Racing video games have simulations that give players almost the same adrenaline feel that is obtainable on the Formula 1 race tracks. Advanced graphics, improved and realistic race cars and exciting visual laps have made racing video games the stuff of addiction for many home racers.
In this piece, we have compiled some of the most exciting racing video games you should be playing if you are a lover of cars and racing. If we fail to mention your favourite racing video game, kindly let us know in the comment section.
1. Project Cars
Project Cars started as out as niche PC products and eventually graduated to consoles based on the acceptance in the car race arena. Its single-player career mode, playability with a standard controller and stunning graphics makes it one of the best racing video games out there.
It has a wide selection of cars and tracks and an amazing out-of-the-box enjoyment that will thrill any race car lover.
2. Dirt Rally
This is the first game in the Dirt series and playing this game is close to a religious experience. Trying to get the pace notes being shouted by your co-driver as you make frantic efforts to keep an E30 BMW M3 pointed can be both unnerving and a lesson in patience.
There is no denying the amount of accomplishment the finish line brings after the struggle of racing in this game.
3. Gran Turismo
The Gran Turismo series stands out as one of the most consistent racing video games over the years. Gran Turismo offers both graphical fidelity and realistic gameplay. With this game, you are always sure of a better experience in terms of rallying, touring cars and GT championships.
It is one of the games with the best driving simulator available to players. The latest instalment of this game is the Gran Turismo 7, an upcoming racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Gran Turismo 7 will be the 8th mainline instalment in the Gran Turismo series. It was announced on June 11, 2020, and will be available on PlayStation 5.
4. Grand Prix Legends
This game has advanced graphics, an excellent handling system and a realistic representation of the 1967 Formula 1 season. It gives you the chance to experience one of the most dangerous eras in the history of open-wheel racing.
The cars are different to control and reaching the finish line gives you a unique satisfaction after the tedious experience on the race tracks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ477xAIlgU&ab_channel=Xbox
5. Forza Horizon 4
Any lover of racing video games who isn’t playing the Forza Horizon 4 is definitely missing out. This game offers you real-world locations with numerous street races, country races, drift challenges and speed traps.
The setting is a fictionalised United Kingdom and the season changes every real week. It also gives amazing lighting and the weather effects are equally stunning.
6. F1 2019
Do you want all the teams, drivers, cars, and tracks of an actual F1 season? Try the F1 2019 for these and other features such as the ‘Career Mode’ that allows you to drive for one of the F1 teams and build a reputation on and off the circuits.
It has an incredible multiplayer option, eSports competitions and a variety of daily challenges to improve your skills. If you have a soft spot for cars and race simulations, then this is one racing video game you’d want to play.
7. Forza Motorsport 7
This is an arcade sim racer with complex tyre modelling, real-world tracks and deep mechanical customization. In this racing video game, there are over 700 cars to choose from, over 30 tracks to race on as well as the single-player campaign and online races.
Casual players can enjoy the auto-braking and rewind experience. The visual effects of this racing video game are simply out of this world.
8. Assetto Corsa Competizione
This is the official SRO GT World Challenge Series. If you are looking for extraordinary simulation, stunning visuals, realistic audio and a variety of race modes, this is your ideal racing video game.
It features Championship, Career and Special Events modes. This racing video game could be a walk in the park for veteran racers, but newcomers definitely need a lot of skills and concentration to get past it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7oCH0fbM-U&ab_channel=BORDERLANDS
9. iRacing
This is a popular online racing platform that has attracted tons of drivers over the years. It has a collection of officially licensed cars, series and laser-scanned tracks.
These features put IRacing in the elite league of racing video games and not on the same level of games you pick the controls just to do a couple of laps.
This game is for elite players. Unfortunately, it does not come cheap. It is subscription-based and costs about $13 (in Nigeria, this would be N6,240 based on the current exchange rate of N480 to $1) per month.
10. Need for Speed Heat
This game is built around a new racer finding his way to the apex of Palm City’s street-racing circuit. You have to start ahead of the cops in order to benefit from the bonuses the game offers.
Racing during the day gives you the chance to upgrade your rides, and at night, you get the chance to unlock new cars and parts. You can choose from a menu that has some of the fastest cars like the Ferrari 488 and the Volkswagen Beetle.
Final Thoughts on Racing Video Games
One interesting thing about racing video games is that as the years evolve, the games experience steady upgrades that give them a more realistic feel. They are usually based on either real-world racing leagues or settings that are entirely fantastical.
The distribution of racing video games falls into either hardcore simulations or basic arcade racing games. In some cases, they are categorised under sports games.
Whether you’re a fan of real-life car racing in Nigeria or racing video games, you’d agree that they both have something in common.
Did we leave out any game on our list? If we did, feel free to let us know in the comment section below.