Racing Games

racing video game kids

From the time video game graphics were sophisticated enough to display a rudimentary car, racing games have been a fundamental part of digital entertainment. Racing games continue to be one of the most popular video game genres. You can be sure that whatever your preferred platform and features, there is a game that will be right for you.

Popular Racing Games

The history of racing games dates all the way back ot the 1970s when Taito released Astro Race and Speed Race. Needless to say, the industry and the genre has greatly evolved and matured since those early days. In a modern racing game, you can drive a variety of cars -- both fictional and with real world counterparts -- as quickly as they can go, competing on world class tracks. Gamers love racing games for the various thrills.

Over the years, many popular racing games have been released on a number of different platforms, including handheld, home console, and in the arcades. Some of the biggest highlights include the following:

  • Pole Position (1982) was developed by Namco. It provided gamers with computer-controlled opponents, advanced color graphics (for the time), and real world race tracks. The race style was that of Formula 1 and the arcade system was among the first to offer a steering wheel for controls.
  • Out Run (1986) was produced by Sega. In stark contrast to the driving simulation offered by Pole Position, Out Run was designed from the beginning as a fun, arcade-style driving game. Players got behind the wheel of a bright red Ferrari and had a female companion in the passenger's seat. Other innovations included the non-linear course layout and the choice of radio stations.
  • Hard Drivin' (1989), developed by Atari, promised to deliver "the world's first authentic driving simulation game." It was also one of the first driving games to feature 3D polygonal graphics. Other high-end features in the arcade version include force feedback on the steering wheel and a realistic manual transmission mode, complete with a clutch pedal and the possibility of a stall. This game was not for the feint of heart.
  • Virtua Racing (1992) continued the evolution of 3D polygonal graphics. It was also very noteworthy for its strong implementation of multiplayer versus racing, as well as much "cleaner" 3D graphics compared to its predecessors. This paved the way for future titles like Daytona USA.
  • Super Mario Kart (1992) was introduced in the same year, but it was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, rather than being released in arcades. Eschewing real cars and racing simulations, Nintendo took a cartoon-style approach with fun characters and various items that could be used to sabotage the other drivers.
  • Gran Turismo (1997) took five years to develop, but it was widely acclaimed as one of the most realistic racing simulations of its time. Gamers on the Sony PlayStation were given the opportunity to drive 180 real world cars across 11 real world race tracks. Brands represented in the game included Chevrolet, Mazda, Dodge, Subaru and TVR.
  • Need for Speed: Underground (2003) represented a sharp departure from the professional racing style of previous games in the series, shifting gears to the "tuner culture" of street racing. It involved all sorts of modifications and was likely influenced by movies like The Fast and Furious.
  • Forza Motorsport 4 (2011) utilized the unique Kinect Sensor on the Xbox 360. It also featured content from the BBC motorsport television show Top Gear.

Choosing a Game

Whichever racing game you choose to play, the core of the game should be the race. The excitement comes from the sense of speed and the euphoria of winning. Since the market is crowded and there are ample choices, it is wise to read reviews or try renting a game before you make a racing game purchase.