8 Best Racing Games That Started As PC Exclusives

Key Takeaways

Racing games like rFactor & iRacing provide an authentic and immersive driving experience.
PC exclusives like Assetto Corsa deliver realistic driving physics for players.
netKar Pro offers extensive customization options, while GTR is a classic racing title from the mid-2000s. (character count: 120)

As someone who has spent countless hours behind the virtual wheel, I must say that each of these games offers a unique and immersive experience that truly captures the essence of racing. From the adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure of Dirt Rally to the realistic simulation of iRacing, there’s something for every type of racer out there.

scarcely any genres deliver the level of exhilaration and high-velocity action that Racing does. Numerous games available today boast an extraordinary feeling of speed, making players believe they are actually behind the wheel, racing against skilled drivers. Typically, racing games aim for wide platform releases to boost a game’s likelihood of achieving widespread popularity.

In certain situations, racing games might debut initially on PCs before appearing on other platforms later, or they could stay exclusive to PC. This article will delve into such games and highlight their remarkable qualities. Let’s explore some of the top-notch racing games that first appeared as PC exclusives.

7 rFactor

A Great Title That Was Limited By Its Time

Platform(s): PC
Released: August 30, 2005
Developer(s): Image Space Incorporated
Genre(s): Car racing game, Sports Video Game
Authentic experience considering the game’s age
This title was never as popular as Burnout or Need for Speed

As a die-hard racing game enthusiast, let me tell you, rFactor was one of those hidden gems that offered an unparalleled racing experience to its dedicated followers back in the day. Released way back in 2005, it didn’t quite make it into the mainstream, but for those of us who craved the authentic feel of driving a race car, it was simply unbeatable.

If they can view the game objectively, considering it’s nearly two decades old, their perspective shifts dramatically, revealing just how genuine this title was in numerous aspects.

6 Assetto Corsa

Good Driving Physics Offering a Realistic Experience

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, GeForce Now, iOS
Released: November 8, 2013
Developer(s): KUNOS-Simulazioni Sri, Digital Tales USA LLC
Genre(s): Car Racing Game, Indie Game
Great driving physics
First released for PC and then for consoles

Just like many other games in this collection, Assetto Corsa excels at providing players an authentic racing sensation by employing accurate driving physics, such as tire simulations and advanced technology.

Assetto Corsa initially debuted for personal computers in 2014, followed by its launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2016. Subsequently, it found a home on Apple devices using the iOS operating system; however, the mobile version did not provide the same comprehensive experience as the console or PC versions.

5 RaceRoom Racing Experience

A Thrilling Title With Realistic Car Behavior And Sounds

There are several Game Modes
Car behavior and sounds are very realistic

RaceRoom Racing Experience stands out as an extensive racing game, providing a multitude of play modes such as Multiplayer Races, Custom Tournaments, Solo Races against AI, Practice sessions, Leaderboard Challenges, and Online Competitions, ensuring a rich and varied gaming experience for players.

Unlike other games listed, RaceRoom Racing Experience stands out as it supports VR through Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift, enhancing the gaming experience by making players feel immersed in a real race car. The cars in this game exhibit behaviors and sounds similar to their real-life counterparts, showcasing the developer’s dedication to detail. Since its release in 2013, it’s one of those racing games that can run smoothly even on less powerful PCs today.

4 netKar Pro

The Sky’s The Limit When It Comes To Customization

Platform(s): PC
Released: April 10, 2006
Developer(s): KUNOS-Simulazioni
Genre(s): Car racing game
Tons of customization options
The game features Xbox 360 Controller support

Despite not achieving the popularity of series like Forza, netKar Pro remains an exhilarating game due to its extensive customization features for player vehicles, such as tweaking aerodynamics, brakes, chassis, and transmission settings. Moreover, players can personalize their steering wheels and select tire pressure levels according to their preference.

Similar to other games on this list, netKar Pro was exclusively available for PC systems, causing disappointment among console gamers yearning to join the action. However, it does provide Xbox 360 Controller compatibility, which is beneficial for PC users who prefer not to navigate using a mouse and keyboard setup.

3 iRacing

Players Can Feel Like A Real-life Pilot

Platform(s): PC
Released: August 26, 2008
Developer(s): iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations
Genre(s): Car Racing Game
Dynamic track surfaces that change over the course of a race
Licensed cars are designed in cooperation with real-life racing teams

Instead of other games in this lineup that blend realism with general entertainment, iRacing elevates the gameplay experience significantly through its sophisticated mechanics.

As stated by the creators, this game offers not just exhilarating competitive modes alongside free practice and testing sessions, but also tracks that adapt during races, mirroring real-world situations. The vehicles in the game are authentically designed through collaboration with actual racing teams, ensuring players an accurate gaming experience.

2 Dirt Rally

A Wonderful Off-road Adventure

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Linux, macOS
Released: December 7, 2015
Developer(s): Codemasters, Feral Interactive
Genre(s): Car racing game, vehicle simulation game
Off-road competition in treacherous terrain
Great environments and tracks

Unlike most racing games that concentrate on Formula One cars and NASCAR tracks, carefully designed and cleared for safety, Dirt Rally stands out by transporting players to the harshest terrains across the globe. To excel in this game, you’ll need quick reflexes, excellent eye-hand coordination, and a keen sense of driving to triumph in races and avoid mishaps.

Even though this game came out nearly a decade back, it continues to perform quite admirably, and might even be ranked among the greatest rally racing titles ever made.

1 GTR — FIA GT Racing Game

An Outstanding Racing Title From A Golden Era

Platform(s): PC, Xbox 360
Released: October 2004
Developer(s): SimBin Studios, KW Studios
Genre(s): Car Racing Game
Recipient of many gaming awards
Great racing title of the mid-2000s

Apart from being named PC Gamer US’s “Best Racing Game 2005″, the game known as GTR – FIA GT Racing Game was also highly appreciated by numerous gaming platforms for the immersive experience it provided and the enjoyment it brought to players. Despite being less flashy compared to contemporary games boasting near-realistic graphics, advanced driving physics, and dynamic weather conditions, GTR – FIA GT Racing Game consistently outperformed its time by never allowing its era to hinder its performance.

Among numerous racing games available during the mid-to-late 2000s, this particular game stands out as one of the best due to its diverse selection of vehicles.

2024-11-08 11:34