If your favorite games involve split-second decisions, great soundtracks, and a risk that everything can go wrong, you’re in for a treat because there are plenty of racing games to choose from. These could range from traditional racing games based on reason all the way to chaotic racing games that involve firefighting on the track.
In this article, we’ll present a few of the best high-speed games available now. According to a recent BC.Game review, bettors often wager on the outcomes of these games, as they are a big part of the eSports world. Experts such as those at CryptoManiaks claim that these wagers are often made in crypto as the easiest way to transfer funds without providing personal data.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon is a game all about speed, without too much complexity that often burdens realistic racing games. It’s an open-world game set in Mexico, and players can drive through deserts, jungles, cities, and coastlines with minimal artificial restrictions.
The gameplay is designed to maintain momentum by having players quickly move from one race to the next. There’s a tuning mode, but it’s mostly for those missing the arcade-style drifting experience.
F1 24
F1 24 received mixed reviews when it came out. The game was praised for its realism and adrenaline-based racing system that still emphasizes the precision needed to drive an F1 race. Career mode was one of the game’s best features.
Critics, however, claimed that the game feels too familiar and doesn’t add much compared to the previous instalment in the series. This is mostly true, but for players who enjoy the familiar concepts, the game can still provide hours of playtime.
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Tourismo 7 is often described as the most welcoming and the most nostalgic instalment in the series. The gameplay is much more forgiving, and there are dozens of hours of content with curated races and a guided design approach to bring new players into the fold.
Car upgrades are often too costly, which some players found annoying. At the same time, the game introduced microtransactions and then backed away from that model several times. It’s the part of the game that least reminds of the original installments and is universally criticized.
Need for Speed Unbound
It’s challenging to achieve a unique sense of style in a genre as defined as the racing games, but Need for Speed Unbound manages to do it. Little has changed behind the hood, and the game mechanics and storyline are either the same or forgettable, but the game looks exceptionally well when you’re in motion.
Story mode is probably the biggest letdown, and it will be a slog to get through if you even want to. The racing AI system is a bit too overpowered, and opponents often feel a bit too good. Some players have also been concerned about the quality of the damage system, which does need some work and wasn’t addressed in the updates.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
Hot Wheels Unleashed features chaotic energy, crazy car design, and blistering speeds. In many ways, it’s a retro callback because the game looks and feels like an arcade game. The graphics are the most praised component of the game; however, it uses all the bells and whistles of a modern setup.
It can’t be stressed enough how realistic the design of the game is and how faithful the game version is to actual Hot Wheels. This is most noticeable in crashes, where the texture difference between metal and plastic parts is noticeable.
Wipeout Omega Collection
Wipeout Omega Collection is the only futuristic racing game on our list. It features slick, aerodynamic designs, fast, flashy racing, and a few interesting modes to try out, which give the player at least double the usual play time.
One of the best features of the game is the quality of the racing AI, which improves as you progress through the higher stages. This makes the game progressively more difficult without ever being overwhelming. The game also benefits from existing in an established world, and the vehicle classes evoke nostalgia for those who played the previous versions.
Trackmania
Trackmania is an arcade racer that has always struggled to market itself in a competitive field. However, those who do end up trying it out are usually very pleased with its simplicity, surprising depth, and, in general, fun gameplay.
The biggest downside of the game is its subscription-based micropayment service. It’s been widely criticized by fans because many parts of the game aren’t available to those playing the free version, but the $30-per-year fee is worth it.
There are many great racing games available covering different styles and approaches to gameplay, and most are inexpensive and easy to get. The genre is at its very best for a couple of years, and it keeps expanding.
