Since the legendary days of Need For Speed Most Wanted, racing games have improved in many ways, including racetrack designs, vehicle physics, and stunning open worlds, to name a few. Along with these, modern racing games put a heavy emphasis on next-gen graphics, which is something quite popular among fans.
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PostsHowever, not all racing games will opt for the same choices. Sure, lifelike visuals work well in a series dedicated to realism, but not all games need to look realistic to be visually breathtaking. Case in point, games set in a dystopian world might opt for a more futuristic aesthetic compatible with the art direction while still being impressive.
8 Redout 2
Race Anywhere In The Solar System
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Racing Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 70/100 Critics Rec: 48% Released June 16, 2022 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language Developer(s) 34BigThings Publisher(s) Saber Interactive Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONThe Redout series pays homage to classic arcade games with flashy track designs and high-speed futuristic aircraft. It's set in the future when the people have settled down on Mars, and anti-gravity jet racing is humanity's favorite sport. Redout 2 features tracks on Earth, Mars, and the event horizon of a small black hole.
The game prioritizes art direction over AAA-style graphics to create a neon-lit dystopian worlds blended with sci-fi elements. In addition, the tracks on Earth feature abandoned industrial structures or beautiful landscapes such as Mount Fuji and its stunning cherry blossom trees.
7 Dirt 5
A Fun Off-Road Experience
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Like Follow FollowedDirt 5
Racing Systems 5.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 87% Released November 6, 2020 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) Codemasters Publisher(s) Codemasters Engine Evolved EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALDirt 5 draws inspiration from classic arcade-style games instead of realistic driving simulators that are hard to master, ensuring players looking for a good time get what they asked for. New to the series is a narrative-focused career mode that puts the player in competition against a rival while receiving feedback from a mentor. The race types include rallycross, ice racing, and off-road buggies.
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PostsThe graphics are definitely "amplified" in that they emphasize visual flair while ensuring they aren't cartoonish. The game nails its vibrant colors, dynamic weather system, and dirt particle effects, but flaws such as texture pop-ins prevent it from being a visual masterpiece.
6 Wreckfest
No Penalties
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Vehicular Combat Racing Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 80/100 Critics Rec: 77% Released June 14, 2018 ESRB T For Teen Due To Mild Lyrics, Mild Violence Developer(s) Bugbear Entertainment Publisher(s) THQ Nordic Engine ROMU Engine Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONWreckfest is a dream come true for fans of chaotic racing. The gameplay features banger derbies where you reach the finish line by expertly targeting other cars out of commission. You can also play demolition derbies, where players deliberately hit other cars until only one remains as the victor.
The game also features a horde of cars to choose from. You can upgrade or customize vehicles using in-game features or add new ones with community mods. In addition to career mode, you can use multiplayer features to race with players worldwide.
5 The Crew Motorfest
Rally Racing In Air
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Racing Open-World Systems 2.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 77/100 Critics Rec: 65% Released September 14, 2023 ESRB t Developer(s) Ubisoft Ivory Tower Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine SnowdropWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThis game is set in scaled-down renditions of two Hawaiian islands and revolves around a themed festival—the main area for accessing events. Similar to its predecessors, the gameplay features other vehicles such as boats and planes, in addition to supporting online multiplayer.
The graphics are not photorealistic in some aspects, but that works in its favor. The saturated colors make the heavily detailed cars pop out against a background of dense shrubbery and interesting landmarks. At night, the island's neon lights are reflected beautifully on rain-soaked surfaces.
4 Need For Speed Payback
What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas
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Racing Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 60/100 Critics Rec: 16% Released November 10, 2017 ESRB T For Teen // Mild Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Language Developer(s) Ghost Games Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Frostbite Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONPayback is the second installment of the Need For Speed series since the 2015 reboot. Unlike its predecessor, it featured an offline mode and a 24-hour day/night cycle. It's an open-world game set in a fictionalized version of Las Vegas, and we follow the story of three protagonists, each with a different driving style.
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PostsIn terms of graphics, it is one of the best-looking games in the series because of its realistic car models and dynamic lighting. However, the vast open world can feel lifeless due to sparse traffic and limited interactions.
3 Forza Motorsport 7
An Impressive Roster Of Vehicles
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Racing Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 85/100 Critics Rec: 82% Released October 3, 2017 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) Turn 10 Studios Publisher(s) Microsoft Game Studios Engine forza tech Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWhile Motorsport 7 wasn't a giant leap compared to the sixth installation, it introduced new content that the fan base appreciated. The game boasts 700 cars and 33 tracks and a campaign with six championships featuring different races—from traditional races to creative events like car bowling.
In terms of graphics, the game dials up the visual fidelity way up thanks to increased hardware capability. In addition to photorealistic lighting illuminating the tracks in Dubai and Prague, the game introduced dynamic weather in the series for the first time. The car models are meticulously detailed, showcasing weather effects such as sand and rain on windshields.
2 Forza Horizon 5
Chase The Horizon
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Racing Open-World Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 100% Released November 9, 2021 ESRB E for Everyone // In-Game Purchases, Users Interact Developer(s) Playground Games Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios Engine Forza Tech Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONForza Horizon 5 is an open-world racing game set in the sprawling country of Mexico. It has the most extensive map in the entire series, bumbling with activities that are either part of the Horizon story campaign or discoverable in Event Lab or through free exploration.
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PostsThe game's crowning achievement is the recreation of Mexico and its many breathtaking locations, encouraging players to free-roam the beautiful country. To that end, it features natural sites such as active volcanoes and beaches, as well as structures like modern-day Guanajuato City and ancient Mayan temples.
1 Gran Turismo 7
The Real Driving Simulator
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Racing Systems 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 92% Released March 24, 2022 ESRB E for Everyone: Alcohol Reference, Use of Tobacco Developer(s) Polyphony Digital Publisher(s) Sony Engine Proprietary EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALGran Turismo 7 is the eighth major installment of a series popular for its use of real-world physics, encouraging players to adopt real race-driving techniques to be competitive. The game features a single-player campaign as well as a multiplayer. However, it requires a constant internet connection to save progress.
GT7 is one of the best racing games on PlayStation 5 due to its true-to-life gameplay and visual fidelity. The game uses PlayStation 5's dedicated ray-tracing hardware to illuminate the world and simulate some of the most realistic shadows in racing games.
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