Racinggames are all the rage in modern times, with players loving the thrills of overtaking opponents at high speeds or using some tricky cornering to make up multiple positions in no time. Many racing franchises occupy a soft spot in the hearts of fans who can’t get enough of this high-octane gameplay witha steering wheel in virtual hands.
Some of the best racing franchises have lain dormant, while others are still going strong to this day. Either way, players will have a great time checking out the titles in these video game franchises and taking part in high-speed races where a single mistake can make all the difference.
Franchises will be ranked based on their overall quality and popularity.
8Driver
Features Cinematic Missions And Fun Races That Players Will Have A Great Time With
Driveris one of the most underrated racing franchises of all time. The first game was notable for the ridiculous difficulty of its first level, where players had to pull off certain tricks before they could even get to the meat of the experience.
WhileotherDrivergameswere middling experiences,Driver: San Franciscofeatured a unique shift mechanic that let players control other cars in mind-blowing set pieces that made for a fun time. It’s a shame that this game flew under most people’s radars, robbing them of a unique racing experience, unlike most other titles on the market.
7Assetto Corsa
A Driving Sim Perfect For Fans Of Realistic Racing Gameplay
Players who enjoy realistic racing simulations will love howAssetto Corsahas burst onto the scene to occupy a comfortable spot in this niche. The amazing visuals, accurate driving simulations, and a ton of fan-made content have ensured that these games will be a blast to play for any fan of the genre.
The first game in the series is going strong to this day, whileCompetizioneandEVObuild up on these systems in new and interesting ways. With fan interest in the series being quite high, it’s easy to see why players will have a great time mastering the driving mechanics ofAssetto Corsaand coming first in many challenging races.
6Gran Turismo
Has Faltered In Recent Times But Is Still One Of The Most Gorgeous Racing Game Franchises Around
PlayStation’sGran Turismohas seen its fair share of ups and downs, with the current state of the franchise being the lowest it has ever been in the eyes of many. However, that should take nothing away from the amazing graphics andfun racing gameplayof these titles that feel great in every single entry.
Players who want to spend their time racing in some of the most beautiful video games of all time will love whatGran Turismobrings to the table. Hopefully, Sony will help this franchise reach new heights once again after it gets out of this slump.
5F-Zero
Futuristic Racing At Ridiculous Speeds With A High Level Of Challenge To Boot
F-Zerois one of the best racing franchises of all time, and it’s a shame that Nintendo hasn’t helped this franchise reach its potential with a string of releases. After all, games likeF-Zero GXshow just how engaging these racing games can be when talented developers work to make theF-Zeroformula more tantalizing than ever before.
While the franchise has received some modern entries, it’s high time now thatF-Zerofans get to enjoy a new mainline entry that makes the most of new hardware. The Switch 2 can be the perfect platform forF-Zeroto make a resounding comeback and attract a new generation of fans with its gameplay, letting them reach ridiculous speeds in no time.
4Burnout
Taking Down Other Drivers In This Fun Arcade Racing Series Is A Blast Every Single Time
Burnoutis one of the most cathartic racing franchises of all time, with the games prioritizing arcade racing and stylish takedowns. Causing other racers to bite the dust after some inspiring offensive driving is a huge part of the gameplay loop that keeps fans coming back for more.
Burnout Paradise is hailed by many as the best game in the series that has been remastered for new audiences. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come and EA greenlights a newBurnouttitle, although the chances of this happening are slim at best.
3Forza
Both Motorsport And Horizon Let Players Enjoy Some Cathartic Racing Experiences And Other Driving Events
Microsoft’sForzaseries has quickly shot up the ranks to become one of the most popular racing franchises of all time. Players who want to enjoy realistic driving simulations should giveForza Motorsporta shot, whileForza Horizonis better for playersseeking out a simcade experience.
Both series have a ton of games that are a blast to play through.Forza Motorsport 7’s hardcore trappings and beautiful visuals are a joy to witness, whileForza Horizon 5boasts a breathtaking open world where players can acquire a fast vehicle in no time and use a helpful rewind feature to make up for their mistakes in a high-octane race.
2Need For Speed
A Legendary Racing Franchise That Needs No Introduction
Need for Speedis one of the most iconic racing franchises of all time. Almost every game in the series lets players take on racers and cops in illegal street races where victory is key to acquiring rep and cash. Of course, someNFStitles have alsoexperimented with legitimate racing, leading to mixed results.
The bestNeed for Speedgames let players kit out the best rides, leave rivals in the dust, and take out cops in a bombastic fashion as players avoid getting busted by any means necessary. The franchise has been through its fair share of rough patches, but most people are still optimistic about the series and always get their hands on the latestNeed for Speedgame to establish their dominance on the streets.
1Mario Kart
The Highest-Selling Kart Racing Franchise Around Where Every Title Boasts Quality Gameplay And Extreme Polish
Mario Kartis the most popular kart racing series of all time, establishing this genre that other IPs have tried to imitate for the longest time. Players lovecontrolling their favorite characters on iconic tracksas they use power-ups and skill to take the lead.
EveryMario Kartrace is a chaotic affair where a winning position isn’t guaranteed until players cross the finish line. Watching racers be seconds away from reaching the finish line only to have their hopes dashed by a Blue Shell is a heartbreaking yet hilarious moment that is just one example of what makes this franchise such a blast to play through.
