Open-world games often have a lot of exciting things for players to explore. Thanks to the wide-open environments, gamers can freely do what they like, immersing themselves in the vast landscapes appearing right before their eyes. Typically, this is paired with action, adventure, or role-playing genres, seldom seen alongside racing games.
However, there are some standout open-world racing games in the gaming world that allow you to floor the gas pedal and race through the tracks. Here are the top 10 racing games for you to roam between the vast worlds.
Burnout Paradise Remastered
You will have to race from the start many times in Burnout Paradise by Criterion because… you’ll often take the wrong route. But if you accept this, it is one of the most fun racing games. Upon its release in 2008, Burnout Paradise was considered a groundbreaking title, ahead of its time. In 2018, Burnout Paradise was remastered with better graphics, attracting gamers once again.
This game combines an open world with the renowned action-packed racing gameplay of Burnout, creating spectacular crash scenes just like in Hollywood movies. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the game has won numerous prestigious awards and received a lot of praise from the media and a massive fanbase.
Forza Horizon 3
Although there are other Forza Horizon titles in this list, each one deserves to be mentioned for different reasons. While the first installment is famous for its unique style, the third one is set in Australia with off-road racing.
You will race across the rocky Outback in an off-road truck and rack up “drift points”—aspects that the first two entries did not emphasize. The game also offers new content, exciting events, and a streamlined campaign mode, allowing you to explore this title more comfortably.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles
Players of GTA and Red Dead Redemption know that Rockstar knows how to create an exciting experience for gamers cruising down the roads in an open world. This is also true for the game Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
For a game that debuted a decade ago, the graphics of Midnight Club: Los Angeles are quite impressive. The game focuses on physics effects, giving players realistic experiences when cornering, shifting gears… you’ll also need to repair your car if you crash too much during the race. Like many other Rockstar titles, Midnight Club: Los Angeles is a highly detailed open-world game with plenty of exciting things to explore. Once you get hooked, you’ll be playing it through the night.
Need For Speed Underground 2
Similar to Most Wanted from 2012, Need For Speed Underground 2 is considered by many fans of the series to be one of the best installments in the entire series. Although it was released a long time ago, it still offers fascinating experiences.
The open world in the game is built with depth, featuring a vast map and countless thrilling races taking place continuously within that world. The races combine traditional laps with free inter-area exploration, ensuring you will never be bored. Additionally, there are many other racing types waiting for you to discover. The game is also lightweight, making it playable on nearly any machine.
Forza Horizon 4
Surpassing the first three Forza Horizon titles is not an easy task. However, Playground Games has done so extraordinarily well with the release of Forza Horizon 4. When the game was first launched on Xbox One, it was rated higher than any other similar titles, setting a new standard for racing games.
The game features a vast open world set in England with high detail, seasonal changing environments, tons of racing events to participate in, story missions, and even custom races. It also has a variety of car models, each with its own upgrades and rewards.
Source: The Gamer