Are these the top 5 racing games of the 21st century?

From casual arcade escapes to hyper-realistic driving simulators, the last 25 years have seen racing titles cover the full gamut of automotive interests. But which virtual tyre shredders earn a place on our podium?

Whether we’re cresting the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, going flat through Spa’s infamous Eau Rouge, or charging down a dusty Corsican rally stage in a vintage Group-B Quattro, racing games offer us petrolheads the ultimate release from the mundanity of everyday driving.  

And, while they’ve been around since the early 1970s, it wasn’t until the turn of the millennium when digital racers really started to gain momentum. So buckle up for our whistle stop tour of the 21st century’s finest offerings — and, of course, get ready to weigh in on the perennial Gran Turismo Vs Forza Motorsport debate.

5. Forza Horizon 4 (2018)

Ok, so we’re biased here, but any racing title that lets us drift through the streets of Blackcircles HQ (Edinburgh) at breakneck speeds, automatically gets our seal of approval. And that’s exactly what the fourth instalment in Forza’s Horizon series delivered.  

Set against a breathtaking British backdrop, Horizon 4’s vast 750-car list and four-seasons weather model made it an open world racer that’s hard to put down. Building upon the success of the original Horizon — which, itself, drew inspiration from games like Test Drive Unlimited — Horizon 4 was an idealised racing fantasy like no other. Sure, its physics model was derided by some sim enthusiasts, and its storyline lacked a little depth, but does any of that matter when you can blast along your favourite Scottish B-road with Glenfinnan Viaduct in the rearview mirror?

4. Assetto Corsa (2013)

Where the Horizon series can be enjoyed on the couch in your PJs while simultaneously binge-watching The Office (don’t ask us how we know), Assetto Corsa’s uber-realistic driving experience demands much more attention. But it’s all the more engaging for it.

Despite now being over 10 years old, Assetto Corsa’s thriving community is testament to the quality of the game’s physics, graphics, and general playability. Whether you’re new to the world of sim racing, or a hardened veteran looking to hone your racecraft against similarly skilled drivers, Assetto Corsa’s range of assists makes it accessible to all.

Plus, with a diverse car and track list (which continues to grow thanks to an active modding community), you won’t get bored in a hurry. So immersive is the AC experience, you’ll feel like donning a pair of Nomex gloves and a full-face racing helmet after just a few laps on your home gaming rig.

3. Dirt Rally 2.0 (2019)

While circuit racers and open-world titles often get all the attention when it comes to driving games, the Dirt series always had rally fans well covered.

This Codemaster’s gem certainly didn’t kickstart the segment — we have Sega Rally to thank for that — but it was leaps and bounds ahead of the contemporary competition. Just like its predecessor, Dirt 2.0 will go down as one of the best-ever racers thanks to gorgeous graphics, eerily detailed audio, and the visceral thrill of piloting all the WRC and RX cars we know and love.

It’s not one for the casual armchair gamer, though. Dirt 2.0’s physics model is punishingly accurate, so it requires real skill and dedication to master some of the lairier, gravel-spitting machines in the game.

2. Gran Turismo 4 (2004)

For many, the Gran Turismo series is the Granddaddy of all racing titles — it’s a franchise so large it even spawned a blockbuster spin-off. And when you ask fans which game in this storied lineage is best, the answer’s usually the same: Gran Turismo 4.

GT4’s graphics and physics leave a lot to be desired by modern standards, but it felt like the stuff of science fiction when it premiered back in 2004. Pioneering the combination of vast car/track lists and detailed, unique handling characteristics, Gran Turismo 4’s scope was (and still is, according to some) unmatched.

Granted, there’s probably a bit of rosy retrospection to such claims but for a 20-year-old game, GT4 holds up impressively well today.

1. Forza Motorsport 4 (2011)

Forza Vs Gran Turismo. It’s a rivalry on par with Rangers Vs Celtic, Red Sox Vs Yankees, Optimus Prime Vs Megatron… you get the picture. And with two Forza titles on the same list, you don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out where our allegiances lie. But before all you disgruntled Gran Turismo die-hards click off in disgust, allow us to extoll the virtues of this staggeringly complete and forward-thinking racing release for just a second.

What makes Forza Motorsport 4 not only our favourite Forza title, but also our top racing game of the 21st century? It marks the perfect sweet spot between Forza Motorsport 3’s exceptional vehicle roster and focus on realism, and the visual spectacle and fun-factor of the Forza Horizon line. 

Moreover, it retained all FM3’s fan-favourite tracks — namely, Fujimi Kaido and Nürburgring Nordschleife — whilst sporting exciting new additions in the form of Top Gear’s test track, and an achingly detailed Autovista mode narrated by none other than TV’s Jeremy Clarkson. 

Ultimately, if you were a petrolhead growing up in the early 2000s, Forza Motorsport 4 was sheer automotive nirvana. So it’s only right we crown it as our favourite racing game of the 21st century.

Honourable mention: Mario Kart Wii (2008)

It’s a cliché and not really a motor racing game in the conventional sense but, for most of us, playing Mario Kart Wii was a truly formative experience — so we had to include it.  

It wasn’t the first time we’d seen Mario, Luigi, and friends do battle on the (often very colourful) racetrack, but the Wii’s 2008 release did put its own, totally unique spin on the game. Thanks to a built-in motion sensor the whole family could now steer their way down Rainbow Road without the need for buttons or a dedicated racing wheel. How nifty. 

Sure, it’s unrealistic and a little silly, but Mario Kart’s hectic racing experience transcends generations and will likely go down in history as the most timeless of its type. 

Do you agree with our top five racing games of the 21st century? Let us know if you’re on team Gran Turismo or team Forza. 

Hero image credit: Flickr