All articles tagged with #racing games
BeamNG.drive, a PC physics-heavy racer known for its realistic crashes, is coming to PS5 this year. The game runs per-component physics up to 2kHz for highly varied, real-time collisions, and offers sandbox open-world play with modes like time trials and police chases. Sony porting this title is a technical achievement that could make a big splash for the platform.
A Windows Central reviewer tests GameSir’s prototype Swift Drive TR640, a handheld controller with a built-in direct-drive motor that delivers genuine force feedback similar to a racing wheel. Despite its heft, the device feels natural in hand and works wirelessly, offering a more authentic driving experience for games like Assetto Corsa and Forza, without the space needed for a full wheel setup. Planned as a PC-first device with Xbox/PS5 variants, it’s expected to launch around Q4 2026 (with a Trak Racer version called the TR640) at roughly $199, signaling a potential new category of racing controllers.
GameSir has introduced the Swift Drive, a unique gaming controller featuring a tiny force feedback steering wheel with high-precision Hall effect sensors, adjustable rotation, and swappable styles, aimed at enhancing racing game experiences. It connects wirelessly, offers long battery life, and includes advanced haptic feedback, with a more traditional Turbo Drive option also available for racing enthusiasts. Pricing has not yet been announced.
PlayStation's Summer Sale offers significant discounts on many titles, notably slashing prices for Gran Turismo 7's standard versions by up to 67%, making it a prime deal for racing fans, alongside discounts on other popular racing games like Forza Horizon 5, The Crew Motorfest, Need for Speed: Unbound, and Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.
iRacing has launched a new brand, iRacing Studios, to encompass its expanding range of racing games across PC and consoles, including upcoming titles like NASCAR 25 and iRacing Arcade, with a new website providing information and updates.
Mario Kart World, despite being well-received, is unlikely to be nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards due to genre bias against racing games, which historically have been excluded from the main category regardless of their quality or sales.
SEGA emphasizes that Mario Kart World and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds are fundamentally different, with Mario Kart featuring open-world racing and Sonic Racing focusing on modernized arcade racing. SEGA also discusses the improved performance of Nintendo Switch 2, which will allow better graphics and gameplay, and mentions that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be released on Switch 1 first, with a Switch 2 version coming shortly after.
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown, the first series entry in 13 years, finds a middle ground between Gran Turismo and Need for Speed by blending arcade-style street racing with a deep respect for cars. The game encourages players to form a connection with a few cars, upgrading them to meet race requirements rather than amassing a large collection. This approach aims to make victories more rewarding and offers a refreshing take compared to recent racing games. The game releases for PS5 on September 12, 2024.
F1 24 by Codemasters is a solid racing game with a new Driver Career mode that allows players to take on the role of an F1 driver, but it suffers from predictability and some underwhelming features like arbitrary mid-race objectives. While the handling model is improved and the game looks better than ever, it may not offer enough new content to justify upgrading from previous versions.
Data scientist Antoine Mayerowitz used Pareto's theories to analyze over 25,000 possible combinations of racer builds in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, identifying the 14 most efficient options. One of the top combinations is Cat Peach driving the Teddy Buggy, roller tires, and cloud glider, which aligns with the preferences of top players. Players can use Mayerowitz's data fields to find the best matching vehicles for drivers like Donkey Kong, Wario, and Princess Peach, based on their preferred stats.
Data scientist Antoine Mayerowitz conducted research to determine the statistically best character and kart build in Mario Kart 8, considering 703,560 customization possibilities. Using the Pareto front method, the analysis narrowed down the options to just 14 efficient front candidates, ultimately recommending a popular build used by pro players: Peach, the Teddy Buggy, Roller tyres, and the Cloud Glider for optimized speed, acceleration, and mini turbo boost. However, personal playstyle preferences may still influence character choice, with smaller, speedier characters like Toad remaining a popular choice.
Nintendo Switch Online is adding F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, a Game Boy Advance classic, to its library this week, accessible to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Developed by NDcube, the game offers sci-fi racing gameplay with 20 courses across four difficulty levels. With this addition, the service will have a total of 15 GBA games, showcasing the platform's strength. Fans can also enjoy the free multiplayer game F-Zero 99 and fan-made recreations of lost F-Zero titles, making it a great time for F-Zero enthusiasts.
F1 Manager 2024, priced at £29.99 / $34.99, will be released for PS5 and PS4 this summer, allowing players to create their own custom F1 team and manage their journey to victory, featuring a new "mentality system" and enhanced AI to challenge players both on and off the track.
EA has announced the release date for EA Sports F1 24, set to launch globally on May 31 on various platforms. Pre-order bonuses include discounts, exclusive liveries, and early access, with additional perks for the digital-exclusive Champions Edition. The game promises an overhauled Career mode, a new EA Sports Dynamic Handling System, and more. This announcement follows EA's acquisition of Codemasters and subsequent restructuring, with the company aiming to retain its identity while integrating into EA Sports.
Yuri Tereshyn, known for TheStraightPipes, has created a five-hour video showcasing almost every Nintendo 64 racing game, offering a nostalgic trip for fans. The video features a fish-eye reaction cam and game footage, with timestamped sections for easy navigation. The article's author reminisces about their own experiences with the N64 and favorite racing games, inviting readers to share their own favorites.