Many racing games offer a similarly liberating sense of speed and control. Whether a developer prioritizes simulation or arcade action, the genre is full of the thrill that comes with being in the driver’s seat. It is undoubtedly a large umbrella of games, with some focusing on car destruction while otherracing games let players build tracks.
One setting that has really emphasized the physicality of the sport through video games is off-road racing. There is a unique entertainment factor to a racing game that goes off the beaten path, making itself distinct from mostdrag racing gamesby putting players on harsh terrain. Over the years, a handful of titles have really nailed that feeling and stand out to this day.
RELATED:12 Best New Racing Games From 2022
Mad Max, an action-adventure title released in 2015 by Avalanche Studios, took what fans love about the film franchise into the realm of video games. As the titular character Max, players explore an open-world,post-apocalyptic gamethat utilized its dark tone to turn racing into a bloodsport.
The ruined environments of this title gave many fans a destructive playground to immerse themselves in the action of a classic IP. Thedieselpunk theme ofMad Maxwas special, as fending off convoys across scrap piles and sand dunes provided a racing experience that was vital to creating engaging combat. While a sequel does not seem likely, some players still look back at this release as one of the greatest game adaptations of a film franchise.
The Ambition of Fuel
One of the underratedracing games from the PS3 generation,Fuelboasted a map that was over 14,000 square kilometers. Unfortunately,Fuelwas a victim of its own ambition. Creating one of the largest open-world sandboxes at the time left it with not enough diverse activities to fit the world’s scale.
Fuelcreated dynamic, free-roam racing that was a technical marvel - even if some of its features fell flat for certain players. Still, its large set pieces with well-tuned vehicles mean fans might have fun revisiting its world. Asobo Studio’s attempt at a racing sandbox was admirable, and the developer has since made a name for itself with the launch andcontinued support ofMicrosoft Flight Simulator.
Competitive Events in Dirt 5
The long-runningDirtfranchise specifically targets off-road racing as its main feature, and Codemasters’Dirt 5is no exception. Released in 2020, the project boasted visual upgrades, customization options, and custom tracks that enabled personalization alongside the series' usual competitive elements.
This entry was not as heavy in simulator elements, instead opting to provide an arcade-style approach that was more accessible overall. Another Codemasters title,Onrush, was also well-received for combining its off-road racing formula with chaotic spectacle, and this could have influencedDirt 5’s design. It should be noted that the PS5 version ofDirt 5also benefits from DualSense integration, which means the rocky rumbling of the racetrack can be felt directly in players' hands.
The Majesty of Forza Horizon 5
The latest outing from Playground Games was met with rave reviews, cementing the studio’s reputation as one of Xbox’s premier first-party developers. Most players enjoyed driving across Mexico’s scenic landscape, andForza Horizon 5also had breakneck events and side content to back up the scale of its world.
TheForza Horizongames have remained relatively consistent in terms of quality, and it has become a mainstay in the wider franchise for bringing professional racing into diverse locations across the globe. Beyond its well-crafted setting, there is also agreat selection of cars inForza Horizon 5for players to build up their combo meters as they desire. The game serves as a prime example of how an off-road racing game should be made, offering satisfying progression, stunning visuals, and unrivaled control.
