“Forza Motorsport” series:
This series of racing simulators features realistic car physics and handling, as well as a wide variety of cars and tracks to race on. The series began on the Xbox in 2005 and has since expanded to include entries on PC. It also features a dynamic weather system, and the ability to customize and upgrade cars with aftermarket parts. The latest version, Forza Motorsport 7, also includes a dynamic time of day, which affects the lighting and temperature of the tracks.
“Gran Turismo” series:
his series of racing simulators is exclusive to PlayStation consoles and is known for its realistic car physics and handling, as well as its vast selection of cars and tracks to race on. The series began in 1997 and has since grown to include several entries. The latest version, Gran Turismo Sport, features support for 4K resolution and HDR, and also includes a mode called “Scapes” that allows players to take pictures of their cars in real-world locations.
“Need for Speed” series:
This long-running series of arcade-style racing games is known for its high-speed action and customization options. The series began in 1994 and has since grown to include multiple entries across multiple platforms. Each game has its own unique features such as the underground series, Hot Pursuit, Most Wanted, and Payback, etc.
“Burnout” series:
This series of arcade-style racing games is known for its emphasis on high-speed action and destructive crashes. The series began in 2001 and has since grown to include multiple entries across multiple platforms. The series also introduced the concept of “Crash Mode”, where players could cause massive wrecks to earn points.
“Mario Kart” series:
This series of kart racing games are exclusive to Nintendo consoles and features Mario and other characters from the Mario universe racing against each other on colorful tracks with power-ups and weapons. It’s a family-friendly game with a simple control scheme, but also offers a high level of depth for skilled players.
“F1” series:
This series of racing simulators is based on the Formula One World Championship, featuring realistic car physics and handling, as well as a wide variety of cars and tracks to race on. The series began in 2000 and has since grown to include multiple entries across multiple platforms. The game features all the teams, drivers, and circuits from the F1 season, and also allows players to experience the sport’s technical complexity, with a wide range of options to customize and set up the car.
“Dirt” series:
This series of off-road racing games is known for its realistic car physics and handling, as well as its diverse selection of cars and tracks to race on. It features various off-road racing disciplines, such as rally, rallycross, and landrush.
“Project Cars” series:
This series of racing simulators features realistic car physics and handling, and an extensive selection of cars and tracks to race on, as well as a diverse range of motorsport events, including GT, touring cars, endurance, open-wheel and street racing. The game also features a dynamic weather system and day-night cycle which affects the lighting and temperature of the tracks.
“The Crew” series:
The Crew is a standalone open-world racing game that was developed by Ivory Tower and Ubisoft Reflections, and published by Ubisoft. It was released in 2014 and received a positive reception from critics and players, who praised its open-world design and the variety of cars and events available in the game. The game features a wide variety of cars and tracks to race on and also allows players to customize their cars with parts and upgrades. The game’s open-world aspect allows players to explore the US while completing different missions and activities. It also has a strong online multiplayer component, allowing players to compete against each other in various races and events. The game was followed by two expansions, “The Crew Wild Run” and “The Crew 2”. Both of them expands on the original game’s open-world racing formula, adding new vehicles and events. The Crew Wild Run was released in 2015, it introduced new features such as new disciplines of off-road racing like drift, drag, and monster trucks, it also improved the graphics and the physics engine. The Crew 2 was released in 2018, it expands on the original game’s open-world concept and now it includes new motorsports such as street racing, powerboat racing, aerobatics, and monster trucks. It also features a vast open world that includes the entire United States, allowing players to explore and discover new races and challenges. The Crew 2 also includes a strong online multiplayer component, allowing players to compete against each other in various races and events.
“Test Drive Unlimited” series:
This series of open-world racing games is set on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and features a wide variety of cars and tracks to race on. Players can also customize their cars with parts and upgrades, and compete in street races and other events. The game’s open-world aspect allows players to explore the island and discover new races and challenges. The game also features an online multiplayer aspect, where players can compete against each other in various races and events. The latest version, Test Drive Unlimited 2, also includes off-road races and a variety of new cars and motorcycles.
These are some of the most popular and critically acclaimed car racing video games of the past 20 years. These games have been well-received by both critics and players and are considered some of the best in the genre. They offer a wide range of gameplay experiences, from realistic racing simulations to arcade-style action, and feature a diverse selection of cars, tracks, and events. Each game in the list has its own unique features and gameplay mechanics that set it apart from the rest. Some of the games offer a wide range of customization options and allow players to upgrade and fine-tune their cars, while others focus on high-speed action and destructive crashes. Many of these games also have a strong online multiplayer component, allowing players to compete against each other in various races and events. Whether you’re a serious racing fan or just looking for some fast-paced fun, these games offer something for everyone.