The racing game genre has significantly evolved in recent years, with numerous new titles appearing on store shelves. However, players often feel a strong desire to revisit nostalgic classics and replay some iconic racing games from the past. Although these games may lack modern graphics and cinematic presentations, they offer a quintessential, unadulterated racing experience.
With nostalgia in mind, here are our top five classic racing games that remain enjoyable in 2024.
Top Five Classic Racing Games to Enjoy
1) Midnight Club: LA
Today, Rockstar Games is widely recognized for its flagship franchises like GTA and Red Dead. However, in the 2000s, they managed several intellectual properties, including the Midnight Club series. This street racing franchise launched four titles from 2000 until its last installment, Midnight Club: LA, in 2008.
The game features a richly detailed depiction of Los Angeles, offering a range of races, challenges, and collectibles for players to enjoy. While the franchise has been inactive for over a decade and a half, Midnight Club: LA allows players to appreciate racing through the unique lens of Rockstar Games’ vision.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PSP
2) Project Cars 2
Developed by Slightly Mad Studios, the Project Cars franchise launched its first title in 2015. However, Project Cars 2, released in 2017, provides an incredible array of real-world cars and tracks. The game is also known for its highly detailed vehicle handling and comprehensive customization options for each in-game vehicle.
While the franchise has dwindled since the release of Project Cars 3 in 2020, the second entry continues to be a standout title among racing games. With Codemasters acquiring the developer and putting the franchise on hold, this game remains the ultimate way to enjoy the series.
Available on: PS4, PC, Xbox One
3) Test Drive Unlimited 2
Released in 2011, Test Drive Unlimited 2 transported players from Hawaii’s setting in the first game to the picturesque island of Ibiza. The game is rich with features, including vehicle dealerships, purchasable properties for your character, and an expansive open world map.
The open-world structure of Test Drive Unlimited 2 allows for a variety of racing experiences. While the recent revival of the franchise under Solar Crown has generated interest, Test Drive Unlimited 2 remains a beloved classic and an excellent racing title to experience.
Available on: PS3, PC, Xbox 360
4) Driver: San Francisco
While Ubisoft’s Driver franchise is now a relic of the past, its final major entry offers a unique gameplay mechanic that sets it apart from other racing games. Players control John Tanner, the protagonist, in a setting that is none other than San Francisco.
Thanks to Tanner’s “Shift”ability, players can take over any vehicle at any moment, enriching the gameplay experience. This element weaves neatly into the game’s narrative, revolving around an accident involving the protagonist. The game remains a fantastic racing experience and, for now, seems to be the last main entry in the Driver series.
Available on: PS3, PC, Wii, MacOS, Xbox 360
5) Need For Speed: Underground 2
In the 2000s, EA was synonymous with the Need for Speed franchise. Although the recent Unbound (2022) has garnered attention, Underground 2 was immensely popular in its day. Featuring an iconic soundtrack and an impressive selection of cars, it is often regarded as one of the best entries in the series.
This game emphasized the car tuning culture of its time and integrated substantial street racing elements into its campaign. Despite being the oldest game on this list, NFS Underground 2 is an essential play for any racing game enthusiast.
Available on: PS2, PC, Xbox, GameCube, GameBoy, Nintendo DS, PSP
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