Thank goodness, then, that racing games are starting to diversify again.
I’m not quite sure what’s changed, but the last couple of years have seen a slight shift in direction that’s made me very happy.
I think Hot Wheels Unleashed is the first real example of a higher-profile racer bucking the trend of simulation and sim-cade. Milestone’s die-cast toy car game and its sequel are full-throated, chaotic arcade racers, and I love them for that.
More recently, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds finally delivered a decent kart racer to PS5; Wreckreation’s Burnout-meets-Trackmania premise wasn’t that well-executed, but I respect the big swing; and Screamer is the most unique and interesting racing game I’ve played in years.
It’s when I look at the upcoming slate of racing and driving games that perhaps gives me the most hope for the genre’s future.
Clutch is a free-roaming racing game from former Forza Horizon devs, and you can definitely tell, but it’s trying stuff — it’s combining a big open world with a character-led story, and it’s throwing in silly gadgets like a grappling hook. I’m so pleased it has those differentiating factors.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer looks like an amalgamation of some of my favourites; its high-speed, aggressive, gravity-defying action reminds me of MotorStorm, Burnout, and WipEout. There aren’t many modern racers I can say that about.
Stuntman: Hollywood, while not strictly a racing game, is a very different way to enjoy driving with its explosive action sequences and a garage full of cars you recognise from the movies.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour is another revival of a long-dormant series, introducing a modern audience to its madcap driving and fun, quick-fire objectives.
Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush is taking the aforementioned Unleashed series into an open world setting, but its unique toy-based aesthetic and physics mean it still stands out.
I’m really looking forward to all of these, because they’re bringing a wide range of ideas that haven’t been a big part of the genre for quite a long time.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with sim racers or Forza Horizon and games of that ilk. They serve their audiences well and I’ve enjoyed them myself. I’m just really glad to see a more diverse lineup heading our way.
What are your thoughts on some of these upcoming racing games? Tell us in the comments section below.
Source link
#Opinion #Glad #Racing #Games #Finally #Interesting
