Best to Worst: Racing Video Games
Rating racing video games from best to worst. Let's burn some rubber and kick this list into high gear. Racing games are unique and require a certain talent or playstyle to successfully play. Not just anyone can play racing games. Otherwise, you will be running into other cars, the wall, and will be asking, "How do you drive this stupid thing!?" But when you get the hang of it, they are so fun to play, well depending on what you get. Anyway, here they are listed from best to worst. Enjoy!
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- DirectorJames HeadStarsBrenan T. BairdRolf D. BuschMichael DonovanThe first part of legendary journey begins from choosing tracks, selecting cars and escaping police. It all started here, in the middle of the 1990s.95.00%
- DirectorKazunori YamauchiGran Turismo is a sim racing video game that emulates the appearance and performance of a large selection of vehicles, nearly all of which are licensed reproductions of real-world automobiles.94.95%
- DirectorTakamasa ShichisawaStarsManabu KawaguchiShinsuke SaitoTakashi YasuharaRacing simulation that lets players race a wide range of cars in two different gameplay modes.94.54%
- The third installment in the Burnout series, introducing 'Takedowns', which allows players to slam their opponents until they crash. Each game variant is featured in a single-player campaign mode called World Tour.94.00%
- Featuring over 200 cars and several real-world race courses, Forza Motorsport is a racing simulation game that allows you to race in arcade, or career mode.93.05%
- Gran Turismo 2 features more than 600 cars, 27 tracks, hundreds of challenges, from arcade to simulation, street to rally racing, race against time in Time Trial, or your own Ghost Car in rally mode.92.42%
- StarsPeter EganForza Motorsport 3 includes more than 400 customizable cars from 50 manufacturers and more than 100 race track variations. New additions include an in-car driving view.92.26%
- StarsJeremy ClarksonPeter EganRichard HammondFourth installment in the series with over 500 cars, and introducing Autovista, a game mode in which players can view precise details such as engine parts and interior gauges on a select number of cars.90.66%
- StarsFred NorthupNew courses, awesome special effects and supercharged engines take the next installment of the smash hit racing game to the next level of speed.90.00%
- Race and crash into opponents to earn boost and speed up heavily to take first place in this fast-paced racing game.90.00%
- DirectorElijah Ilyas KadujiStarsFaye MoreyTony TaylorDrive through cities, mine and industrial areas collecting bonuses, damaging competitors' cars, or by running over pedestrians in Carmageddon.90.00%
- Enter arcade mode or career mode, and compete in events around the globe using real licensed cars on a variety of real world and fictional courses in circuit racing in the follow-up to Forza Motorsport.89.98%
- DirectorKazunori YamauchiTatsuya MatsueTakamasa ShichisawaGran Turismo 4 has over 700 cars, more than 100 courses, and uses an all-new physics engine. New and enhanced racing modes encompassing more than 200 championship races and highly detailed car customization.89.53%
- StarsStoney EmshwillerIt is the sequel to the 2001 video game Burnout and the second title in the Burnout series with improved graphics, faster gameplay, and bigger, more spectacular crashes.89.00%
- DirectorFiona SperryCraig SullivanStarsJules de JonghJane PerryNigel WhitmeyRacers and cops never sleep in the county of Seacrest with the racers doing their best to outrun the law with a range of exclusive cars, and the cops trying to stop them with equal speed and horse power.88.86%
- StarsRebecca RiedyForza Motorsport 6 features more than 450 cars, 27 tracks, new gameplay elements, such as rain and night racing, and introduces a story mode called "Stories of Motorsport".88.60%
- Project Gotham Racing returns with Project Gotham Racing 3 for the Xbox 360, In addition to next-generation graphical enhancements, the game also sports new licensed cars and multiplayer features.88.59%
- DirectorKosuke YabukiStarsTomo AdachiNate BihldorffDavid CookeMario and the rest race against each other for the gold cup again. Underwater and air gliding returns. Mario Kart 8 introduces zero gravity, and has a total of 48 race tracks.88.40%
- StarsMark HildrethJules de JonghCarima AmaroucheWelcome to Paradise City, a huge racing battle ground with plenty of traffic to wreck and billboards to smash.88.36%
- StarsSharon AlexanderYvonne CampeauGarry ChalkJoin a rapid race by the picturesque tracks and tense escapes from the police, or play as a police officer in Hot Pursuit 2.88.01%
- StarsBradley LavelleEnn ReitelKenny AndrewsA former race car driver turned NYPD detective goes undercover to infiltrate an underground, organized crime family.88.00%
- DirectorIan GrieveStarsSteve CookeJessica MartinYou are the player who has to race against other cars and crash into them for score points, but beware the rival cars can crash into you and if they total your car, you're out of the race. There are a total of 6 courses in the game.88.00%
- DirectorLex LangStarsGavin CheshireKirk ThorntonMichele SpechtRace Driver: Grid includes 120 Championships and 35 types of racing through the Championship in World Tour, Pro Career, and Free Race.88.00%
- DirectorFlorent CastelnéracA free game in the truest sense of the word, TrackMania Nations Forever lets you drive at mind-blowing speeds on fun and spectacular tracks in solo and multiplayer modes.88.00%
- DirectorMarco FernandezStarsAdam WylieArmando RiescoJordan GelberProve your racing skills in three famous cities to beat the best of the best in this open world racing game that features motorcycles.87.45%
- This super-slick driving game lets players strap into more than 20 licensed cars and compete on more than 300 circuits in cities around the world.87.32%
- DirectorHideki KonnoStarsAsako HaruhanaTomoko MarunoCharles MartinetNintendo's finest from the Mushroom Kingdom gather to race for first place in a multi-player mayhem classic for the Nintendo 64.87.01%
- 86.50%
- StarsChris McKinneyEric MeyersJules de JonghNeed for Speed: Most Wanted is an open world racing game, set in the fictional city Fairhaven and in which the player races to become the Most Wanted on the Speed Wall.86.46%
- StarsSean MaguireSpencer LockeChris GossOpen world racing game in which the player participates in the Horizon Festival, a fictional racing competition set within Southern France and Northern Italy. New modes are also featured.86.25%
- Compete in a variety of races in this hand-held version of the hit 'Burnout' racing series.86.00%
- StarsDavid KayeAl MurdockTanya BuchananPlayers have the opportunity to race the world's most exotic sports cars on a number of tracks. They can either attempt to evade the police, or play as the law enforcement, and track down speedsters.85.63%
- DirectorKosuke YabukiStarsNate BihldorffTomo AdachiKatsuhiro HarasawaMario Kart 7 features an alternate first-person perspective and kart customization, and introduces hang gliding and submersible karts. Newcomers Metal Mario, Lakitu, Wiggler, and Honey Queen, make up for a total of 17 drivers.85.17%
- DirectorRalph FultonBlade ZavierPaal Wilhelm NessetStarsAlix Wilton ReganAnna SkellernAnthony WelshCelebrate speed, music and style at the Forza Horizon Festival. From the makers of the highest-rated racing franchise of this generation, Forza Horizon combines legendary Forza authenticity with the freedom of the open road.85.00%
- Need for Speed returns to dirt racing again in this sequel to Need for Speed: V-Rally, Now with track editor, improved graphics, and all-new game modes and with 84 tracks and multiplayer with up to four players, You'll never get bored.85.00%
- StarsClaire BeckJim ConradGio CorsiRace against street racers for keeps or take on the police in Need for Speed: High Stakes.84.38%
- StarsMichael DobsonNeed for Speed: Porsche Unleashed gives the player the opportunity to race Porsche cars throughout a range of tracks located in Europe.84.36%
- DirectorKazunori YamauchiStarsJeff GordonTony JardineSébastien LoebGran Turismo 5 marks the first entry in the series with online races with support for up to 16 players. Over 1,000 cars, 26 different locations, and 71 tracks. Rally Championship, and night racing returns, and a damage model is introduced.84.33%
- StarsNacho AldeguerSharon AlexanderDavid BarreraReboot of the franchise, featuring visual upgrades, a career mode, and garage mode that allows players to fully customize their cars with a large variety of performance brands.84.29%
- StarsBirdmanDexter TillisKiff VandenHeuvelMidnight Club is a racing game with lots of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. You can detail any vehicle the way you like and do lots of street races.84.00%
- DirectorIan BellAndy GartonStarsDan ConroyDan MiracleFeel the real adrenaline and daily struggles of drivers with NFS Shift, race on famous tracks such as Donington Park, Brands Hatch, Nürburgring, Autopolis and Willow Springs, as well as urban routes in cities loved by tourists such as London and Tokyo. Participate in various disciplines such as drifting, time attack, eliminations, one-on-one duel, regular and endurance lap races. How you behave on the track is crucial because you can develop a precise and aggressive badge, a precise badge means invitations to events that require technical skills, perfect driving and focus, an aggressive badge means invitations to events that require cheating, dirty tricks and cunning. All this is complemented by advanced sound and visual effects that can be heard when crashing the car, e.g. into a wall.83.59%
- StarsKelly BrookBrooke BurkeLaura AinsleyUnderground 2 entails tuning cars for street races, while resuming the Need for Speed: Underground (2003) storyline. The game provides several new features, such as a broader customization, new methods of selecting races and more.83.50%
- StarsJessica BrohnMichela RavanoCaroline Crier83.12%
- DirectorIan BellShift 2: Unleashed features over 145 cars and over 36 different tracks, online gameplay, and three new main additions: an in-helmet camera, night-time racing and the Autolog feature.83.08%
- DirectorDave 'Foots' FootmanScott HenshawStarsPaul DzenkiwJosie MaranDean McKenzieA lone street racer must use his talents to rise to the top of the Blacklist, comprised of the 15 most elite drivers in the city of Rockport.83.05%
- If u like wrecking cars and driving monster trucks, ATV's, and other vehicles then this game is for you. This game also has many maps and different game modes to play.82.49%
- DirectorStéphane BeleyFrédéric JayPierre-Arnaud LambertStarsChristine FlowersDavid GasmanMatthew GéczyOpen world racing game featuring over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and a terrain modeled after the Hawaiian island of O'ahu that features some 1,000 miles of roads and highways.82.45%
- StarsDavid CroftAdam Rhys DeeHolly SamosDiscover the ultimate Formula 1 experience, race on the most prestigious tracks in the world, wear the colors of your favorite team and driver in Grand Prix mode, or be yourself in the flexible career mode, adjust number of seasons, % of full distance, realism options and more, in the pits before the race, you can choose the type of tires, adjust the aerodynamics of the car, and during the practice session, qualifying and the main race, change the fuel mixture and the pressure on the front or rear brakes. Between next races, David Croft will interview you, and each answer affects your relationship with the team.82.23%
- DirectorIan BellStarsBen CollinsKathleen StavertMotorsport racing simulator with 74 drivable cars, over 110 different courses, of which 23 are real, that lets the player participate in realistic racing events.82.20%
- DirectorYasuyuki OyagiStarsCharles MartinetSamantha KellyDeanna MustardMario and friends once again jump into the seat of their go-kart machines for the Wii installment of the venerable franchise. Now featuring an online racing mode, new motorbike vehicle types, and a special balancing system.82.00%
- StarsCarlos DiegoMotorStorm is a fast action rally type racing game. A racing festival is taking place in the desert. Here you can try a wide variety of vehicles including motorcycles, ATVs, buggies, rally cars, racing truck and even big rig semis.82.00%
- StarsJim MeskimenBen DiskinTom Clarke HillTravel around the world including numerous real world locations to compete in the World Series Racing League. Grid 2 also introduces a new handling system called 'TrueFeel'.81.88%
- StarsSébastien LoebJames MaySebastian VettelThe sixth part of the Gran Turismo series include over 1200 cars, the Vision Gran Turismo cars, improvements to the car customization options, and partnerships with the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Ayrton Senna Institute, FIA and NASA.81.73%
- StarsMatthew MetzgerMartin McCoy IIISaul SteinYou play as a driver, who races his way through illegal street races in an open world Los Angeles.81.66%
- MotorStorm has ripped-up the Monument Valley desert, It's obliterated everything that stood in its path on Pacific Rift, and now it's set for a whole new challenge, Battling the frozen wasteland of Alaska's Arctic Edge.81.28%
- DirectorGlen Van Datta81.02%
- 80.86%
- DirectorCraig SullivanStarsJoseph MayCharles HagertyNell MooneyA rivalry between cops and racers has broken out in Redview County. Racers are constantly breaking the law - Cops are constantly saving it. Take on the role of a Racer or Cop, with each side of the law offering its own play style.80.59%
- DirectorMartin EdmondsonStarsDemetri GoritsasPeter BensonMichael DobsonUndercover cop John Tanner chases down Charles Jericho, when Tanner's vehicle is struck by a Big Rig and he ends up in the hospital. Player's take place in Tanner's coma-induced dream where he continues to track down Jericho.80.00%
- DirectorFlorent Castelnérac80.00%
- DirectorFlorent CastelnéracDrive at mind-blowing speed on today's most spectacular tracks. Soaring jumps, loops, hairpin bends, turbo boosts, track-breakers, rails and ramps...every track delivers a new and intense experience, offering sensational gaming across single and multiplayer modes.80.00%
- DirectorFlorent Castelnérac80.00%
- StarsPhoenix CirilloJeremy ClarksonRichard HammondForza Motorsport 5 is a racing game starring 190 cars and 14 tracks, a new graphics engine and 'Drivatar' technology, which creates AI that has some of the characteristics of your Xbox One friends' driving skills.79.49%
- StarsKaren WallerOwen RichardsonGreg GregoireDownhill Domination is a sports racing video game. The game was released for the PlayStation 2.79.24%
- DirectorMaurice SucklingStarsJake CanusoStephane CornicardDemetri GoritsasMiami detectives Tanner and Tobias Jones must go across their hometown, Nice, and Istanbul to stop car thieves from shipping 40 of the world's most expensive cars to a mysterious international buyer.79.00%
- StarsJulia May BrownPaul Dean-KellyDavid RintoulStep into a career as a pro-racer, mastering the world's fastest cars to win motorsport's most exciting races, from the hallowed asphalt of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the narrow city streets of Barcelona.79.00%
- StarsDave RivasIt's the first in a series of high-speed racing games noted for over-the-top crashes and high-risk gameplay mechanics.79.00%
- 78.53%
- DirectorDave 'Foots' FootmanStarsEmmanuelle VaugierTahmoh PenikettDean McKenzieThe only free member of the Blacklist of Rockport City must now bring down an old ally, in complete control of the street racing world in Palmont.78.47%
- DirectorMatt SouthernStarsDanielle JudovitsSteve BlumDominic CatramboneIn an apocalyptic area known only as The City, racers join in a three day festival to participate in the most dangerous series of races of all time. In this motor storm experience, winner takes all.78.34%
- DirectorIan GrieveRace to the finish line in a fast movie high action car racing game where you can smash and destroy your opponents to your hearts desire.78.11%
- StarsGregg BergerSteve BlumChris Edgerly78.06%
- V-Rally 3 includes all of the most coveted rally cars on today's circuit, and each one is completely customizable and the new collision engine and physics models let you feel what it's like to be a real pro rally driver.77.73%
- StarsIvan KayeCorey JohnsonTed MaynardYou play as a rookie stunt driver who goes up the ranks from modest state fair stunts to big-budget action films.77.00%
- StarsKei AritaLarry MullerTy JonesIn secret gatherings around the world a mysterious group of urban street racers, Known as the Midnight Club, Race for pride, Power, and glory in sleekly customized, Tricked-out sports cars.76.99%
- StarsDebi Mae West76.84%
- StarsSean Michael FishDemolition Racer is the perfect antidote for "civilized" racing games, The object of this game is not only to win the race, but to destroy the other race cars on the way to victory.76.39%
- Push The Limits of Reckless Driving76.00%
- DirectorMichael McCormickRobert TaylorStarsColleen ClinkenbeardBruce DuBoseBob HessStuntman: Ignition follows a small-time stunt driver as he tries to make his way to become a top Hollywood stunt driver. At the start of each new movie, the player is presented with a short movie clip which introduces the director and a brief summary of what the movie is about. The game challenges players to pull off death-defying stunts with precision driving by dropping them into the stunt-man's adrenaline-fueled role, helping to make "Night Avenger", "Strike Force Omega", "Never Kill Me Again", "Aftershock", "Overkill" and "Whoopin' and a Hollerin' II".76.00%
- 76.00%
- DirectorJanne AlanenpääRacers compete in no-rules street races, dodging traffic and running through whatever gets in their way. A mysterious team led by a Japanese Hashiriya master, called "The Unbounded," plays a major role in the races throughout Shatter Bay.75.00%
- DirectorAlain JarniouStarsLea GulinoAdam HarringtonBrian SommerPlayers explore Ibza and Hawai whilst trying to win the coveted "Solar Crown" in this open world racing game.74.50%
- A demolition derby style racing game with unlock-able mini-games like bowling with the driver who flies through the window after a high-speed crash for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.74.20%
- 74.00%
- StarsHira AmbrosinoDavid BoatBruce CampbellSpies Wanted! Race as Lightning McQueen and all your favorite characters from Cars 2 with many races and minigames and race in 5 locations! The oil rig, Tokyo, Porto Corsa, London, and Radiator Springs!74.00%
- StarsKrystal ForscuttSayoko OhashiDarren DahlFormer street racer Ryan Cooper enters a challenge day and ends up receiving invites to elite organizations of the 'four Kings'. ProStreet includes more than 40 cars and 4 different game modes: Drag, Grip, Speed and Drift.74.83%
- 74.00%
- 73.31%
- StarsUrsula MayesDianne PerryKane BlackJuiced 2: HIN evolves the current street racing scene, letting players experience the culture of the real-life HIN tour, the nation's largest lifestyle custom car show in an intense racing experience. Featuring track and drift racing at real-world locations around the globe, next-gen AI and vehicle customization, Juiced 2: HIN brings street racing to life, allowing players to test their skills at live street racing events against a back-drop of DJs, fashion, models and musicians. New features include addictive drift/ powersliding races and "Driver DNA" that tracks gamers' personal driving traits.73.00%
- StarsStefan Ashton FrankAntonio FargasOfficer John Tanner, and his new partner Tobias Jones, are assigned to track down a weasel named Pink Lenny, the only survivor of a bar shooting.73.00%
- DirectorStéphane BaudetStarsHervé PanizziMartin PrilSteve MartinThe first V-Rally in the series.72.85%
- Actual Title: MX vs. ATV: Untamed
71.48% - StarsJim ConradNeed for Speed II allows players to race exotic cars again in multiple gameplay modes. The sequel features customizable car paint and car components.71.39%
- StarsPhillipa AlexanderRichard BrakeLachelle KarlJuiced is the only racing simulation that totally immerses you in the lifestyle and culture of the real street modding scene. Starting as a new kid on the block, with not even a set of wheels to your name, your aim is to build up your own crew of 'driving gods' and dominate the established street racing scene of Angel City. By showing off your modding and driving skills, you'll gain 'Respect' from the rival crew chiefs, and will soon be invited to their race events, challenge them to race 'for pinks' and bet against them for cash. As your notoriety grows, new drivers will ask to join your crew, opening up the never before seen 'crew races' where your skills at managing your drivers while you race are key to beating your rival crews.71.00%
- DirectorAlex De RakoffElin AndersonStarsErik Armando AlvarezJon BriddellMichael BroderickJack Rourke must win a cross-country race to pay off the Mob and save his life.70.00%
- DirectorTanner HarveyStarsBrian BloomRodney SaulsberryDave WalshAn 18 year old driver in New York City 1978 is set up and sent to prison for 28 years by his partners. Now in 2006 he must get back at the ones who brought him down.69.00%
- DirectorCraig SullivanAbdul GamietJason SmithStarsFaye MarsayHoward CharlesChristina WolfeThe 22nd installment in the Need for Speed series features deep customization, a nocturnal open world, and an immersive plot. The overall focus is on deeper levels of authentic urban car culture, and is centered around the player's car.66.44%
- 65.38%
- 65.18%