Racing

Sega Rally Championship is a landmark arcade racing game that revolutionized off-road driving with its distinct handling model and slippery surface physics. Players race against the clock and opponents across varied environments, mastering the art of the Scandinavian flick to maintain speed through tight corners. Originally debuting in arcades, this home port brings the thrill of competitive rally racing to home platforms with multiple game modes, split-screen multiplayer, and challenging tracks. Test your driving skills across different terrain types including asphalt, gravel, and mud.

✦ Best for arcade racing fans wanting classic drift mechanics and split-screen multiplayer.

Gran Turismo 2 is the acclaimed racing game for the Sony PlayStation and the sequel to the original blockbuster. Expanding vastly on its predecessor, it delivers an unprecedented collection of real-world vehicles and diverse racing circuits, including dedicated rally tracks. Players can jump straight into the action using Arcade Mode with free vehicle choices and optional damage, or dive deep into the comprehensive Gran Turismo Mode. In simulation mode, drivers must earn driver's licenses, purchase cars with earned credits, and win trophies to unlock new racing events and tracks.

✦ Best for racing fans wanting nearly 650 authentic automobiles and deep career progression.

Gran Turismo HD Concept served as the historic first appearance of the legendary racing franchise on the PlayStation 3 platform. Distributed primarily as a digital download alongside a limited Japanese Blu-ray release, it functioned as a technological showcase for high-definition visuals. Although the broader Gran Turismo HD project was ultimately cancelled and succeeded by Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, this release offered players their very first taste of next-generation simulation racing developed by Polyphony Digital.

✦ Best for franchise completionists seeking a free playstation 3 historical tech showcase.

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is a critically acclaimed racing simulation game developed by Polyphony Digital for the PlayStation 2. Released in 2001, it redefined the genre with stunning graphics, advanced physics, and an extensive campaign spanning beginner, amateur, professional, endurance, and rally races. Players can collect and tune over 150 meticulously modeled vehicles featuring advanced graphical effects like sun glare, heat distortion, and real-time reflections. With split-screen local multiplayer, TV-style replay modes, and a licensed soundtrack, it delivers an authentic and immersive motorsport experience.

✦ Best for sim racing fans and car enthusiasts wanting realistic physics.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue serves as an advanced precursor and technical showcase for the full Gran Turismo 5 experience, replacing Gran Turismo HD Concept. Featuring a native 60 frames per second frame rate during races, LPCM 7.1ch high definition sound, and detailed vehicle physics, it bridges the gap between past entries and the next generation of racing simulations. Updated through the Spec III software revision, the title expanded its offerings to include up to 16-player online races, over 70 meticulously modeled production and tuned cars, and 6 diverse tracks with 12 unique layouts. It provides players with a comprehensive taste of competitive racing and high-fidelity automotive culture on the PlayStation 3 platform.

✦ Best for ps3 owners wanting a stunning 60fps high-definition racing preview.

Gran Turismo 5 is the fifth mainline installment in the renowned racing video game franchise, developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Serving as the first full-fledged entry for the PlayStation 3, it delivers an unprecedented level of automotive realism and expansive racing content. The title features a massive roster of over 1,000 meticulously detailed vehicles, 26 diverse locations, and 71 unique tracks. Incorporating official licenses from prestigious racing series like the World Rally Championship, NASCAR, and Super GT, it offers players an authentic and comprehensive motorsport experience.

✦ Best for racing enthusiasts wanting a massive car selection on ps3.

Gran Turismo 4 Prologue is a racing video game in the Gran Turismo series developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Designed as a stop-gap release prior to the full Gran Turismo 4, it offered players an early look at the technological advancements and driving physics accumulated by the developers. Although it features a limited selection of vehicles and tracks compared to the complete version, the game includes core series elements such as traditional races, time attack modes, and license tests. It was released for the PlayStation 2 in December 2003, though it notably never saw a release in the North American market.

✦ Best for playstation 2 owners wanting an early preview of gran turismo 4.

Sega Rally 3 brings the excitement of classic arcade rally racing to the modern arcade scene, featuring fast‑paced off‑road action and authentic vehicle handling. Players can compete in a variety of environments, including the newly remade Desert ’95 track that pays homage to the series' heritage. The game supports up to six players in split‑screen multiplayer, a single‑player championship mode, and a range of cars tuned for competitive rallying, delivering a fun experience for both casual and hardcore racers.

✦ Best for racing fans wanting local multiplayer arcade rally action.

Jump into the driver's seat in Jak X: Combat Racing, a high-octane vehicular combat game developed by Naughty Dog. Set in the gritty wasteland city of Kras City, Jak and his friends are forced to compete in a deadly tournament to save their lives from a fatal poison. Experience fast-paced racing action packed with explosive weaponry, vehicle customization, and an engaging storyline. Featuring intense single-player championships and robust multiplayer modes including split-screen action, it delivers thrilling competitive gameplay for fans of arcade racing.

✦ Best for fans of fast arcade racing and local split-screen multiplayer.

Dive into the high-octane world of anti-gravity racing with Wipeout Fusion, developed by SCE Studio Liverpool. Experience adrenaline-fueled competition as you pilot sleek craft across futuristic circuits, utilizing a deadly arsenal of weaponry to eliminate your rivals. Featuring a blistering electronic soundtrack, multiple game modes, and intense split-screen multiplayer action, this installment pushes the limits of PlayStation 2 racing with sleek visuals and uncompromising physics.

✦ Best for fans of high-speed anti-gravity combat racing and split-screen multiplayer.

Wipeout 64 brings the futuristic combat racing franchise to the Nintendo 64, offering high-velocity anti-gravity craft racing across demanding tracks. Players navigate tight turns and steep drops while collecting offensive and defensive weapons to eliminate rival racers. Developed by Psygnosis, this installment features exclusive tracks, a Challenge mode, and split-screen multiplayer support for competitive racing action. The game retains the signature sleek visual style and pulse-pounding techno music that defined the series.

✦ Best for retro racing fans seeking high-speed split-screen anti-gravity combat.

Wipeout Pure is a futuristic anti-gravity racing game developed by SCE Studio Liverpool and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Released for the PlayStation Portable in March 2005, it delivers intense arcade action, stunning futuristic visuals, and a pulsing electronic soundtrack. Players pilot sleek anti-gravity ships across various twisting tracks, utilizing an arsenal of offensive and defensive weapons to gain an advantage over opponents. With multiple game modes, downloadable content packs, and robust multiplayer support, Wipeout Pure remains a standout title in the storied franchise.

✦ Best for fans of high-speed sci-fi arcade racing on psp