Top 10 Driving Games
10. Screamer (1995)
A childhood favourite of mine, Screamer was designed to emulate the fast-paced and exciting experience of arcade racing games on home computers, bringing the thrill of classic titles like Virtua Racing and Ridge Racer to the PC.
The success of Screamer led to several sequels, including Screamer 2 and Screamer 4x4, which expanded on the original game's formula with new features, cars, and tracks. The series remains a nostalgic favourite among fans of classic racing games.
9. Daytona USA (1993)
If you’ve ever set foot in an arcade, you would have undoubtedly played this.
Just beating Sega Rally to a spot in the top 10 for me, we have Daytona USA.
This is the definitive arcade driving game, featuring racing with a focus on speed and fun. Known for its vibrant graphics, smooth gameplay, and catchy soundtrack, Daytona USA became one of the most popular and influential racing games of all time, celebrated for its innovative use of 3D graphics and the side-by-side ‘cockpit’ setups.
8. Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition (2005)
Better known for the brilliant Grand Theft Auto series, video game developers Rockstar were also a dab hand at making excellent driving games - such as this classic from 2005.
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition is an arcade-style racing game, which allows players to race in open-world cities like San Diego, Atlanta, and Detroit, featuring a wide array of customisable cars and motorcycles.
Partnering with DUB Magazine, the game offers extensive vehicle customisation, blending high-speed racing with the urban street culture vibe of 2005.
7. TOCA Touring Car Championship (1997)
TOCA Touring Car Championship is a racing simulation game developed and published by Codemasters, way back in 1997. It features the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), allowing players to race as real drivers and teams on authentic circuits. The game is known for its realistic physics, detailed car damage, and comprehensive career mode, setting a high standard for racing simulations on the PlayStation.
If you spent any amount of time playing this classic, then you will probably remember the ‘cheat mode’, where you could drive a fully functioning tank and a pink Cadillac!
Call me childish, but using the cannon of the tank to blast cars out of your way is still some of the most fun you can have on the original PlayStation!
6. Colin McRae Rally 04 (2003)
As the fourth instalment in the series, Colin McRae Rally 04 offers players the opportunity to race in a variety of rally events across eight international locations, including Japan, the UK, and Australia. Featuring improved graphics and physics, the game provides a realistic driving experience with over 20 fully licensed cars. Players can compete in various modes, including a career mode where they aim to become the World Rally Champion.
We vividly remember driving the Citroen Xsara rally car, and being blown away by the damage and dirt mechanics which were way above anything else around at the time.
5. Burnout Paradise (2008)
Burnout Paradise is an open-world racing game developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts. Set in the fictional Paradise City, players engage in high-speed races and spectacular crashes, completing various challenges and events throughout the in-game world. Burnout Paradise is known for its emphasis on arcade-style racing, seamless open-world exploration, and intense vehicular destruction. With a variety of cars to unlock and multiple modes to play, Burnout Paradise offers a dynamic and thrilling racing experience that redefined the arcade racing genre.
4. Driver (1999)
Driver is an action-driving video game developed by Reflections Interactive and published by GT Interactive. Released in 1999 for the PlayStation, it puts players in the role of an undercover cop navigating a world of crime and high-speed chases - we won’t talk about the infuriating tutorial though, if you know you know!
All the way back in 1999, Driver received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay, impressive graphics, and engaging missions. It was praised for setting a new standard in the action-driving genre, and has certainly cemented itself as one of the all-time great driving games.
3. Need For Speed: Underground 2 (2004)
Need for Speed: Underground 2 built on the success of its predecessor by offering an expansive, open-world street racing experience. Released in 2004 by EA Games, it quickly became a fan favourite for its combination of thrilling races, extensive customisation, and dynamic city environment.The soundtrack was also something to behold, with something for everyone. From punk-rock to hip-hop, Underground 2 had it all.Of course, what we remember most about this entry in the Need For Speed series is the car modifications! Players could modify their cars’ performance and aesthetics - tweaking everything from engines and suspension to body kits, vinyls, and neon lights, giving each car a unique look.
2. Rollcage (1999)
Mario Kart for grown-ups? Rollcage features a unique gameplay mechanic where the cars can drive on both sides. This means that if a car flips upside down it can continue racing without interruption, thanks to the large wheels that extend beyond the car's body. This allows for an intense and unpredictable racing experience.
Various weapons are available, such as homing missiles and mines. Players can also pick up weapons from the track to use against other racers.
In addition to weapons, players can collect power-ups that provide speed boosts, shields, and other temporary enhancements.
1. Gran Turismo 4 (2004)
The G.O.A.T - Gran Turismo 4 is a comprehensive racing simulation game that offers players an expansive and detailed racing experience. With a vast selection of cars, realistic physics, and various gameplay modes, it remains a beloved title among racing enthusiasts and a milestone in the Gran Turismo series.
Gran Turismo 4 received positive reviews for its depth, realism, and extensive content. It is often considered one of the best racing games on the PlayStation 2, backed up with some impressive sales - the game sold over 11 million copies worldwide.
