For a very long time, racing games have had a strong presence in the world of console gaming, allowing players to feel the thrill of speed and competition from their room.
With their accessible and straightforward gameplay mechanics that are easy to understand, racing games appeal to both experienced gamers and newcomers alike. They are enjoyed by casual gamers and hardcore racing enthusiasts alike.
List of the most popular car video games
With so many prestigious racing games on consoles, knowing where to start can be difficult. In this blog, we'll detail some of the most popular racing games, so you can find your next high-speed obsession.
Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is one of the most iconic racing game franchises of all time and has been a PlayStation exclusive since its inception in 1997. It is critically acclaimed and has gained immense popularity among gamers worldwide. The game is known for its realistic graphics, substantial car collection, meticulous attention to detail and sophisticated modification options. Gran Turismo has been a pioneer in the racing simulation genre, providing an authentic and thrilling experience.
Forza Motorsport
Forza is Microsoft's answer to Gran Turismo and another hugely popular racing game. The games are known for their stunning graphics and a wide variety of cars and tracks, offering both simulation-style and arcade-style gameplay. Forza Horizon, a spinoff series, takes racing action to an open-world setting, with a focus on exploration and festival-style events.
Mario Kart
While not as realistic as some of the other racing games on this list, Mario Kart is one of the most beloved racing games of all time. The series has been a Nintendo mainstay and is known for its colourful, cartoonish graphics and wacky power-ups. Mario Kart is always a blast to play, whether racing with friends or playing single-player modes.
Need for Speed
Need for Speed was introduced in 1994 and revolves around high-speed police chases, extensive car customisation options and illegal street racing. The most recent entry, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, was released in 2022 and received praise for its immersive world and engaging story.
Project Cars
In comparison to the other names on this list, Project Cars is a relatively new racing game, first released in 2015. Nonetheless, it has already made a big impact, thanks to its great graphics and realistic driving physics. The games feature a huge range of licensed cars and tracks and offer single-player and multiplayer modes. Project Cars 3 received mixed reviews upon release. However, it is still a solid racing game for genre fans.
F1
The Codemasters franchise has captured Formula 1 fans' attention, as well as racing game enthusiasts. With its realistic gameplay and authentic representation of the Formula 1 racing world with regular updates to reflect the current season, it has become a favourite for gamers who crave a true-to-life F1 racing experience.
The Crew
The Crew is an open-world racing game that offers players the chance to explore a vast, realistic representation of the United States. The series is known for its immersive world and multiplayer features that enable players to team up with friends or compete against other players in various challenges and events. The Crew has a dedicated fanbase. It has been widely praised for its immersive gameplay and modification options.
Ridge Racer
It could be argued that without Ridge Racer, none of the other games mentioned would exist in their current form. The arcade game was released in 1993 and has gained legendary status in the world of gaming. Due to its accessible gameplay, satisfying drifting mechanics, impressive visuals and sound design. Since its release, It has remained a beloved racing game for many years and continues to be enjoyed by gamers all over the world.
Burnout
Burnout's emphasis on high-speed driving and dangerous stunts has captivated the hearts of many racing game enthusiasts. Its action-packed racing modes, where players are challenged to cause as much destruction as possible provides the player with a unique opportunity to let loose and cause mayhem in a controlled environment.
Asphalt
While the Asphalt franchise is not a console game, leaving it off the list would be amiss, as it has become one of the most popular and enduring racing games in the industry. Developed and published by Gameloft, Asphalt boasts cutting-edge graphics and visuals that push mobile gaming limits. While providing a visually immersive experience for players. The series has consistently delivered high-quality graphics, showcasing detailed cars, realistic environments, fast-paced gameplay and stunning visual effects that rival previous generations of console racing games.
Can you customise the number plate on these games?
Except for a few titles on the list (Mario Kart, Project Cars & Asphalt), these games boast a wide range of cosmetic and performance modifications. One of the lesser-known but notable customisations is the ability to change the vehicle number plate. So in essence, you can assign your dream number plate to a car in the video game. If available, it can be brought to life by buying a personal registration from an authorised private plate seller.
Ultimately, car video games have provided gamers with exciting and thrilling experiences for decades. From classic arcade-style games to realistic simulations, there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer high-speed racing or open-world exploration, these video games provide hours of entertainment.
