Sony’s first home console was known for its slick racing games, a staple of the original PlayStation. When the PlayStation 2 was announced, many fans of the genre couldn’t wait to try out the next generation of racing. They were not let down in any way, shape, or form. The PlayStation 2 has the largest racing lineup of any home console, and is the pinnacle of home video racing.
There must be at least 30 good racing games on Sony’s PS2. From breaking the sound barrier to doing quadruple backflips in a car, the racing genre on PS2 features an incredible amount of diverse experiences. These are the must-play racing games to this day on the PlayStation 2, and are the pinnacle of the system’s spectacular racing genres.
10 ATV Offroad Fury 2
A masterpiece of physics, the incredible sensation of moving on an ATV is exactly inside this classic. Expanding on the first entry also for PlayStation 2, Offroad Fury 2 perfects momentum-based ATV racing. Offering cool tricks and combos, mini-games, fun crash animations, and an excellent sense of speed and weight, this game delivers in every way.
While the game’s lackluster audio and soundtrack hold it back on the list, there’s nothing else wrong with this essential bargain bin. The free roaming mode is very convenient and is worth the low price of entry alone.
9 Tokyo Extreme Racer Zero
A tense and fast-paced work of art, the TXR Zero remains one of the best street racing experiences on PS2. The thrill of getting far enough to win a 1-on-1, 200 mph highway based race remains a high point in the system and continues to create smiles today. The simple style and unique presentation of the game enhance the pleasant feel of the game during the night.
While the unlicensed cars and supposed lack of depth in the game turn some of it off, causing it to slip down our list here, any fan of street racing – and racing in general – should look up this amazing game. Turn on your high lights and fasten your seat belt in tense and addictive racing and midnight sailing.
8 Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 2
Pure fun, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is a fantastic digital ‘cops and robbers’ game that never disappoints. Its fast supercars, amazing courses with hiding places and branching paths, and rampant dashes have boosted the high ranking of this game. The toothy streaks, deep-charged choppers and Lamborghini police cars really set it apart.
The addition of a “You’re The Cop” mode to play on the other side of the wild chases also adds replay value here, every chase is always fun. The game can get a little repetitive during the tournament modes, which keeps it from ranking higher here, but the game is still quite fun to play every time.
7 Transcend 2006: Coast to Coast
One of the smoothest racing games ever, Coast to Coast is an excellent and unique arcade style racer game. A time trial based racing game, the game has a branching track system that adds replay value and makes every run different. Coast to Coast features stunning, fun graphics, controlled drifting, a wicked sense of speed, and addictive highway weaving.
The game’s limited vehicle selection (15 in total) and smaller selection of overall modes hold this mode back, but the upbeat music, bright colors, and fast drift make exploring this game’s gorgeous branching paths a pure joy.
6 Rumble Racing
EA’s spiritual sequel to Nascar Rumble PS1, Rumble Racing is a mix of racing genres that offers a wild and unique experience. The game includes a fun lineup of fantasy cars that can be upgraded to cartoon-like drag racing machines as well as the best Mario Kart-like weapons that include a full-scale, track-destroying tornado. The cars are capable of doing flips, spins and barrel rolls that feel and look great.
Keeping it here is the game’s announcer and music, which can get a little dingy over time, as well as the game’s unique arcade style, which isn’t for everyone. The great courses, great weapons, cool tricks, and hidden shortcuts are definitely worth it.
5 extreme g3
If nothing else, breaking the sound barrier for the first time is reason enough to get up and running with this ultra-fast, futuristic masterpiece. G3’s high speed motorbike racing is just as fast as any game, challenging and challenging experience. The game features upgradeable weapons and engines, which can be purchased via a store, and it really feels cool and rewarding to master.
The courses are the highlight of the game. The distinctive scenic landscapes are second to none and are the best in the PlayStation 2 racing genre. While a tough challenge and hard-to-learn controls hold it back here, if you take the time to learn this game will reward you with frenzy that spirals at 800mph.
4 Burnout 3: Termination
Pure fun from start to finish, Burnout 3 is an explosive car action dream for young children. Finally, you can just completely and completely destroy another car by crashing into it – visual damage, explosions, shattering glass; The whole nine yards. Burnout 3 was a total revelation of car damage models, racing game modes, and racing gameplay loops. The sense of speed is unparalleled on PS2, and it’s a chaotic ride filled with the thrill of crashes.
The cool game modes, including the legendary Crash Mode, are not to be missed. It is a must have game for any racing fan even outside of PS2. The lack of realism in the game makes it imperfect for some and beyond great for others, but the game remains a timeless classic.
3 Midnight club 2
One of the best racing games ever made, Rockstar’s timeless Midnight Club 2 remains almost perfect. While Midnight Club 1 contained car models, controls and environments almost like Midtown Madness, MC2 created the realistic and intense atmosphere of illegal street racing. The controls remain arcade-y but are very well optimized, while the environments create lasting memories.
Highways and free roaming are some of the best on any system; Unlimited sprinting into oncoming traffic has never been better. The lack of customization or licensed cars is its downfall here, but this game is one of the best racing games ever on any platform, not just the PlayStation 2.
2 Need for speed underground 2
The ultimate street racing experience, Underground 2 is the best street racer of all time and one of the PS2’s of all time. Free-roaming exploration in career mode is absolutely the best, and unlocking shops by discovering them in the world is always a total blast. Great customization, real licensed cars, that crazy drag racing mode from Underground 1, easy and fun drift mode – this game is the total street racing package.
The only thing holding it back on this list is its arcade selection versus the realism, and it’s a racing game that’s as old as the genre itself. This is one of the best racing experiences and is a must try no matter your age or PS2 exposure level. Definitely worth it.
1 Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Perhaps the best racing game ever made across any platform, Gran Turismo 3 from PS2 is a masterpiece. The first PS2 entry from Polyphony Digital still looks beautiful today. Its rich, realistic textures and reflections create stunningly beautiful screenshots on a proper CRT TV. Looks aside, this is easily the most powerful and refined drive system on a console.
The career mode, from its easy start and leads to hours long endurance challenges, is still memorable and a benchmark in gaming. The game’s 180 cars and 19 courses have been amazingly recreated, and they still look and feel great. If you love racing in any capacity, find this PS2 classic and play it all the time.
[ad_2]
