The 30+ Best PS1 Games for Racing
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Expanding on the groundbreaking original, Gran Turismo 2 boasted a staggering 650 cars and over 27 tracks, offering players unparalleled depth in the racing genre. Featuring meticulously modeled vehicles and realistic driving mechanics, enthusiasm for automobiles was palpable with every lap. This sequel introduced rally racing events, and a more comprehensive career mode, allowing players to upgrade their cars and participate in various racing championships. Gran Turismo 2 truly set a new standard for the simulation racing experience on PlayStation, making it an essential addition to any racing fan's library.
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
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The originator of the esteemed series, Gran Turismo revolutionized the racing game landscape with its attention to detail, jaw-dropping graphics, and authentic driving simulation. Offering an impressive roster of over 140 licensed cars and 11 different tracks, the game delivered a new level of immersion in the racing genre. The innovative career mode allowed players to earn credits through winning races and using them to buy and modify their dream car. Gran Turismo's perfect blend of simulation and arcade elements created the blueprint for future racing titles, cementing its place in gaming history.
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
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Taking the beloved characters from the Crash Bandicoot series and placing them in the driver's seat, Crash Team Racing became an instant classic as a fun, fast-paced kart racer. Its distinct power-ups, tight controls, and engaging courses set it apart from other kart racers, making it the go-to choice for PlayStation gamers. Additionally, CTR offered an adventure mode that combined racing and platforming, providing an entertaining single-player experience. With its unique character roster and exhilarating multiplayer gameplay, Crash Team Racing carved out its own niche among PlayStation racing games.
- Developer: Naughty Dog
The third installment of the long-running series, Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit built on its predecessors' foundation by introducing police pursuits, adding a thrilling layer to high-speed races. Players could choose between playing as a racer, outrunning the law, or taking on the role of a cop, using various tactics to apprehend speeding vehicles. The game also boasted an extensive roster of real-world exotic cars and visually stunning track environments. This adrenaline-pumping, cat-and-mouse gameplay made Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit an unforgettable entry in the series.
- Developer: EA Canada
As the sequel to the highly acclaimed original, Colin McRae Rally 2.0 upped the ante with enhanced graphics, more realistic physics, and new rally stages spanning over six countries. The game was designed in collaboration with the late, great rally driver Colin McRae, ensuring an authentic and immersive off-road experience. Players were tasked with managing their cars through various terrains and weather conditions, demanding precise control and mastery of the course. Colin McRae Rally 2.0 is regarded as one of the best rally racing games on PlayStation, providing fans with the thrill and excitement of off-road competition.
Colin McRae Rally 2.0 on the Game Boy Advance adapts the gameplay of the PC/console title to the handheld's capabilities. The game features five licensed cars (Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, Ford Puma) and tracks in six different countries (Finland, France, Sweden, Australia, Kenya, United Kingdom). The game's main rally mode takes the player through a championship, with each of the six countries' rally tracks consisting of six stages each. The game takes the simulation approach, with the player being able to adjust suspension, gearbox, steering, tyres and more to fit driving style and road conditions. Damage acquired during a race must be repaired between stages at the expense of time. Besides driving the full championship, it is also possible to practice single rallies and even single stages - a time trial mode for single stages is also available. Tracks not available to be selected from the beginning must be unlocked by winning the championship first. Besides rally mode, the game also offers arcade mode, which features six tracks for conventional circuit racing. The circuits can be driven as time trials, single races or a championship. This mode also supports multiplayer via the link cable, only requiring a single cartridge. During racing, the track is displayed via a Mode-7-style scaling/rotating bitmap engine, with the cars rendered as texture-mapped polygons. During rally races, the game features a co-driver calling out road features ahead via digitized speech, which is provided by Colin McRae's actual co-driver Nicky Grist.- 6
Taking a unique approach to racing games, Driver combined mission-based driving gameplay and an engaging narrative with open-world exploration. Players assumed the role of undercover cop Tanner, infiltrating criminal organizations by showcasing his incredible driving skills. This distinct gameplay style, coupled with a detailed recreation of various real-life cities to explore, set Driver apart from its contemporaries. The seamless blend of racing action and storytelling solidified Driver as a standout title for PlayStation gamers seeking something beyond traditional racing experiences.
- Developer: Ubisoft Reflections
Further evolving the series' successful formula, Need for Speed: High Stakes introduced an engaging career mode where players earned prize money to buy and upgrade cars, as well as repair damage sustained during races. The game brought back the exhilarating police pursuits from Hot Pursuit, and introduced the concept of placing bets on races, increasing the stakes and risk factor. With improved graphics, an impressive car selection, and an expanded roster of tracks, High Stakes managed to raise the bar even higher in the world of PlayStation racing games.
- Developer: EA Seattle
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The fourth installment of the beloved Ridge Racer series, R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 refined and polished the arcade-style racing gameplay that had won the hearts of fans worldwide. With over 300 cars to unlock and 8 beautifully designed tracks to race on, R4 provided a satisfying blend of challenge and visual splendor. The game's Grand Prix mode allowed players to join one of four racing teams, each with its own distinct cars and storyline. R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 remains an enduring fan-favorite, standing out among PlayStation racing games for its superb aesthetics and addictive gameplay.
- Developer: Namco
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Toca Touring Cars 2
1999Jumping into the highly competitive world of touring car racing, TOCA Touring Cars 2 delivered intense, door-to-door racing action featuring officially licensed vehicles and tracks. The game's career mode placed players in the shoes of a professional driver, climbing the ranks and earning sponsorship deals as they progressed through multiple seasons. With realistic damage modeling, responsive handling, and challenging AI opponents, TOCA Touring Cars 2 provided players with an exhilarating and authentic racing experience. This gem of a game captured the essence of touring car racing, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
- Developer: Codemasters
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For those seeking a chaotic and unorthodox racing experience, Destruction Derby offered a fresh take on the genre by emphasizing vehicular carnage. Players competed in various demolition-based events, aiming to wreck opponents' cars while keeping their own vehicle intact. The appealing combination of destruction and traditional racing elements provided a unique gameplay style that set Destruction Derby apart from other racing games on the PlayStation. With its satisfyingly visceral crashes and challenging arenas, Destruction Derby quickly gained a dedicated fanbase craving more than just speed and finesse.
- Developer: Reflections Interactive
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The sequel to the iconic vehicular combat game, Twisted Metal 2 upped the ante with new characters, larger arenas, and even more chaotic action. Players took control of one of many heavily armed vehicles, battling it out in an explosive, anything-goes contest for survival and supremacy. The game's twisted storyline and memorable cast of characters added depth and intrigue to the unparalleled vehicular carnage. This thrilling and brutal demolition derby style gameplay made Twisted Metal 2 a must-have for PlayStation gamers seeking intense action.
- Developer: SingleTrac
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The highly anticipated sequel to Driver brought players into a new world of cinematic driving and open-world exploration, with upgraded graphics and the ability to exit their car and hijack other vehicles. Expanding on the original's story, Tanner returned as the undercover cop, delving deeper into the criminal underworld across four sprawling cities. The game focused on completing mission-based objectives while navigating dense traffic and evading pursuing enemies, offering an exhilarating gaming experience. Driver 2 built upon its predecessor's foundation, providing fans with even more heart-stopping action and intrigue.
- Developer: Ubisoft Reflections
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Building upon the success of its predecessors, Wipeout 3: Special Edition delivered cutting-edge anti-gravity racing gameplay complemented by futuristic visuals and an electrifying soundtrack. This edition bundled together the core content of Wipeout 3 with additional tracks, vehicles, and features from previous entries, providing a comprehensive package for fans of the series. The game's unique combination of high-speed racing, stylish art direction, and pulse-pounding electronica cemented its legendary status as a definitive PlayStation racing experience. With its sleek aesthetics and frenetic gameplay, Wipeout 3: Special Edition remains an all-time classic in the racing genre.
- Developer: Psygnosis
Celebrating the prestigious automaker's history, Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed honed in on the iconic lineup of Porsche vehicles, allowing players to experience the evolution of the brand from 1950 to 2000. The game featured a distinctly curated collection of cars, tracks, and an immersive single-player campaign covering several eras of Porsche's legacy. With its unparalleled attention to detail and authentic handling characteristics, Porsche Unleashed delivered a true celebration of one of the most revered car manufacturers in the world. This unique entry in the Need for Speed series remains a standout to this day, providing a compelling tribute to the legendary Porsche brand.
- Developer: Pocketeers
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Successor to the well-received original, V-Rally 2 brought players back into the world of rally racing with improved graphics, intuitive controls, and an extensive lineup of licensed cars. The game's two modes - Arcade and Career - offered varied racing experiences and a wealth of content to explore and master. Additionally, V-Rally 2 included an innovative track editor, allowing players to create their own custom courses for endless replay value. The combination of authentic rally racing and user-generated content made V-Rally 2 a standout among PlayStation racing games.
- Developer: Infogrames Entertainment SA, Eden Games
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Also known as Wipeout XL, Wipeout 2097 built upon the foundations laid by the original Wipeout, featuring an updated roster of anti-gravity ships, pulse-pounding tracks, and a killer electronic soundtrack. With an emphasis on speed and intense racing action, this sequel introduced new weapons, power-ups, and a varied selection of courses that further expanded the futuristic universe. The game's exhilarating gameplay, complemented by stunning graphics and a pulsating soundtrack, helped solidify Wipeout 2097's status as a benchmark for the PlayStation racing library.
- Developer: SCE Studio Liverpool, Psygnosis
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The third installment of the popular anti-gravity racing series, Wipeout 3 brought players to the forefront of futuristic racing with enhanced graphics, sleek track design, and an unforgettable electronic soundtrack. Further expanding upon its predecessors, the game added new vehicles, weapons, and a range of challenging courses that tested players' skills and reflexes. With its unique blend of breakneck speed and mesmerizing aesthetics, Wipeout 3 provided a captivating gaming experience that dazzled fans and newcomers alike.
- Developer: Psygnosis
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The second title in the renowned Ridge Racer series, Ridge Racer Revolution continued to deliver adrenaline-fueled, arcade-style racing action that captivated fans worldwide. Introducing new cars, updated graphics, and a fresh selection of challenging tracks, the game refined the fast-paced gameplay synonymous with the series. The inclusion of a split-screen multiplayer mode ensured hours of competitive fun, while the soundtrack's infectious beats energized every race. Ridge Racer Revolution's gripping gameplay and undeniable charm cemented its place as a fan-favorite in the PlayStation racing realm.
- Developer: Namco
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Inspired by the vehicular combat of Twisted Metal, Vigilante 8 introduced an alternate 1970s setting with a quirky cast of characters and a wide array of weaponized vehicles. The game's single-player campaign presented a unique storyline for each character, offering plenty of replay value and strategic depth. From its catchy 70s-style soundtrack to the distinct vehicle designs and large, detailed environments, Vigilante 8 stood out among its contemporaries in the realm of PlayStation racing games. This entertaining and offbeat title provided a refreshing alternative to more traditional racing experiences.
- Developer: Vicarious Visions
- 20Wipeout is a racing game that is set in 2052, where players compete in the F3600 anti-gravity racing league. The game allows the player to pilot one of a selection of craft in races on several different tracks. There are four racing teams to choose from, and two ships for each team. Each ship has its distinct characteristics of acceleration, top speed, mass, and turning radius. By piloting their craft over power-up pads found on the tracks, the player can pick up various weapons and power-ups such as shields, turbo boosts, mines, shock waves, rockets, or missiles. The power-ups allow the player to either protect their craft or disrupt the competitors' craft.
- Developer: Psygnosis
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Combining the thrill of high-speed racing with the iconic toy brand, Hot Wheels Turbo Racing allowed players to race on wild, gravity-defying tracks using classic Hot Wheels cars. Boasting dazzling visuals, exhilarating gameplay, and true-to-life Hot Wheels vehicle designs, the game offered a nostalgic trip for fans of the toys while delivering a robust racing experience. With jumps, loops, and corkscrews aplenty, the game's unique track design set it apart from other racing games on the PlayStation. Hot Wheels Turbo Racing remains a cherished title, captivating both fans of the brand and racing enthusiasts searching for a more whimsical experience.
- Developer: Stormfront Studios
- 22Formula 1 features the tracks, cars, advertising and excitement from the 1996 Formula 1 season. Murray Walker provides the commentary in his unique style. Players choose from thirty drivers with an abundance of options before even heading out onto the track. Options include weather conditions, arcade or Grand Prix modes, car dynamics, skill level, and number of rounds.
- Developer: Bizarre Creations
- 23Rage Racer is the third title in the Ridge Racer series of racing games. For the first time in series, Rage Racer introduces a brand new advanced single player career system which uses credits that player can get after winning races, then it can be used to buy or upgrade cars.
- Developer: Namco
- 24The story of Vigilante 8: 2nd Offense centers on the international meddlings of an oil conglomerate from the future known as OMAR (Oil Monopoly Alliance Regime). After finding an electronic armband in a service station bathroom, former Vigilante Slick Clyde rose to be controlled by OMAR. Working up through the ranks of command he soon came to be the CEO of OMAR itself and made a complete monopoly on all oil trades with the sole exception of the United States. With the help of his student and hitman, Obake, he steals the technology to allow him to travel through time. Taking with him Obake and his cybernetic assassin, Dallas 13, he makes the jump back to the 1970s to cripple the United States and bring OMAR to total domination. Appearing in the 1970s, the three vehicles encounter Convoy, the former leader of the Vigilantes. Upon seeing him, the three cars open fire.
- Developer: Luxoflux
- 25Rollcage is an arcade-style racing game for Windows and PlayStation, developed by Attention to Detail, and published by Psygnosis. The Windows version was released in the UK on March 24, 1999. The game's selling point was its unique physics engine, in which cars could drive on walls or ceilings because of the airflow passing over them at extreme speeds. The game also featured an original soundtrack by Fatboy Slim. The game received very positive reviews and ratings.
- Developer: Attention To Detail
- 26Moto Racer is an arcade style motorcycle racing game developed by Delphine Software International and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation. It features both dirt and street bikes, and a variety of tracks.
- Developer: Delphine Software
- 27Welcome to The Need For Speed racing game. Here you'll find spine-tingling action coupled with awesome graphics. As you race down an alpine road in your choice of eight high performance cars, you'll be amazed by the detail and realism. The sophisticated physics model recreates the feel of the cars themselves; you'll notice the difference in handling, breaking and just plain power. Plan your strategy for each track, there are six to choose from during regular play, and each demands a different style of driving. There's also a bonus track if you win the Tournament. There are four game modes to try, with an option to compete against another driver over a modem. With different cars, different tracks, and different styles of racing fueling your need for speed, you'll find your addiction growing to a fewer pitch. No need to worry, when you crash and burn in the game, there's always another day.
- Developer: EA Canada
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Sled Storm
1999- Developer: EA Canada
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Road Rash: Jail Break
2000Road Rash: Jail Break is a racing video game developed by EA Redwood Shores and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation in 2000 and for Game Boy Advance in 2003. It is the sixth and final game in the Road Rash series.- Developer: EA Redwood Shores
- 30The game has more courses than its predecessor, and added a level editor. Moto Racer 2 garnered positive reviews from critics, praising its graphics and variety of gameplay.
- Developer: Delphine Software
- 31In this game players take control of cars that take the shape of different animals. The game itself takes the role as a combat racing game as it features weapons to use against your opposition while racing, and the computers can do the same to you. The game has four modes: Grand Prix, Challenge and Time Attack. The object of this game is to compete in the Grand Prix and to unlock new tracks and cars. The difficulty of each tournament is determined by which cup you choose to race for. The first cup you race for is the Carbon cup, and once you've beaten that you will unlock other cups that are based on elements like crystal, and diamond. Once you have won a tournament you will unlock a new cup to compete for, new levels to race in, and the chance to challenge other cars to gain access to them for use in Grand Prix races and vs mode. While Racing you can acquire weapons located around the tracks to help you finish the race quicker or to slow down your opponents so you can overtake them. The combat system is different from many games, except for having health and being destroyed for a limited amount of time, if you or an enemy is hit by a weapon you will be temporarily be slowed downed which gives your opponent time to overtake you. They're some weapons that can be avoided by using your cars jump jets; all cars have jump jets and can be used to avoid certain weapons, however not all weapons can be avoided even with the Jump Jets. The weapons are: turbo boost, magnets, seeker-style missiles, a boomerang, time bombs, stingers, stoppers, rounds of bullets, and a shield.
- Developer: Vivid Image
- Cruise as Batman, Nightwing, or Batgirl - or one of 23 criminals like The Joker, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, and Killer Croc. Master 15 supercharged vehicles loaded with signature weapons like Batarangs, Laughing Gas, Cat Claws, Sewage Slicks, and tons more. Live Batman's world through 51 episode-based missions with real cut-scenes from the TV show. Go on a crook-bustin' free-for-all in Patrol Mode or start a wild crimewave as a Villain and leave Batman in the dust! Go head-to-head against a friend in Hero-vs.-Villain splitscreen. Blaze through the urban maze of Gotham in massive 3D-rooming environments and multiple angles.
- Developer: Sinister Games, Inc.
