This week, we wanted to cover video games, racing video games to be exact. We’ve covered the best car series to binge-watch, the best car YouTube channels to sift through, and now we wanted to cover some of the best racing games to invest in while you’re quarantined at home. The great thing about video games is that they can keep people connected, something that we all need as we try to keep ourselves and others safe by staying at home. Race a few laps with your kids or maybe call up a family member and race online. Whatever you do, it’s important to stay connected and remind each other that you’re thinking of them.
Gran Turismo Sport: PS4
For Fans of Online Racing and GT Series
Gran Turismo Sport had a very mixed reception when it was first released in 2017. Since then, many players have forgiven its flaws as its game designer, Polyphony Digital, constantly updated and changed the game to match what people expected from the Gran Turismo series. For the uninitiated, the Gran Turismo series is one of the most revered racing simulation games. This is because of stunning graphics, realistic gameplay, and Polyphony’s dedication to getting every little detail right.
All-in-all, if you pay for Playstation Plus, Gran Turismo Sport is a no-brainer. It is one of the best online racing experiences that any game has to offer. If you enjoy Gran Turismo’s offline racing against the computer, you might find it more difficult to enjoy this iteration. While previous Gran Turismos kept it fresh with mini-games and multiple long career modes, Gran Turismo Sport’s focus is online competition. This left career modes and racing against the computer lacking in comparison.
DiRT Rally: PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac
For Fans of Realistic Rally Simulators
Although DiRT Rally 2.0 has recently been released, we chose the first DiRT Rally because of its integration with VR devices.
DiRT Rally is extremely realistic, to say the least. You will find yourself flying off the sides of cliffs, plummeting headfirst into a tree, and rolling your Lancia a few hundred times on the way down each unforgiving dirt track. Your car becomes more and more damaged as the race goes on. You will begin to feel the car pull to one side from a bent axle or crushed wheel. Also, your car doesn’t repair itself between laps either. It’s a unique experience you can’t get from many other games.
DiRT Rally can be punishing and frustrating, especially if you’re used to the buttery-smooth feel of Gran Turismo. There are no paved roads, there are no other cars. It’s just you and your co-driver who’s shouting out directions as you frantically try to keep the car on the track. DiRT Rally is a lot of fun but you’ll find yourself playing it in short bursts to give your clenched jaw and tightly gripped hands a break. Also, in VR mode, you can have a second player as your co-driver which adds another dimension to an already intense game.
Mario Kart 8: Switch, Wii U
For Fans of Kid-Friendly Arcade Racers
Mario Kart 8 is the gold standard when it comes to entry-level racing games that appeal to a huge audience. No matter age, skill level, or familiarity with previous Mario Kart games, anyone can pick this up and play. This is a great game for families as it allows up to 8 players on a local network. This means the whole family, or you and your co-quarantiners can play together. Accessibility and Mario Kart 8’s multiplayer-centric design make this a great game for anyone and everyone to pick up and play.
Mario Kart 8 takes elements from all of the previous Mario Kart games. They update the visuals and gameplay to suit modern expectations and consoles. By updating classic tracks and adding additional characters, Nintendo has been able to keep this near 30-year-old racing franchise alive and well. With Mario Kart 8, everyone can play together and spend hours playing classic tracks like Rainbow Road and Moo Moo Meadows. This brings nostalgia for old fans as well as making new life-long fans of their children.
F1 2019: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
For Fans of Formula 1, Competitive Online Play and Career Modes
What Gran Turismo Sport lacks in career modes and Mario Kart 8 lacks in competition and challenge, F1 2019 makes up for. The latest installment of Formula 1’s official video game is one of the most competitive and intense racing games available. One thing that stands out the most about F1 2019 is full-length races. These can take an hour or more. You will have to start paying attention to tire wear, heat, and fatigue as the race goes on. These factors make for one of the most unique and accurate depictions of Formula 1 racing and the strategy that is involved. If anything, the game will develop your appreciation for Formula 1 drivers and the stress they are under as they race.
One potential downside that we could see to F1 2019 is the lack of variety in cars. While you can play different teams and use different liveries, it comes down to the individual skill of the player more than the car itself. This is where other games shine. Games like Gran Turismo Sport with its 327 cars or DiRT Rally’s 46 different cars from a variety of eras and brands. While F1 2019 doesn’t give the greatest variety, it does create a driving experience unlike any other game on this list.
Assetto Corsa Competizione: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
For Fans of Long and Enduring Races
Assetto Corsa Competizione serves as a bridge between all the serious racing simulators on this list. Assetto Corsa Competizione has the sanctioned competitive feel of F1 2019, the intensity of DiRT Rally, and the attention to detail and variety of Gran Turismo Sport. It also has the longest races of any game that we have mentioned so far; 24-hour races. If you’re a die-hard racing fan that wants an intense, endurance-testing experience; this might be your game.
Assetto Corsa Competizione makes up for some of the shortcomings of the previously mentioned games but still isn’t perfect. While the career mode offers more than Gran Turismo Sport, it’s still not as entertaining as F1 2019. The driving experience is fun but not quite as riveting as DiRT Rally. Assetto Corsa Competizione does give the play a taste of what true endurance driving is and the toll it takes on drivers. If anything, this game stands as a testament to the skill and nerves of steel that drivers have.
What Are the Best Racing Games for You?
It’s important that when looking for a racing game that will keep you entertained for hours on end to keep these things in mind:
- How much time do you have?
- A lot? Go with Assetto Corsa Competizione or F1 2019
- Not much? Try Mario Kart 8 or Gran Turismo Sport
- Do you want a challenge?
- Yes? Try DiRT Rally.
- No? Try Mario Kart 8 and offline modes of Gran Turismo Sport
- Are you playing by yourself?
- Yes? Anything other than Mario Kart 8
- No? Go with Mario Kart 8
- Do you pay to play online?
- Yes? Gran Turismo Sport is the best
- No? Anything other than Gran Turismo Sport
- Do you rage quit?
- Yes? Avoid DiRT Rally and F1 2019
- No? Have fun with DiRT Rally
The reason these questions are important is that they will largely determine which game will give you the best experience.
Did Any of These Best Racing Games Inspire You?
The games we listed above are some of the most realistic racing simulators on the market, other than Mario Kart 8 of course. Maybe you found out that you’re a really good driver and want to invest in a car with a little more speed. All you have at home though is an old minivan or sluggish sedan that goes 0-60 in… eventually. CashForCars.com will give you cash for your old minivan or slow sedan so you can buy a car that reflects your skill as a driver! Fill out our instant online quote and see how much cash you could get from CashForCars.com!
WANT TO READ MORE?
You can check out our previous article about the best car shows to stream while stuck at home!
If you’re stuck inside, love cars, and need some recommendations for things to do, here are some other interesting lists of car-related things!
Best Car Shows to Steam While Stuck at Home
Best Car Youtube Channels to Binge While at Home
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