Mario Kart 8 2014
Why it still holds upTrack design that mixes plain racing with anti gravity stretches, and assists that let different skill levels share a race, is what still makes it work today.
Classic racing games that still hold up
From the stopwatch to the blue shell
Games
Mario Kart 8 2014
Why it still holds upTrack design that mixes plain racing with anti gravity stretches, and assists that let different skill levels share a race, is what still makes it work today.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2005
Why it still holds upPursuits that keep escalating, and a Blacklist to climb, are the reason to play it now.
Need for Speed: Underground 2 2004
Why it still holds upAn open city to drive between races, and tuning deep enough to include a dyno, still give it a shape of its own today.
SSX 3 2003
Why it still holds upOne connected mountain with no loading screens still gives each run a single long descent today.
Gran Turismo 4 2004
Why it still holds upOver 700 cars, dozens of driving missions and a crew chief mode that speeds the race up still give you many ways to spend a race today.
Burnout 3: Takedown 2004
Why it still holds upAggression tied to the boost reward, and a crash you can still steer, keep every race a risk worth taking today.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec 2001
Why it still holds upA progression of races, license tests and championships tied to unlocking cars still gives a career a clear path today.
Super Mario Kart 1992
Why it still holds upBecause items and power slides make every lap a mix of speed and risk, a race is still worth running, and Battle Mode gives you a reason to bring a friend.
Gran Turismo 1997
Why it still holds upA progression of licenses, credits and tuning, on top of physics built first, still blends arcade and simulation racing today.
Gran Turismo 2 1999
Why it still holds upNearly 650 cars and 27 tracks, from road courses to rally stages, still give a career of licenses and trophies a long road to follow today.
Forza Motorsport 2005
Why it still holds upTuning that reaches down to gear ratios and damage that changes handling still make every race a question of setup today.
SSX Tricky 2001
Why it still holds upThemed tracks and an uber trick system that turns trick chains into boost still give each run something to chase today.
Forza Motorsport 3 2009
Why it still holds upOne hundred track variations make up 220 events over six racing seasons, and a rewind system still lets you take back a mistake.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit 2001
Why it still holds upRandom items keep short races unpredictable, which still suits a quick race today.
Karts, street racing, snowboards, crashes and careful laps on real circuits. Whatever kind of speed you are after, this is a good place to start, and several are just as good with a friend.