If they may seem similar at first glance, racing games nevertheless show a rather astonishing variety. Present since the advent of video games a long time ago, this genre has not aged a bit. These titles can be demanding to learn or on the contrary ultra accessible for casual players. In short, there is plenty to do!
It takes everything to make a world… An affirmation that is all the more true with racing games. Many subgenres exist within this category, which is very popular with gamers. Of course, we find fastidious simulations like Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport alongside titles that opt ​​for a more arcade dimension like Forza Horizon or Burnout. Then there are the eternal kart games represented by Crash Team Racing and other Mario Karts… Not to mention the two-wheelers honored by franchises like Ride and MotoGP. So it's time to discover the best racing games of the moment.
Forza Horizon 5: The All-Terrain Champion
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View PriceView TestForza Horizon 5
- Mexico, magnificent and with varied landscapes
- Gargantuan content
- Onion gameplay
- The atmosphere of the Horizon festival (and its music)
- Graphically superb!
When it released in November 2021, Forza Horizon 5 turned everything upside down. The Playground Games teams take us on a journey to the heart of Mexico on this real road trip that will amaze you. Because before talking about its conduct, this fifth installment stands out mainly for its huge playground. The dynamic weather is not to be outdone with its impressive sandstorms or thunderstorms of rare violence. The breathtaking display distance reinforces the immersion and the cars are modeled to perfection. The game is an outstanding showcase for Microsoft's Xbox Series X and S.
As for the gameplay, it wants to be accessible thanks to a totally customizable driving. Beginners can chain the races without taking the lead and seasoned players have the possibility of removing all the assistances to make driving more realistic. The game even goes so far as to offer a difficulty in line with our current performance and includes accessibility options designed for players with disabilities. Everyone is benefiting.
Finally, the Horizon Festival is full of races and other activities to complete. Earth, cross-country, street events, performing stunts, destroying signs... There's plenty to do. Not to mention hundreds of cars to unlock. Also, small rather nice scripted missions bring a little variety to the formula. Forza Horizon 5 the ultimate racing game!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: the indefatigable Switch mascot
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PriceMario Kart 8 Deluxe
- The Ultimate Multi Racing Game
- Huge content
- Accessible and fun for all
How can we talk about the Nintendo Switch without talking about a Mario Kart?! Launched in 2014 on the now defunct Wii U, the eighth installment in the franchise has been granted a well-deserved second youth via a Deluxe Edition reserved for the Japanese manufacturer's hybrid console. With about fifty different circuits, a roster of more than 40 characters, a reworked Battle mode and new objects, this version is undoubtedly the most complete in the history of this iconic saga.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is playable in several ways, whether in portable mode, on a TV for up to four players, in two-player tabletop mode, in local multiplayer for up to eight participants and finally via its online multiplayer. The possibilities are endless. In addition to the exceptional content already mentioned above, we have access to the usual cups and Battle games based on coins, bombs or even capturing suns.
Graphically, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hasn't aged a bit with its bright colors and constant framerate. Nothing to say either about the exemplary handling of the title. Nintendo's game is both easy to learn but difficult to fully master. All the ingredients are there to spend intense evenings with friends or family.
Burnout Paradise Remastered: pure fun
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Burnout Paradise Remastered
- The open-world still as pleasant
- Ultra fun and nervous driving
- A gargantuan lifespan
Let's continue with the remastering of a legendary racing game initially launched in 2008. Burnout Paradise had at that time not so far marked an entire generation of players thanks to its boosted driving and its level design which borders on perfection. Ten years later, Electronic Arts offered us this reissue with a smoothing of the textures and a definition in 4K. Admittedly, the visual part is beginning to suffer from the weight of the years, but the title developed by Criterion Games is doing honorably. And it must be said that its content is no stranger to its success.
In Paradise City, it is the pilot who traces his route during a race. Indeed, the player is free to choose his route to cross the finish line as quickly as possible. Something to bring a touch of originality to a genre that often relies on its achievements. The Hunt, Road Rage, Cascade Sequence, Burning Course modes as well as the Chrono and Crash challenges mark out the map of the city where it is possible to move freely. Add to that all the DLC and an impressive garage to get a simply colossal lifespan.
But Burnout Paradise (Remastered) is above all adored for its ultra-nervous driving and its remarkable level design with many shortcuts or alternative routes to take. It is necessary to react at the quarter turn to avoid spectacular crashes which punish the slightest careless mistake. The very arcade maneuverability is enjoyable and the soundtrack fills our ears with it at all times. This is an episode not to be missed and available at a low price on consoles as well as on PC. Go buy it!
Ride 4: the best modern two-wheel engine
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Ride 4
- A real demanding simulation
- Well optimized for new consoles
- Important content
We necessarily had to go to the motorcycle stand as part of this selection. It was finally Ride 4, released in October 2020, which was chosen with the aim of representing two-wheelers. The franchise has decked itself out in its finest attire for this fourth edition. Indeed, the improvements are legion thanks to the addition of dynamic weather and ANNA artificial intelligence. The latter quite logically improves the AI ​​​​of opponents who adopt a more realistic and aggressive behavior during the race.
Ride 4 is a demanding simulation that is not easily tamed. It is essential to chain the tests to forge a high degree of experience which is essential to progress effectively. The player must also manage the condition of his bike's tires and the fuel level. Customization is also an important part of the experience since it is perfectly possible to modify a bike in order to promote various aspects such as stability or speed.
Graphically, Ride 4 does it right with all 176 officially licensed motorcycles modeled to perfection. The 30 circuits available complete the poster along with an ultra-complete career mode. Finally, the new generation consoles benefit from a few improvements such as a framerate of 60 FPS. On Xbox Series X|S, the Quick Resume is part of the game… PS5 players enjoy a better feel with the controller in hand via the technologies embedded by the DualSense. Ride 4 is the motorcycle game of the moment!
WipEout Omega Collection: the ultimate futuristic racing game
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Wipeout Omega Collection
- Speed ​​pushed to its climax
- Outstanding graphics
- A delightful soundtrack
It was 1995 when the WipEout franchise first hit PlayStation. The saga had then almost completely disappeared after a high quality PS Vita episode. In 2018, Sony offered a new chance at the license through a compilation called WipEout Omega Collection on PS4. It brings together the content of WipEout HD Fury and 2048 on the same wafer. That's 26 races spread across 9 distinct modes, all with 46 ships available. In addition, this remaster is fully playable in virtual reality via the PlayStation VR. Enough to reinforce an already palpable immersion by playing in a classic way.
Anchored in the not so distant future, the WipEout series puts the player in the cockpit of ships propelled at high speed on completely crazy tracks! Such a sense of speed has hardly ever been matched in video games. To add a layer of it, the competitors can inflict heavy damage thanks to the weapons easily recoverable during an event. Thus, being a good pilot is not enough and it is essential to use the ship's arsenal wisely.
In addition to being visually superb and equipped with a soundtrack with small onions, WipEout Omega Collection is quite accessible but without falling into childish simplicity. We must show reflexes to avoid seeing our ship explode into a thousand pieces at the bend of a badly negotiated turn. In addition, options are available to prevent the user from falling victim to motion-sickness. A compilation that we highly recommend!
F1 2021: the unbeatable benchmark
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See the priceSee the testF1 2021
- Full 2021 season
- Variety of playing styles, level of realism
- Very correct technical realization
- Countless single-player game modes (Braking Point, My Stable, Career, Grand Prix, Time Trial, etc.)
- Enjoyable two-player career
- The excitement of split-screen play
Formula 1 is popular and Codemasters has understood this! Every year we are entitled to a simulation of this discipline on consoles and PC. The latest from the British studio, F1 2021 is in line with its predecessors while updating its very generous content. The 2021 season is complete with modes loved by pilots from all walks of life. The story mode is making a comeback by offering us to discover behind the scenes through the eyes of four characters. The career gains in density since it can be fully appreciated by up to two players.
The laps remain ultra realistic with circuits (including 3 new ones) and cars modeled to perfection. If we have already seen better on a purely technical level, the realization remains correct as a whole. Accessibility is highlighted by selectable presets based on the player's experience level. Piloting is thus less restrictive for beginners who learn at their own pace where experts will face an advanced simulation.
F1 2021 is a must for F1 lovers. The content is there and despite a slightly aging technique, the sensations are there at the wheel of the most beautiful Formula 1 cars. An ideal game to get in the mood before the start of the next season in March 2022.
Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled: the only alternative to Mario Kart
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Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
- Gameplay that hasn't aged a bit
- Really beautiful
- Awesome content
Released in 1999 and a real pearl of the very first PlayStation, Crash Team Racing also got a makeover 20 years later with a Nitro-Fueled edition as unexpected as it is qualitative. The developers of the Beenox studio have done a great job. The graphics have quite logically been reimagined with explosive colors and superbly modeled circuits. Although it can be easily compared to Mario Kart, Activision's title is still unique.
All content from the Naughty Dog era is included in this version, including an exciting story mode and thrilling time trials. Additional circuits and a customization system are also arriving to densify the formula. The lifespan is almost unlimited since online multiplayer makes a remarkable appearance. It is of course always possible to play several locally.
Let's end by briefly mentioning the timeless gameplay of this Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled. The turbos are an integral part of driving since they can be triggered at any time via a simple jump or a skid. Again, regular practice is mandatory to achieve a high level of proficiency. This remastering is aimed at a wide audience made up of occasional or passionate players. Crash Team Racing has stood the test of time!
