Racing Game Recommendations

Lately, with the purchase of my sweet 'new' ride, I have had a bad case of cars on the brain. I've been playing the shit out of R4, Rage Racer, and PGR2. I want to play something newer, but it's a very crowded genre with a lot of unfun gristle that I haven't kept up with too well. So please tell me what I should check out for my fix, considering the following:

-My favorites I've played are the Ridge Racers and the Initial D arcade game.
-The feeling of speed is most important to me (this is what kills Gran Turismo for me).
- I prefer street type settings over shit like Nascar or something, as well as preferring more everyday Japanese cars to stuff like Porsches- Supras are a big plus.
- I don't mind more simulationist type games as long as they're fast ( which the few I've played haven't been.
- I don't have a 360.

OutRun 2006. The sensation of speed is as good as it gets.

and Burnout Revenge.

One series I loved was Tokyo Extreme. You can find Tokyo Extreme Zero for really cheap, the race/battle system is really unique and can get pretty addictive. There's a ton of customization, and a shit ton of races.

RalliSport 2 for Japanese cars.

I've been toying with the idea of buying a new car and have, as a result, fallen back into Gran Turismo 4. If you like playing racers in the cockpit view, GT4 is certainly plenty fast. Check out these YouTubes as evidence:

A pretty average speed car on the Nurburgring:



And this video shows about as fast as the game gets (one course is probably faster but not as interesting):

I think Gran Turismo 4 is very good, but going by what you're looking for in a racer, Outrun 2006 and Burnout Revenge are probably the best choices. F-Zero GX is an excellent, and extremely fast racer as well, if you don't mind the futuristic theme.

F-Zero GX is probably the most difficult arcade-ish racer out there. It's definitely good but I find it more frustrating than the previous F-Zero games.

Thanks for all the suggestions, keep 'em coming!

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Originally Posted by Brand X

One series I loved was Tokyo Extreme. You can find Tokyo Extreme Zero for really cheap, the race/battle system is really unique and can get pretty addictive. There's a ton of customization, and a shit ton of races.

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This looks like it might be just what I'm after. Another one that caught my eye is Auto Modellista.

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

If you like playing racers in the cockpit view

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Cockpit view 4 life, I should have mentioned that. Does Outrun 2006 allow you to switch, btw?

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Originally Posted by Andy

F-Zero GX is an excellent, and extremely fast racer as well, if you don't mind the futuristic theme.

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Heh, this is one of my top ten of all time, excellent game in every way. But right now I'm looking more for something cockpit view with 4 tires on the ground.

Burnout 3 is the single best arcade racer ever made, and Midnight Club 3 is worth checking out as well. They're my two favorite racers or the last couple years. Honorable mention goes to Rallisport Challenge 2.

James

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Originally Posted by Vasteel

Cockpit view 4 life, I should have mentioned that. Does Outrun 2006 allow you to switch, btw?

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Yep.

Rallisport Challenge 2. Awesome arcadish rally racer for Xbox. And F-Zero GX.

Burnout Takedown and Revenge.

Ask g0zen, I'm a racing fanatic. And with that said-

Project Gotham Racing 2/3
Rallisport Challenge 2 (Best Arcade rally title ever made) *Fucking buy this!
Outrun 2: Coast to Coast
F-Zero GX
Midnight Club 3 Dub Edition: Remix
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 2
Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 2: Maximum Impact
Colin McRae (Any current gen)

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Originally Posted by James

Burnout 3 is the single best arcade racer ever made, and Midnight Club 3 is worth checking out as well. They're my two favorite racers or the last couple years. Honorable mention goes to Rallisport Challenge 2.

James

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Good picks. You pretty much said the same thing I did.

They're a different kind of racing game, but I <3 Trackmania Sunrise and Trackmania Nations.

Basically it's a matter of glorified time trials (no collision), retardedly over the top track design that sometimes has a focus on simply making it to the finish, and a ton of customization.

I've had stupid amounts of enjoyment replaying the same track to the point of getting a gold medal, which is pretty much the whole point.

This has nothing to do with the thread I just made, promise.

Daytona USA CCE on Saturn. I don't care how ugly it is today. Get that shit.

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Originally Posted by NeoZeedeater

F-Zero GX is probably the most difficult arcade-ish racer out there. It's definitely good but I find it more frustrating than the previous F-Zero games.

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agreed. though i played the shit out of it and finished both the racing and story mode :)


Vasteel, i would recommend Burnout(the last one), Outrun 2/C2C, Need for Speed Underground or Most Wanted.....though i consider the NFS series is on a downhill compared to the all time greatest NFS: Hot Persuit 2......EA, please enough of the ghetto/rice rocket crap! :(

Don't forget Toca 2/3. Both are excellent games, very fast, has cockpit view and features a variety of cars/classes.

Outrun Coast 2 Coast is definitely fast and fun. It does have a first person view but not a true cockpit view.

And if you like sliding around, get Colin McRae 2005, best rally racer game I have played.

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Originally Posted by Tain

They're a different kind of racing game, but I <3 Trackmania Sunrise and Trackmania Nations.

Basically it's a matter of glorified time trials (no collision), retardedly over the top track design that sometimes has a focus on simply making it to the finish, and a ton of customization.

I've had stupid amounts of enjoyment replaying the same track to the point of getting a gold medal, which is pretty much the whole point.

This has nothing to do with the thread I just made, promise.

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This is also true. I've only played Trackmania Nations and it's *really* good. Yes, it uses that horrible Starforce copy protection, but it's a much less potent version than what's used in more recent games.

I'm still looking for Trackmania Sunrise, so if anyone knows where I can pick it up, pls let me know.

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

Daytona USA CCE on Saturn. I don't care how ugly it is today. Get that shit.

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Do you hate Vasteel?

Beetle Adventure Racing get.

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

Daytona USA CCE on Saturn. I don't care how ugly it is today. Get that shit.

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I have it. I still think it looks okay, far, far better thean Daytona 1 on Saturn, at any rate, and it controls well right off the bat. However, if you're willing to spend about 20-30 minutes tinkering with the controls, the Dreamcast version is the one to get.

Sega Rally on Saturn is incredible, and I wish I would've gotten into this game back when it came out. So far it's my favorite racer, bar none.

Test Drive Le Mans is great. The DC version looks nicer, but the PS2 rev should be fairly easy to find.

Mario Kart DS is a fun game, with a great sensation of speed. Definitely my favorite Mario Kart game, it's pretty much the only one you'll need.

With the exception of MKDS, which I got shortly after it came out, all these games can be had for less than ten bucks. Daytona set me back fifty cents, and Sega Rally I got as a freebie. Le Mans was, like, eight bucks at Play-Asia.

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Originally Posted by kbuchanan

Beetle Adventure Racing get.

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Crap. I forgot all about that.

Great game.

I played some Test Drive Unlimited at a kiosk. It looked pretty good.

Dont listen to Kev. The Dreamcast version of Daytona is pure ass water. It is truly terrible in every way. Except the graphics. 1/10.

I agree with Diff, Daytona on DC blows. Test Drive LeMans for DC is pretty awesome though.

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Originally Posted by Kev

Sega Rally on Saturn is incredible, and I wish I would've gotten into this game back when it came out. So far it's my favorite racer, bar none.

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Original Sega Rally on PS2 FTW.

Lord knows the new game on that disc (or set) isn't the reason to buy it.

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

Daytona USA CCE on Saturn. I don't care how ugly it is today. Get that shit.

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This man has never been more correct in his life.

Still the best playing "arcade" racer to ever hit consoles.

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Originally Posted by Vasteel

This looks like it might be just what I'm after. Another one that caught my eye is Auto Modellista.

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I think I'm the only one that really likes this game, but I'm a sucker for cell-shading. :/

Oh yeah, not really a car racing game but it can be had for like nothing...

Quantum Redshift on Xbox. It starts slow, but as you build you ship up, it just has this insane sense of speed.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

And if you like sliding around, get Colin McRae 2005, best rally racer game I have played.

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I second this choice.

Woah, what's with all these new age racers?

Outrun 2019, plz.

Quantum Redshit is bat barf The vehicles control like total ass.

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Originally Posted by icarusfall

I think I'm the only one that really likes this game, but I'm a sucker for cell-shading. :/

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I played it and was pretty put off, but I was looking at some screens recently, and yeah, what a nice looking game. I kind of want to try it again, but I know it won't help.

Everyone who said Daytona for Dreamcast sucks is absolutely correct. Biggest disappointment. However, if you'd like to buy a copy anyway, PM me!

Burnout Revenge wins for sense of speed for me. That shit is ridiculous. Only downside is that it renders the earlier Burnout games pretty much unplayable once you're used to it. You'll get bored with them.

I recommend Outrun 2 over Outrun 2006. Outrun 2 is more difficult and prettier. Burnout 3 is also fantastic. If you ever get a 360, get Burnout Revenge, but I don't think it's worth playing on current-gen consoles, which lack the much-needed improvements and fixes in the 360 version.

Give Forza Motorsport a try, too - I think it's better than GT4.

To just throw my two cents in with Daytona on DC... I agree with Kev. Spend the time to tweak the controls, and its the best version of Daytona on consoles.

And if you have a DC, San Francisco Rush 2049 is the most awesome arcade racer (with a name other than "Outrun") ever made.

If you really crave the speed rush, you might want to track down a copy of Powerdrome on Xbox. Yes, it's a "futuristic" racer, but the controls are very tight, it demands real racing skills, and the sense of speed is unparalleled. A very clean, polished game that went completely unnoticed. If you can find it at all, it will probably cost you $5 - $10.

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Originally Posted by Vasteel

Another one that caught my eye is Auto Modellista.

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Be sure to read the definitive review.

Auto Modellista is one of the biggest wastes of potential ever. How can you bolt such an awesome graphic style to a turdy GT-clone engine? It's just not right.

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

Be sure to read the definitive review.

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Your review actually sold me on this game, I think. Somehow I don't think that was your intention though.

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

Auto Modellista is one of the biggest wastes of potential ever. How can you bolt such an awesome graphic style to a turdy GT-clone engine? It's just not right.

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Is it really that bad?

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

Be sure to read the definitive review.

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This is actually pretty right on target. The game's pretty fun if you ignore the wall-ramming, but it's pretty tough to do--you'll end up racing faster when you screw up than you would if you properly braked/apexed.

It's been a while since I played the game, but I think if they just implemented a simple "if touch wall, then minus 50 MPH" it would've been a lot better.

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Originally Posted by Vasteel

Your review actually sold me on this game, I think. Somehow I don't think that was your intention though.

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What MarkRyan said is true. It was a fun game. It just had a glaring flaw. If you can suspend disbelief, you'll probably love it.

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Originally Posted by Vasteel

Your review actually sold me on this game, I think. Somehow I don't think that was your intention though.


Is it really that bad?

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AM sucks, the control is ridiculous hard. It has a very strange turn radius, it is very very difficult to make it through a turn without spinning out (no idea what Diff means about the GT clone, I don't spin out of GT clone 9 out of 10 curves). Basically, it force you to drive like a grandma on every slight curve, heck, on straightaways, I dare not touch the control pad.... You can get better by sticking with it (slow way down to turn and try not to touch the gas pedal) and by upgrades... but there are so many superior racing games out there, why subject yourself to a shitty racing engine just for the cool graphics?

I'd also throw in the often overlooked Ridge Racer 5 on PS2. It's not very deep, but it's just plain fun, and you can probably find it for like $2.50 these days.

* Out Run 2 & C2C : Nothing else needs to be said other than get both of them.

* Battle Gear 2 & 3 : These arcade racers have Japanese street type settings and yes- Japanese licensed cars. Mazda, Toyota (even a Supra), Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are there. BG has several different views including a true cockpit one.

* Sega Rally 1 on Saturn : Better graphically than PS Ridge Racer. The frame rate is a rock solid 30.

* Sega Rally 2 on Dreamcast: Put in both the U,A,D,D,L,R,B,B,D (reduce detail) and U,A,D,D,L,R,B,B,U (lock at 30 FPS) codes to get a rock solid 30 FPS with no slowdown. The game play is actually decent. It's a shame you have to resort to this since Sega didn't do all they needed- but this is better than the normal unsteady framerate hell.

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Originally Posted by GohanX

I'd also throw in the often overlooked Ridge Racer 5 on PS2. It's not very deep, but it's just plain fun, and you can probably find it for like $2.50 these days.

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Seconded... and not just because I imported a PS2 at launch to play it.

RC Pro AM

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Originally Posted by Josh

RC Pro AM

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IBTN. RC Pro Am 2 as well.

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Originally Posted by Yoshi

Seconded... and not just because I imported a PS2 at launch to play it.

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Thirded. I was shocked to go back to this game and see how much fun it still is. R4 was my favorite racing game ever for years, but it hasn't aged well. RRV most definitely holds up. Also, neGcon forever.

And yeah, Auto Modellista really was a huge disappointment, the gameplay is pretty weird from what I recall. I want to like it for the graphics but I know I shouldn't waste my money on giving it another shot. Too bad.

Racing games are pretty fun.

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Originally Posted by Compass

Racing games are pretty fun.

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Wipeout 3 is the best of them all.

You meant Burnout 3. It's an easy typo to make.

James

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Originally Posted by James

You meant Burnout 3. It's an easy typo to make.

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Sorry, but as a pretty big racing game fan, it's not even close. The 32-bit era birthed the best racing games made to date.

I was a huge WipEout fan back in the day, and the third was my favorite (didn't care much for XL). But Burnout 3 is pretty damn awesome.

Somebody up there said Outrun 2 had the best sensation of speed. Is this true? I have it on PSP (where it admittedly probably loses something), and Burnout 3 kills it in this regard.

Of course it's true! Outrun 2006 has a great sense of speed and is an outstanding game on the strength of the SP arcade mode alone. Though I wouldn't want a Chihiro arcade game on anything other than an XBox.

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Originally Posted by Brand X

One series I loved was Tokyo Extreme. You can find Tokyo Extreme Zero for really cheap, the race/battle system is really unique and can get pretty addictive. There's a ton of customization, and a shit ton of races.

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This is true. The series kicks major ass. Free-roaming "fights" FTW.

Beetle Adventure Racing and Rush 2049. For the current systems Excite Truck and Burnout Revenge.

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Originally Posted by MarkRyan

Sorry, but as a pretty big racing game fan, it's not even close. The 32-bit era birthed the best racing games made to date.

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Saturn racers FTW.

I even love Sega Touring Car to death. The analog control makes me cry it's so perfect.

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Originally Posted by Cheebs

Saturn racers FTW.

I even love Sega Touring Car to death. The analog control makes me cry it's so perfect.

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Sega Touring Car is a cool game, but the inconsistant frame-rate just kills me.