The Fifteen Best Driving Games Ranked
Toonacious
Published
02/28/2021
in
ftw
Back in the day, racing games were incredibly different because other games didn't offer the same level of driving experience. However, this game genre is quickly becoming a niche one, mostly because it has now become a subcategory of other genres such as the open world. Luckily, there are some epic driving games out there that that are still worth a play.
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1.
Burnout 3: Takedown - To anyone who has played the Burnout games back in the PS2 era knows what these games brought to the table. The high-speed driving and drift-boosting through tight corners were toppled with the best post-accident cam in racing games for the time. Burnout Takedown isn't the best Burnout game for everyone, but it was the stepping stone on which the franchise stood tall until EA pulled the plug on the franchise. Burnout Takedown is guaranteed fun even in 2021 because of its easy-to-play nature. -
2.
Trials Rising - The 2.5D fault-based racing game is probably one of the best racing games by Ubisoft. This is why it's rated higher than both the Crew games, sitting at 83 out of 100 on Metacritic. -
3.
F-Zero Maximum Velocity - Sometimes, it's not about the gameplay or how outdated something is. Sometimes it is about what the game brought to a platform. This is exactly what F-Zero did, as it was one of the best racing games on GBA and DS. -
4.
Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition Remix - Agreed, the game is a bit outdated, but the reason why this game has such a high score on Metacritic, a cult following is because it is still so damn good. This is why MNC Los Angeles isn't on the list, but this one is, and it's all about the gameplay and environment. The sparkly roads and nighttime, with memorable songs and nerve-wracking turns, are enough to make this one worth play. However, the game offers many other modes, such as a split-screen with gameplay modes consisting of power-ups. All of that and the fact that it provides real cars make this game praiseworthy. -
5.
Wipeout Series- The whole Wipeout series is so cool, probably because of its setting and gameplay. Players aren't driving the usual cars, no, sir. It is all about the distant future and high-speed anti-gravity racing. From the visual design to the race tracks, all demand an incredibly high reflex rate, which becomes why people have so much fun while playing this. -
6.
Grid Autosport - Grid Autosport is available on many platforms, including portable ones such as Ipad, giving almost the same top-notch experience across the board. This makes GRID one of the most accessible racing games of the current era. With a roster full of amazing cars and tracks, this game has simply a fun driving experience. -
7.
F1 2019 - The yearly releases of F1 games might have toned down its unique feel in terms of hype. However, F1 2019 was pretty much the perfect game of this genre. And since there isn't any other F1 game that captures the feel to this degree, it makes 2019's entry stand out. -
8.
Need For Speed Most Wanted - While the 2004 game is wildly considered acceptable by fans for the story, it's the 2012's entry that offers much better racing gameplay. Created by the same guys who made Burnout Paradise, this game is basically a love letter to the game. -
9.
Forza Motorsport 7 - Simulation games can be super fun, and Forza Motorsport is an example of that. The game offers so many cars and tops them up with impressive tracks and realistic gameplay. -
10.
Dirt 2 - This game isn't the most fantastic Dirt title, but the reason it's rated so highly is due to the year it was released in. No game matched the feel of Dirt 2 in 2009. The game offered a hybrid semi arcade gameplay with an emphasis on quality and quantity. This game one of the few titles to use DirectX 11 as well, and it was a big deal for the time. -
11.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit - While players might have had plenty of cop chases in GTA games, none feel quite like this one. Hot Pursuit is made by the same people who created Burnout games, so it's no wonder why it's rated so highly by everyone. Moreover, it offers some of the best arcade racing gameplay with authentic cars, a feat not many games can compete with. -
12.
Burnout Paradise - The last Burnout game we all got to play was Paradise, and it was such a good one. Developer, Criterion took everything that made the old games good and put it in this one while adding a full-blown open world. From races to online to the local party mode, Burnout Paradise has everything for every situation, and that is what makes it great. Even though the cars in-game aren't branded ones like some of the other games, it should never really bother the players because of how fun it is to play. -
13.
Rocket League - Hands down the best arcade racing game that isn't about racing. It's a sports title that is eyebrow bending and adrenaline pumping. No moment can be full while playing Rocket League, which is a testament to how good it is. -
14.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Hands down, there's no other driving or racing game out there that matches this one's feelings regarding playing with family members. The game is meant to be played with family, at get-togethers, or on weekends, as it brings the right mix of fun and competition to the table. This may not be the game for young adults who like everything realistic and serious. But for parents and kids, this game is a blessing in disguise. -
15.
Forza Horizon 4 - The more we talk about Horizon, is less. This game series emerged relatively recently, compared to most others on the list. So it's evident that there has to be something special about this one, and there is. Forza Horizon is the perfect blend of arcade, environment, real cars, and simulation to fill many racing fans' needs. With the fourth game bringing in features such as changing seasons and some of the most creative DLCs, there's no reason why one must hesitate before playing this.
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