10 Best Racing Games on PS Plus

Key Takeaways

Split Second is a hidden gem arcade combat racer with destructible environments.
Assetto Corsa Competizione offers realistic sim racing with impressive vehicle lineups.
Wipeout Omega Collection provides fast anti-grav racing with intense gameplay and weapons.

As a seasoned racer with over two decades of high-speed chases and adrenaline-fueled races under my belt, I must say that the racing game landscape has evolved significantly since my early days. However, there are a few classics that still hold a special place in my heart, and today, I’d like to share three of them with you, dear reader.

Since the early days of video games, racing genres have progressed significantly, offering a wide variety of options to cater to diverse tastes.

If you’re yearning for the thrill of real-life racing experiences or the freedom of flying hovercrafts, there are plenty of options available once you know where to search!

There are plenty of gems in the Racing genre, and here are our picks for the best.

10 Split Second

Blink, And You’ll Miss It

Split Second was unusual because it surprisingly didn’t gain much attention when it was launched for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Split Second is a fast-paced, destructive racing game in the arcade genre, featuring power-ups and weaponry. The racing experience is smooth and quick, yet what truly stands out is the level of destruction involved.

In the thrilling world of “Split Second”, I can’t help but marvel at how environmental hazards significantly shape the game. It’s nothing short of exhilarating to witness the dynamic transformation of tracks right before my eyes!

Sadly, we never got a sequel, but Split Second remains a furiously addictive arcade racer.

9 Assetto Corsa Competizione

A Purebred Sim Racer

Assetto Corsa is generally considered as the leading choice in console racing simulation games. Instead of featuring demolition and extreme drifting, it offers a more authentic and realistic experience.

The realism is shown through an extraordinary selection of vehicles in their range, coupled with an overwhelming number of personalization choices.

Real-life race tracks can be found as well, with famous ones such as Silverstone and the Nürburgring included.

Amongst the games listed, Assetto Corsa Competizione stands out for its visual appeal and provides an exceptionally engaging experience, particularly if you have a steering wheel setup.

This is THE title for you petrol heads out there, and you’ll love every second of it.

8 Wipeout Omega Collection

Classic Anti-grav Racing

Since the debut on the original PlayStation, “Wipeout” games have offered an engaging experience. The “Omega Collection” stands out as one of the finest methods to delve into this exciting series.

Set in the not-so-distant future, racing has evolved, and pilots use ships instead of cars.

Competing in this game is all about speed and adrenaline, featuring numerous thrilling courses that seem to defy gravity. The variety of play modes is impressive, such as the Zone Mode, which challenges you to keep going for as long as possible while your speed continuously accelerates.

There’s a generous assortment of weapons to spice up races and plenty of teams and ships to enjoy.

The Omega Collection encompasses both Wipeout HD and Wipeout 2048, titles that may not be fresh but continue to stand strong within their genre.

7 Moto GP 23

Two Wheels Is More Than Enough

Moto GP 23 is a thrilling motorcycle game that closely follows the actual Moto GP racing circuit.

Motorbike racing feels entirely different from driving a car, and Moto GP allows you to get pretty granular with customization.

You’ll find an exceptional variety of precise racing tracks and bikes to pick from, and this game provides a fresh twist on the usual 4-wheeled racing experiences you’re accustomed to.

In recent years, the Moto GP championship has built a reputation for its extreme challenge. If you’re new to the series, be prepared to skid on the asphalt occasionally, as there’s a steep learning curve involved.

6 Need For Speed: Unbound

A Solid Street Racer

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve just dived into the thrilling world of Unbound, the latest addition to the never-ending series of Need for Speed. It feels like a natural progression from the style of gameplay in Heat, offering an expansive open-world city that’s just begging to be explored.

The visuals are gorgeous, and there are multiple event types to enjoy.

Beyond the main plotline, there’s a familiar and entertaining storyline that might seem a bit predictable or corny at times, but it’s definitely enjoyable – especially if you’re looking for the same exhilarating feel as the classic Fast and Furious films!

The stylish cel-shaded flares are a divisive design choice. Even if you’re not a fan, I urge you to try the title, as it’s a superb street racer.

5 Wreckfest

Chaos and Destruction

Many racing games shy away from getting gritty. However, if you’re captivated by chaos and wreckage, without a doubt, the game that fits your taste is Wreckfest.

In the game called Wreckfest, the main objective is to cause significant damage to your opponents, making it a gruff and intense racing experience. The cars in this game have a solid, heavy feel, and the competition often resembles a full-contact sport, with various events complementing the racing action.

The damage and devastation caused by this car is unparalleled, and it’s rare to see a vehicle disintegrate as thoroughly as this one has.

In today’s gaming world, where loud crashes and big bangs are less common, Wreckfest demonstrates that there’s still a lot of life left in the crash-centric genre.

4 Trackmania Turbo

The Possibilities Are Endless

Trackmania Turbo is a highly competitive racing game with a near-limitless skill ceiling.

In every track of Trackmania, there’s a separate leaderboard where the struggle for optimal times is intense. The primary attraction lies in the online battles, yet you’ll only compete against virtual racers, or ghosts. However, mastering a circuit and progressing up the rankings is remarkably engaging and addictive.

The track selection is second to none (it’s in the title, after all) and ranges from simple ovals to gravity-defying twisted coils of tarmac.

For those seeking a top-notch racing game that eliminates the need for fiddling with minute details and adjustments, Trackmania Turbo stands out as the premier choice among its peers.

3 Redout 2

More Than Just A Wipeout Clone

The Wipeout Omega Collection is great, but the titles it includes are over a decade old.

If you’re after a new futuristic racer, you can’t do better than Redout 2.

Redout 2 is a stunning anti-grav racer with gorgeous visuals and physics-defying courses.

In the game “Redout“, the emphasis lies solely on exhilarating, high-speed racing. You won’t encounter any tools to even out the competition, so get ready to put your reaction skills to the test!

Although it’s clear where the inspiration comes from, Redout stands out as unique, providing an exceptional experience that captures the sensation of surpassing the speed of sound.

For quite some time now, there hasn’t been a fresh installment of “Wipeout” in the gaming world, yet with exciting titles such as “Redfall 2” taking center stage, it seems like we might not miss it after all.

2 Ridge Racer Type 4

One Of The Best PS1 Racers

The Ridge Racer series, which has been popular for quite some time, is believed to have reached its pinnacle during its release on the original PlayStation with Type 4.

The title delivers an exceptional tutorial on urban racing, and drifting is simply thrilling. Unlike other games that grant you “mystical boost” for cornering swiftly, this one maintains a realistic and fulfilling driving experience.

Type 4 has a fun, cheesy story mode where you race for different teams with unique tales to share.

The graphics are fantastic by PS1 standards, and the electronic soundtrack is the icing on the cake. The Gran Turismo games tend to steal the limelight on the PlayStation, but Ridge Racer Type 4 is easily one of the best racing games on the system.

1 Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

The Series At Its Best

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is arguably the greatest game in the franchise.

The title seems to encompass a fusion of two distinct gaming experiences. While it offers high-speed chases where you’re being pursued by the police, at times you’ll also find yourself assuming the role of a law enforcement officer, trying to apprehend the racers.

Each gameplay style has its own progression system complete with car unlocks and unique events.

In simpler terms, “Hot Pursuit” offers top-tier, old-school racing experience without any distractions like complex open-world settings. Instead, you get straight-up racing action right up until the end of the track.

2024-09-14 15:09