Here at HotCars, we love going fast. We assume you do too, that’s why you’re here. This time, we’re diverting our attention to some of the best racing video games ever. From the ultra-nostalgic pixelated days of playing arcade racing to some of the most realistic car racing simulators, car racing has become a primary genre in the video game industry. And for people like us, who love big engines and the sound of the exhaust, video games have been a critical place to experience our fantasies.
Can’t own a Porsche? Just play Need for Speed. Can’t experience the thrill of the Le Mans? Play the Test Drive Le Mans game. Sounds so easy, right? It’ll be even easier if you stick with our list. But remember that the best games aren’t necessarily the latest ones. They might give you better overall experience, but the “wow” factor has disappeared simply because many videogames have been copied and perfected by others. So, without further ado, let us speed into…
15 Wipeout 2097/XL (1996)
You hate gravity when you’re driving? Wipeout 2097, the second generation of the Wipeout series is just for you. It’s sort of "Star Trek meets car racing". And the captain of the space ship is you. Expect, there are no space ships, but incredibly futuristic cars. If you’re wondering what all of this is, remember that the Wipeout is set in 2097, and is considered one of the best Playstation 1 racing games ever. Not to mention the soundtrack, featuring songs from The Chemical Brothers and Prodigy. The whole game is a literal ride to space, so fly away, Major Tom.
14 Test Drive Le Mans (2000)
If you’re still holding on to the nostalgia of arcade racing, but simultaneously prefer modern simulations, the Test Drive Le Mans is the perfect game for you. There is no weapons, just a fantastic and deep experience of racing action. It’s one of the best games on the Sega Dreamcast, and it will keep you coming for more each time.
13 Pole Position (1982)
Please hold on to your judgments. Just because it’s an old racing game doesn’t mean it’s not influential, or good. Quite the opposite, you should thank Pole Position for introducing a third-person view from behind the car so that you can see the track as far as possible. Most of the games on this list wouldn’t exist if the Pole Position developers hadn’t come up with their concept. Plus, the iconic music that comes to mind every time Pole Position is mentioned!
12 Mario Kart: Double Dash (2003)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been making a comeback lately. While it’s undoubtedly one of the enjoyable games about Mario & Co, through its developments to include gravity racing apes, the game has become pretty complicated, considering it is meant for small children. So, according to us, the ultimate supreme Mario Kart game is the Double Dash. The insane driving experience and the gorgeously designed courses elevate the Double Dash above all Mario Kart games, even earning a spot on our list.
11 Gran Turismo 2 (1999)
Gran Turismo 2 is widely considered to be one of the best racing videogames ever. It was a sequel to the original Gran Turismo and sold around 9.37 million copies. Back in the days, everyone went crazy for this game. We surely understand why. It offered more than 500 cars, championships, and it was simple. For 1999, to have the capabilities of modifying the vehicle, the transmission, aerodynamics, and the braking settings was unimaginable. But Gran Turismo 2 did it.
10 Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed (2000)
Authentic engine noises, screeching tires, and dozens of Porsche models. That’s all the Need For Speed: Porsche Unleashed is about. For any gearhead, these words alone should be convincing enough to find a copy. But if they aren't, the game has exceptionally realistic driving and physical models. In this game, you can open the garage, check the engines under the hood or hop in the car to check out the interior. The 911s will shine during the day and reflect street lamps during the night. Are you convinced now?
9 ModNation Racers (2010)
From the first peek, the ModNation Racers might seem funky, weird, and too basic. That’s until you find out about the storyline. The game is about this young racer called Tag, who enters an absolutely crazy race tournament, where everyone competes for the first place. In this game, you have the authority to design your car, racer, and even track. Yes, it sounds unreal - until you play it.
8 Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (2005)
Have you ever wondered why shouldn’t bikes race with cars in the same videogame? Rockstar wondered the same and decided to collaborate with DUB Magazine to create a fantastic concept and even a greater game. It’s a street racing game where you’re allowed to modify your car or bike and race against anything. If you’re not sold yet, wait until you hear all the jams.
7 Burnout Paradise (2008)
Racing videogames aren’t judged by the concept only, but also tracks, sight, sound, and the controller vibration that makes you feel like you’re a real participant in the racing, not just a video game player. Burnout Paradise is the paradise for any gamer that feels the same. It’s a racing world in which you can do whatever you feel like, all the time. Filled with mysteries, this game will keep you hooked up for a long time.
6 Dirt 2 (2009)
Dirt 2 has been considered the king of rally racing for a long time. Originally named after the late Colin McRae, the game is a satisfying and gorgeous experience for anyone who likes to get dirty on the track. Those who want a pure rally racing will be disappointed when they find out it's featured in only a fifth of the Career Mode, but those who are good with any racing will end up happy. Not to mention the menu design, which is an authentic piece of art on the front end. Plus, you’ll get to travel all around the world with your customized rally machine.
5 Forza Motorsport 3 (2009)
You’re frustrated with hardcore race games, but your friend loves the detailed, highly technical race videogames? Forza Motorsport 3 will please both of you. And trust us, none of you will end up compromising anything. The driving dynamics are excellent, almost perfect, and so close to the real cars, like the 911 and the Focus RS.
The tracks are just as good, the races are separated according to the car classes, and the modification options are plenty. If you get bored with your car, you can send it to the Motorsport auction. And the last thing left for you to do is to open a new browser tab, navigate to your favorite online retailer and order the Forza Motorsport 3.
4 Gran Turismo 5 (2010)
Forget all about videogame realism, catch the right angle in the Gran Turismo 5 - and it’s even better than reality. As so, this game is all about details. And from the "behind the wheel" view, you will notice the attention to detail even more. The real genius in this game is the braking zones.
That’s clear as the day as soon as you hop into a Nissan Silvia, a Toyota Corolla, or any other Japanese sports car as your first ride. Hit the anchors too much, and the vehicle will start crumbling into the corner, making you realize it was never made for that kind of speed. It’s absolutely jaw-dropping and inspiring—just the sort of videogame you need.
3 Project CARS 2 (2017)
Project CARS 2 is such an improved version of the original that it makes it difficult ever to go back and play the previous generation. The psychology majors will yearn and even dream about this game. It’s so demanding, engaging, and the entire state of involvement will make you feel happy. When you’re playing this game, you’ll have no brainpower to think about anything other than the Audi R18 you’re driving. And the rallycross! Woah, no space to worry about anything, other than enjoying the profound experience that Project CARS 2 offers.
2 Asseto Corsa (2014)
The Asseto Corsa is not made for the casual racers, but the selected niche and hardcore gamers. To complete this game, you need an actual level of skill that you cannot gain without playing, if not more, all the other games on this list. You might hate the Asseto Corsa in the beginning, but when you learn how to brake and steer smoothly, you’ll finally learn to appreciate it. Arguably, the handling is much better than in Forza or Gran Turismo. You’ll always have a sense when the tires are gripping when the weight is shifting in corners, or how the stability changes when you’re speeding. And considering Asseto Corsa’s small team, the game is such a huge achievement that should be celebrated by each gamer, gearhead or not.
1 Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (2001)
Some people will tell you that Gran Turismo 3 isn’t the most realistic and accurate racing simulator there is, and they are right. Many other games have captured the essence of racing and motorsports. However, no game has ever depicted what it means to drive cars that come from the racing life, better than Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec.
At its core, the game remains accessible, yet challenging. The locations are modeled in existing places like Tokyo, Seattle, and Rome, where you will be able to drive the 150 cars the game offers. Not to mention the endless options which will keep you engrossed in the game for months. Your Playstation 2 library is incomplete without this game.