Top Racing Game Showdown: Ranking the Best Franchises to Rev Your Engine!

In current times, racing video games are extremely popular due to their exhilarating experiences that include outpacing opponents at great speeds and employing clever maneuvers for quick position changes. Numerous racing series strike a chord with fans who crave the adrenaline rush of controlling these virtual vehicles.

Various top-tier racing series have been inactive, while some continue to thrive. Regardless, gamers are in for an exciting ride exploring the games from these racing franchises, engaging in fast-paced competitions where one slip could determine the outcome.

Franchises will be ranked based on their overall quality and popularity.

8. Driver

Features Cinematic Missions And Fun Races That Players Will Have A Great Time With

First Entry: Driver (1999)
Last Entry: Driver: Speedboat Paradise (2015)
Notable Entries: Driver, Driver: San Francisco

The racing series titled “Driver” is often overlooked as an underappreciated gem in the gaming world. What made the initial game stand out was the extraordinary challenge posed by its opening level, requiring players to master specific stunts before delving into the heart of the gameplay.

Unlike many other driving games that were merely average, “Driver: San Francisco” stood out with its innovative shift mechanic, allowing players to commandeer other vehicles in spectacular sequences. Regrettably, this game often went unnoticed by many, denying them a distinctly different racing adventure compared to most other games available.

7. Assetto Corsa

A Driving Sim Perfect For Fans Of Realistic Racing Gameplay

First Entry: Assetto Corsa (2014)
Last Entry: Assetto Corsa EVO (2025)
Notable Entries: Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione

Fans who appreciate authentic racing simulations are bound to be thrilled by the arrival of Assetto Corsa, which has swiftly claimed its place as a favorite in this specialized field. The game’s stunning graphics, precise driving dynamics, and an abundance of user-generated content make it a joyous playground for any aficionado of this genre.

The initial game within the series remains popular today, and both Competizione and EVO expand upon these foundations in creative and intriguing manners. Given the high level of excitement among fans for this series, it’s not hard to imagine that players will enjoy honing their driving skills with Assetto Corsa and claiming victory in numerous tough competitions.

6. Gran Turismo

Has Faltered In Recent Times But Is Still One Of The Most Gorgeous Racing Game Franchises Around

First Entry: Gran Turismo (1997)
Last Entry: My First Gran Turismo (2024)
Notable Entries: Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, Gran Turismo 4

The classic PlayStation game, Gran Turismo, has experienced its share of highs and lows, leaving some fans questioning the current state of the series. Yet, it’s important to remember that despite its perceived decline, the stunning visuals and enjoyable racing experience found in each iteration of this franchise remain unparalleled.

Enthusiasts seeking an immersive racing experience in visually stunning video games are bound to appreciate all that Gran Turismo has to offer. Here’s hoping Sony can aid in revitalizing this franchise and elevating it to even greater success once more after a temporary setback.

5. F-Zero

Futuristic Racing At Ridiculous Speeds With A High Level Of Challenge To Boot

First Entry: F-Zero (1990)
Last Entry: F-Zero 99 (2023)
Notable Entries: F-Zero, F-Zero GX, F-Zero 99

The F-Zero series is one of the greatest racing game franchises ever made, and it’s unfortunate that Nintendo hasn’t given it the support needed to truly thrive with consistent releases. Games like F-Zero GX demonstrate the captivating nature of these racing games when developers put their talents into enhancing the F-Zero experience, making it more enticing than ever before.

It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a fresh installment in the F-Zero series, but with advancements in technology, it seems like now is the ideal moment for dedicated enthusiasts to experience a cutting-edge mainline entry. The potential arrival of Switch 2 could provide an exceptional setting for this iconic game to reappear, captivating a new cohort of players with its exhilarating gameplay and allowing them to attain breathtaking speeds in no time.

4. Burnout

Taking Down Other Drivers In This Fun Arcade Racing Series Is A Blast Every Single Time

First Entry: Burnout (2001)
Last Entry: Burnout Paradise Remastered (2016)
Notable Entries: Burnout Paradise, Burnout Revenge

Burnout is renowned as one of the most exhilarating racing series ever made, focusing on arcade-style racing and impressive takedowns. Knocking out opponents with skillful driving maneuvers is a significant part of the gameplay that keeps players eager for more.

The original Burnout Paradise is widely acclaimed as the finest game in its series, now enhanced for newer players. Here’s hoping that this signals the beginning of more Burnout games, but it’s doubtful that Electronic Arts (EA) will approve a new Burnout game given the current circumstances.

3. Forza

Both Motorsport And Horizon Let Players Enjoy Some Cathartic Racing Experiences And Other Driving Events

First Entry: Forza Motorsport (2005)
Last Entry: Forza Motorsport (2023)
Notable Entries: Forza Horizon 4, Forza Horizon 5, Forza Motorsport 7

Microsoft’s Forza series has swiftly climbed the ladder to become one of the most beloved racing series in history. Those looking for authentic driving simulations might want to try out Forza Motorsport, while Forza Horizon is more suitable for players desiring a mix of simulation and arcade-style gameplay.

The two game series offer numerous titles that are an absolute delight to play, with each one having its unique charm. The intricate details and stunning graphics of Forza Motorsport 7 create a captivating experience, while the expansive open world in Forza Horizon 5 allows players to quickly obtain speedy vehicles and benefit from a convenient rewind feature that helps correct errors during exhilarating races.

2. Need For Speed

A Legendary Racing Franchise That Needs No Introduction

First Entry: The Need for Speed (1994)
Last Entry: Need for Speed Unbound (2022)
Notable Entries: Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Need for Speed Heat

One of the most legendary racing series ever made is Need for Speed. Most games in this franchise allow players to compete against both racers and police in underground street races. Winning these races helps build reputation and earn money. Some titles in the Need for Speed collection have dabbled in legitimate racing, with varying degrees of success.

top-notch “Need for Speed” games allow players to customize superior vehicles, outrun opponents, and eliminate police with flair, all while ensuring they don’t get caught. Despite some turbulent times, the franchise maintains a positive outlook, and fans eagerly anticipate each new release to prove their supremacy on the roads.

1. Mario Kart

The Highest-Selling Kart Racing Franchise Around Where Every Title Boasts Quality Gameplay And Extreme Polish

First Entry: Super Mario Kart (1992)
Last Entry: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
Notable Entries: Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

The Mario Kart series stands out as the longest-running and most beloved go-kart racing franchise in history, inspiring numerous other intellectual properties to follow its footsteps. Gamers enjoy steering their preferred characters across renowned courses while employing strategic power-ups and honing their driving skills to gain an edge.

In every round of Mario Kart, the race is filled with pandemonium, as the final victory isn’t certain until racers reach the finish line. Witnessing competitors being so close to the end yet having their dreams crushed by a Blue Shell is both devastating and amusing – it’s just one instance that highlights why this series remains so enjoyable to play.

2025-01-24 16:34