This 2022, a number of high-budget racing games have already hit the market. This includes Milestone's MotoGP 2022 and Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 7. The racing genre has always remained popular among gamers as developers continue to innovate and improve racing games. For instance, the Need For Speed series now has an immersive story mode that gives players a more tangible reason to advance and progress in the game.
On the poll website Ranker, the public has spoken and chosen which racing games have received the most attention this year, so far.
Grid Legends
The fifth entry in the Grid franchise is nothing short of excellent. In Grid Legends, players can try over 130 tracks, which include real-life circuits such as the Suzuka International Racing Course and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There are more than 100 vehicles that players can choose from to boot.
Besides having more variety in its tracks and cars, Grid Legends also has a story-focused career mode that features actors like Ncuti Gatwa and Callum McGowan. The reinvented gaming experience that Grid Legends provides has definitely caught the attention of fans of racing games.
Assetto Corsa Competizione
Developed by Italian game studio Kunos Simulazioni, Assetto Corsa Competizione is a sports car racing simulator that primarily features GT3 and GT4 cars. The game has plenty of online multiplayer session types that include Hot Lap, Superpole, Sprint Race Weekend, and Quick Race. It also highlights single-make sessions that are patterned on real-life races like the Porsche Carrera Cup and Audi R8 LMS Cup.
Fans of racing games have truly enjoyed Assetto Corsa Competizione due to its 4k graphics, responsive racing gameplay, and solid racing physics.
RiMS Racing
RiMS Racing is a standout racing game due to the fact that it's not coming from a big franchise or big game studio. Created by Italian game developer Raceward Studio, RiMS Racing revs up the engine when it comes to immersion and realism.
RiMS Racing caters more to motorcycle enthusiasts because it gives an equal spotlight on the races and what goes on inside a motorcycle. For instance, players can inspect the status of their vehicle's parts whenever they want during the race. While it has a unique gameplay that will hook motorcycle fans, its small selection of vehicles and tracks might dissuade other fans of the racing genre.
Dirt 5
There are plenty of great racing games in Codemaster's Dirt franchise. Its most recent iteration, Dirt 5, has players going around the world to race off-road vehicles. In addition, Dirt 5 also allows players to practice specialized driving skills like big wheeling, ice racing, and rallycross.
For players that want a progressive structure in their game, they can choose to pursue the game's career mode, which allows them to battle a rival driver in challenging races. Dirt 5 has managed to gain a loyal following due to its straightforward arcade mechanics and stunning visuals
MotoGP 21
The MotoGP franchise is known to be the leading franchise in the motorcycle racing genre. While there are a lot of video games similar to MotoGP, the original can't be beaten due to its huge bike and track selection, polished graphics, and dynamic gameplay.
The franchise's 2021 iteration features all of the tracks and rosters available during the world racing championship's 2021 season. Players can also look back at the MotoGP history by choosing iconic riders and their corresponding bikes. The racing game also forces players to become strategic, as they'll need to assemble a staff that can help them make the best choices in the game.
Can't Drive This
Racing fans who want to drive vehicles other than sports cars and motorcycles should check out Can't Drive This. Pixel Maniac's entry to the racing genre features huge monster trucks. Aside from being a racing game, Can't Drive This is also a co-op experience where players will have to drive an enormous monster truck while simultaneously building the racing track.
Can't Drive This is a frantic racing experience that's ridiculous and is best enjoyed by gamers who want to play an over-the-top co-op game with their friends.
Forza Horizon 5
Playground Games' fifth entry in the Forza Horizon series sees players zoom their way across an open world map based in Mexico. Forza Horizon 5's map is 40% bigger than its predecessor and contains interesting terrain and structures like jungles, beaches, Mayan-inspired temples, and an active volcano.
Aside from the immersive game environment, Forza Horizon 5 also highlights customization with more than hundreds of custom parts, mods, and rims available for the player's disposal. The game's rich map, open-world aspect, and sheer availability of high-speed cars from luxury brands make it a must-try racing game for car enthusiasts.
F1 2021
The official video game of the FIA Formula One World Championship continues to be a popular title among gamers and racing enthusiasts. But aside from featuring cars and teams from the motorsport championship cup, the game also has an enthralling story mode where players have to climb their way to the top and defeat a rival.
Newbies to racing games are in luck as F1 2021 contains various driving aids that make it easier to zoom around the tracks. With a great single-player experience and excellent driving mechanics, F1 2021 is an exciting entry in the racing game genre.
Hot Wheels Unleashed
With a J.J, Abrams-produced live-action movie on the way, Hot Wheels continue to be one of the world's most popular franchises. Besides that and its line of toys, Hot Wheels also has a racing video game created by popular racing game developer Milestone.
In Hot Wheels Unleashed, players race against vehicles from the Hot Wheels franchise in miniature tracks. The tracks are flexible and can also be customized in the game. With its supreme customization options, great arcade gameplay, and photo-realistic race tracks, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a notable entry in the racing game genre.
Gran Turismo 7
Arguably, no other game celebrates car and racing culture like the Gran Turismo franchise. In Gran Turismo 7, players will get engulfed in a sea of car-centric activities other than racing, such as obtaining licenses, performing oil checks, and saving money to buy secondhand cars.
The game also has interesting tracks where various factors — including the weather, elevation changes, vehicle downforce, and driving surface — can significantly impact the player's performance in the game. Critics and gamers have thoroughly enjoyed Gran Turismo 7 for its huge variety of cars, detailed game mechanics, and interesting gameplay