that the enduring popularity of racing games can be attributed to their ability to provide instant fun and exciting challenges. Was it fun to look back at the greatest racing games of all time? Then enjoy our similar content:
