Most Beautiful Tracks in Racing Games

Summary

The beauty of an individual racetrack can make a racing game unforgettable.
Gran Turismo 7 includes many beautiful tracks thanks to the game’s hyperrealistic graphics.
Many real-world racetracks, such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, are impressively recreated in-game.

As someone who has spent countless hours navigating virtual race tracks and dreaming of real-life driving experiences, I can confidently say that these five iconic racetracks have left an indelible mark on my racing imagination. Each one offers a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and history – a testament to the passion and skill required by both drivers and game developers alike.

Starting with Fuji International Speedway, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, I feel like I’m part of a grand racing tradition whenever I race there in Gran Turismo 7. The breathtaking views and sweeping layout make it a must-drive for any aspiring racer.

Next up is Mount Panorama (Bathurst), the Australian gem that offers technical sections, sharp turns, and high-speed sprints. Its rolling hills and picturesque landscape transport me to a place where racing meets nature.

Then we have the legendary Fuji International Speedway, where I can almost feel the cool mountain air as I race around its challenging corners in Forza Motorsport. It’s a testament to the beauty of Japanese engineering and landscaping.

But let’s not forget about the iconic Fuji International Speedway in Gran Turismo 7 – twice the fun, right? The replica of Mount Fuji is so lifelike that I sometimes expect to see a giant snow monkey standing atop it!

Last but certainly not least, we have the out-of-this-world experience that is the Rainbow Road (Mario Kart’s version of Mario Circuit) in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While it might not be a real-life racetrack, its colorful, winding layout and off-road sections provide an exhilarating escape from reality – just don’t let Bowser catch you!

In the end, these virtual tracks offer more than just a racing challenge; they transport us to new worlds, immerse us in beautiful landscapes, and fuel our dreams of driving greatness. So buckle up, rev your engines, and let the good times roll – on the racetrack and in life!

In contrast to other game types, racing games have a unique ability to captivate players deeply. Although some might credit this fascination to the blend of intense competition and pulse-pounding action, the charm of racing games frequently extends beyond the mechanics of the race, embracing the engaging settings that players navigate through.

From painstakingly replicated real-world tracks to imaginatively designed courses, the charm of a racetrack can make a racing game standout, and as each new edition is released, developers strive to elevate graphical quality to create tracks that aren’t just functional spaces for competition, but enchanting virtual environments. Here are the most visually stunning racing tracks, arranged based on their aesthetic appeal.

10. Laguna Seca – Gran Turismo 7

Relaxing Racing Under the Blue Skies of California

Track Type: Road Circuit
Length: 3.60km
Location: Real World Race Track in California, U.S.

For many on this list, a newcomer from the Gran Turismo series is the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, previously known as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Laguna Seca Raceway. This track, situated in Monterey, California, measures approximately 3.60 kilometers. It’s famous for its dramatic elevation shifts and a 15-meter downhill slope dubbed ‘The Corkscrew.’ In Gran Turismo 2, this was the series’ first real-world circuit, and it has been featured in every mainline game since then.

In the game Gran Turismo 7, the winding road snaking through the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California has been accurately portrayed. The track is visually appealing with subtle changes in elevation that harmoniously match the undulating hills of the surrounding rugged terrain. This results in a pleasant, even calming racing experience whether you’re engaged in fierce competition or taking leisurely drives. It all unfolds under the vast, beautiful skies of California.

9. Dragon Trail Seaside – Gran Turismo 7

A Seaside Tour of the Mediterranean

Track Type: Road Circuit
Length: 5.20km
Location: Set on a Fictional Croatian Coastline

Originally featured in Gran Turismo Sport and now included in Gran Turismo 7, Dragon Trail Seaside is a stunning race track modeled after a 5.20 km fictional Croatian coastline. This track stands out for its towering cliffs that dominate the backdrop of the finish line and the vast, forested areas that border different parts of the course.

This race track immerses you in a complete circuit racing environment against a backdrop of a Mediterranean setting, featuring rustic red-tiled roofs, stunning coastlines, and dramatic white rocky cliffs. Each aspect of the track is seamlessly tied together by vivid colors and eye-catching lens flares that shimmer over the mountain peaks, beautifully brought to life by the Gran Turismo 7 gaming engine.

8. Airport Terminal – Split/Second

Chaotic Arcade Racing with Explosive Results

Track Type: Road Circuit with Off-Road Sections
Location: Set in a Fictional Modern-Day City

As a diehard fan of arcade racing games, I can attest that Airport Terminal from the underrated gem Split/Second holds a special place in my gaming heart. Having grown up on titles like Wipeout and Ridge Racer, this track felt like a welcome throwback to the high-octane, adrenaline-pumping racing experiences of my youth. Its introduction early in Season Mode served as a tantalizing taste of what was to come, and for many players, it remains the most memorable race in the game.

While Split/Second didn’t quite achieve the lasting success it deserved, its impact on the racing genre is undeniable. The track design, with its destructible environments and dynamic events that transformed the layout of the course in real-time, set a new standard for action-packed racing games. Airport Terminal, in particular, encapsulated the game’s ethos beautifully – it was chaotic, intense, and always kept me on my toes.

For those who played Split/Second, the name “Airport Terminal” is synonymous with heart-pounding excitement and unforgettable moments. It’s a track that I still remember fondly, years after its release, and it serves as a reminder of what could have been for this underrated gem of a game.

In this track, an abundance of motion blur and vibrant, era-specific color schemes create a lively atmosphere filled with nail-biting, close-quarters racing action. During its time, it took full advantage of the PS3 and Xbox 360’s capabilities by incorporating destructible surroundings and featuring thrilling, screen-filling explosions as players sped from runway to terminal. In essence, it showcases breathtaking chaos at its best.

7. Big Blue – Mario Kart 8

Mixing Sci-Fi with Nature for Vibrant Visuals

Track Type: Hot Lap Road Race
Location: Set in a Fictional Futuristic Floating City

In the game “Mario Kart 8”, a new track called Big Blue has been introduced. This track is located high above a sprawling futuristic city suspended in mid-air. The visuals are already impressive, but they become even more captivating when they combine elements of science fiction with scenes from nature. Here you can find spaceships and flying vehicles zooming past, while also enjoying views of waterfalls cascading down and the vast expanse of the ocean.

Visually speaking, its lively hues, mirrored textures, skillful illumination, and smooth movements significantly boost the enjoyment and undeniably intensify the feeling of speed. Blending adored glide and weightless parts, Big Blue offers a breathtaking, velocity-charged adventure that embodies the rush found in Mario Kart 8. Without a doubt, it’s among the most impressive tracks in the franchise.

6. Circuit de Monaco – F1 24

Street Racing Royalty Turned Virtual

Track Type: Street Circuit
Length: 3.33km
Location: Real World Race Track in Monaco

The famed real-life Circuit de Monaco presents an exhilarating test of street racing over a 3.33km stretch of Monégasque roads. It’s a prestigious course marked by narrow lanes, sharp turns, and renowned landmarks like the Monte-Carlo Casino and Monte Carlo harbor. Luckily, these distinctive features provide an excellent backdrop for designing a virtual racing track.

In F1 24, the charm and beauty that makes Circuit de Monaco so enchanting is presented magnificently, with exceptional detail and the same graphical precision that F1 24 is known for in numerous tracks. It’s further enhanced by outstanding lighting effects, particularly noticeable at the dazzling exit from the tunnel straight. In essence, this representation of the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix circuit truly encapsulates the excitement and sets a standard for realism in racing games.

5. Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – DIRT Rally

A Dusty Climb to the Top

Track Type: Hot Lap Off-Road Rally
Length: 19.99km
Location: Real World Race Track in Colorado, U.S.

14,115 feet high in Colorado Springs lies the renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, often referred to as ‘The Race to the Clouds.’ This motorsport event is known for its extreme difficulty. The course features breathtaking mountain vistas, winding dirt paths, and steep ascents – all essential elements for a genuine rally track.

In the exhilarating racing game known as DiRT Rally, every aspect of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is meticulously incorporated. The virtual track within the game showcases painstaking detail, boasting a versatile terrain that mirrors authentic conditions drivers face, such as smooth tarmac sections interspersed with challenging gravel routes. Realistic dynamic lighting and intricate environmental elements like boulders and dense spruce forests intensify the experience, making for an exhilarating climb that culminates in a rewarding sun-drenched summit for fans of rally-driving games.

4. Rainbow Road – Mario Kart 8

A Fantastical Journey Across the Night Sky

Track Type: Hot Lap Road Race
Location: Set Above a Fictional City in Outer-Space

Rainbow Road, more than anything else, truly encapsulates the essence of the Mario Kart series, while showcasing its exceptional racetrack design particularly well. Originating from the 1992 version of Super Mario Kart on the SNES, this legendary track has been a mainstay in every subsequent edition of Mario Kart, for valid reasons. Adored by fans worldwide and regarded as one of Nintendo’s top multiplayer tracks, Rainbow Road is indeed a testament to the series’ enduring appeal.

The gaming track unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of an impressive space station, where players tread cautiously along a glowing path that meanders elegantly through the cosmos in “Mario Kart 8.” Over time, Rainbow Road has been significantly updated from its initial appearance, demonstrating meticulous care in its design. The vibrant hues of the rainbow-colored track create a stark contrast against the vast blackness of space, while twinkling stars and exploding fireworks add to the ambiance. This racecourse invites all video game aficionados, not just racing enthusiasts, offering them a fascinating and otherworldly racing adventure that brims with joy.

3. Nürburgring Nordschleife – Gran Turismo 7

Racing Heritage Brought to Virtual Life

Track Type: Road Circuit
Length: 20.80km
Location: Real World Race Track in Germany

Among the notable racetracks to make our list is the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, stretching over a massive 20.8 kilometers and boasting 73 turns. This historic raceway showcases racing tradition amidst a track bordered by a relentless forest.

In the game Gran Turismo 7, an authentic replication of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is utilized to create a truly immersive and realistic racing experience. The game features a highly detailed road surface with textures that mimic real-life conditions, as well as lush foliage in both close and distant landscapes. Whether you’re racing an old classic car or a modern hypercar, this combination provides a luxurious racing environment that transports players into the charm of this iconic racetrack.

2. Mount Panorama Bathurst – Forza Motorsport

A Race with Open-Vistas and Long-Stretches

Track Type: Road Circuit
Length: 6.21km
Location: Real World Race Track in Australia

Nestled within the undulating landscapes of New South Wales, Australia, lies Mount Panorama, more commonly known as Bathurst – a heart-pounding, actual racetrack. Perched on a slope, it’s renowned for its unrelenting elevation shifts, adrenaline-fueled straights, and tight left bends that create breathtaking dips, ascents, and swift, high-velocity sprints.

In the game Forza Motorsport, the layout of this iconic 6.21km racing haven has been faithfully recreated. The game includes technical aspects like the extended straights of ‘Conrod’ and ‘Mountain’, as well as tight, tricky sections such as ‘The Cutting’ and ‘Forrest’s Elbow’. Every element is carefully designed to perfection. The track’s stunning beauty is amplified by the vast panorama of the Australian landscape visible from its hilltop vantage points, due to an impressive draw distance. All these elements combine to create the immersive depth that makes this real-life racetrack so renowned.

1. Fuji International Speedway – Gran Turismo 7

Grandeur Racing Under the Shadow of a Giant

Track Type: Road Circuit
Length: 4.57km
Location: Real World Race Track in Japan

Perched at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, the Fuji International Speedway is a 4.57km track celebrated for its fast-paced competitions. This paradise for automotive enthusiasts is also a must-see destination due to its scenic vistas. The circuit offers a comprehensive tour through the beautiful Japanese countryside, revealing panoramic views of Mount Fuji that serve as a captivating backdrop during most races, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere.

In the video game Gran Turismo 7, players will find themselves dwarfed as they take in the intricately detailed miniature version of Mount Fuji, which dominates the racing circuit. This natural wonder is set against a vivid backdrop of sky blue, showcasing its grandeur and beauty in full glory. The track layout is expansive and panoramic, providing an awe-inspiring spectacle that’s only possible thanks to the advanced graphics engine powering the game.

2024-12-30 05:37