Racing Games

Racing games continue to be one of the most popular video game genres. The byproduct of this success is that there are myriad racing games to choose from. You can be sure that whatever your preferred platform and features, there is a game that will be right for you.

Racing Game Differences

• Vehicle type: Different racing games use different types of vehicles; you can find games that feature stock cars, street cars, licensed race cars and fantasy vehicles. While cars are the most common vehicles, there are also racing games that use motorcycles, speedboats and nearly any other vehicle you or a game designer can imagine.
• Arcade style racing vs. simulation style racing: In arcade style racing games, the physics model is less realistic and the vehicles can move in more fantastic ways. Often, arcade style games incorporate unrealistic fantasy environments and may even allow players to do things like pick up power ups or weapons. Simulation style racers have more realistic world models and the vehicles move in predictable ways. These cars are often more difficult to drive, but the level of player control is greater.
• Configuration: While some racing games do not allow you to change the configuration of your vehicle, others allow you to build cars or customize existing cars. Some games even allow you to win "cash prizes" that you can then use to upgrade your car or buy new cars that are not available at the beginning of the game.
• Licensed vs. unlicensed: Some of the most popular games are licensed by some of the most well-known racing organizations such as NASCAR and Formula One. Other racing games have licenses from particular car manufacturers, and still others use all original vehicle designs.
• Tournaments and practices: Most racing video games offer modes that allow you to practice, to race on a single track or to work through a tournament or championship.
• Number of players: If the game is a multi-player game, how many players can compete simultaneously? In addition to other gamers, you may be able to play against computer controlled vehicles.
• Gameplay: While it is hard to put a finger on it, some games are bland while others are wildly fun. Whether it is the sense of speed, the available vehicles, or the computer-controlled players, a racing video game has to be fun to be a best-seller.

Racing Games vs. Driving Games

Note that not all driving games are racing games. Quite a few action games feature vehicles or have the player drive throughout the game, without actually being in a race. If the game has goals other than a winning finish, it probably belongs in another genre. There are a few cross-genre racers, usually with arcade-style racing, that involve weapons and other tricks in addition to driving. The Mario Kart games are a classic example of this sort of racing game; they aren't necessarily for serious racers, but they are certainly fun.

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.