Top 10 Best Car Racing Games

There is just something about a great racing game that is irresistible to even the most casual gamer. Maybe it is the speed, or the competitive nature of the race. Maybe it is the fact that while the graphics have improved drastically over the years, the general format has always stayed the same. It is more than just a game, it is a little bit of nostalgia crammed into a lot of excitement.

We are now smack-dab in the middle of 2012. Let’s take a look at the ten best car racing games out right now.

 

 

 

10

Sonic & Sega: All Star Racing

It has to be said that the Wii leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to racing games. The unique platform has struggled in that arena, and most racers have fallen flat. While a couple weren’t bad, the best for the Wii has to be Sonic & Sega: All Star Racing. The controls are decent, and it is always fun seeing Sonic and his friends back in action.

[Platforms: Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Playstation 3]

 

 

9

ModNation Racers

Colorful and cartoon-like, this racing game has remained on the top of many lists over the last couple of years. Utilizing a less intense, more playful style, it is usually sold as a kid friendly racer. The emphasis put on design tools makes it the perfect level designer, as well. You can make just about anything.

[Platforms: Playstation 3, Sony PSP]

 

 

8

Ridge Racer: Unbounded

The reception for this game has been pretty mixed, which has kept it off of a lot of top game lists this year. Undoubtedly, it is one of the better track editors ever seen in a racing game, which is where a lot of its following came from. The controls are a bit shoddy, and the developers dropped the ball with the gameplay. But the track design earns it a spot here.

[Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360]

 

 

7

Trials Evolution

This sequel to the Trials HD downloadable Xbox 360 game was released earlier this year. In just a few months it has earned a reputation for being one of the best racing games ever made. You ride a motorcycle, perform death defying tricks and compete with up to four players via console or Xbox Live. You also get the full developers editor used to create the game, for enhanced level design.

[Platforms: Xbox 360]

 

 

6

Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed

Need For Speed has always been a big name in racing games. In this incarnation of the Shift series, they focused heavily on the physics of both the drive movements and the crashes, simulating real scenarios for realistic gameplay. A worthy addition to a classic series.

[Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC]

 

 

5

Forza Motorsport 4

Boasting some of the best graphics in the genre, Forza once again stunned gamers with the release of Motorsport 4 last year. With 16 player online racing, a rival mode with fully interactive challenges and car showroom exploration, it is sure to remain a top seller for awhile. Besides, it is Forza, so you know you will be getting a high quality game no matter what they release.

[Platforms: Xbox 360]

 

 

4

DiRT Showdown

There were many complaints about this game, but mainly because people mistook it for something it wasn’t. Rather than a true sequel to the DiRT series, it is more of a spinoff. Fans of rally racing won’t be impressed, but if you want a fun and innovative demolition derby style game, this is for you. Plus, it uses the unique graphics style of the original games.

[Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3]

 

 

3

Gran Turismo 5

If you have been dreaming of a true-to-life driving simulator, your dream has come true. With 1,000 models to choose from, a whole new list of courses and tracks and an arcade mode, you are getting what you expect from the series. But you with all new physics and realism like you have never seen before.

[Platforms: Playstation 3]

 

 

2

Burnout Paradise

This game makes it impossible to get bored. They created a map with so many possible scenarios that you can play until your fingers bleed and still find a new outcome. Great graphics, amazing crash scenes, 250 miles of open road tracks and damage reflection throughout the level…what more could you ask for?

[Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC]

 

 

1

DiRT 3

Multistage rallies, more cars than even before, better graphics and three continents worth of maps are just a few of the features to brag about with this game. But one of the most exciting aspects is that for the first time they have created levels with snow. Which changes the gameplay and controls a lot more than you might expect, adding an extra element of challenge to the game. Fun and exhilarating, it isn’t hard to see why it has managed to squeeze itself into the number one spot for best car racing games.

[Platforms: Playstation 3, Xbox 360]

2 Responses to “Top 10 Best Car Racing Games”

  1. anxiety

    Jul 13. 2012

    Hey There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your helpful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  2. Mash Gaming

    Aug 10. 2012

    NFS and DiRT are my favourites here. I always buy their new DVD once they’re released!