Racing or driving games have always been popular, since the console days of the 1980s, from titles like Outrun to today’s hits, which are also on the PlayStation 3’s list of games.
Even though everyone will have their favorite title across different generations of consoles, here are the 10 best PS3 racing games of all time.
Gran Turismo 6
Release: 2013
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Gran Turismo 6 is one of the most-sold PS3 games. The entire franchise did well on all PlayStation consoles, including the PS3. As with most Turismo games, you can expect an arcade and realistic career mode. They differ in how much effort you must put into the game.
Besides the classic fun versus realistic action that Turismo games offer, this title also introduces some concept vehicles, and futuristic cars that change things up. Change is good, which Polyphony Digital implemented masterfully in this game.
Burnout Paradise
Release: 2008
Developer: Criterion Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Burnout Paradise is a video game that was praised enough to get a remaster available on both the PS4, Xbox One and eventually, the Nintendo Switch. There were several things that made it stand out among the plethora of racing games, and it wasn’t the pretty graphics.
Decent graphics are always a good starting point, but gameplay does matter, especially in a racing game. Burnout Paradise is an open-world game, where players can explore and race freely, adding to the overall immersion. Notable elements from previous titles return with a different name, such as Showtime, which used to be known as Crash Mode.
DiRT 3
Release: 2011
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
DiRT 3 is the continuation of the Colin McRae racing series and is the first game in the title to drop the iconic racer’s name. That being said, the game does continue the fine tradition of offering one of the best off-road racing experiences.
The Dirt Tour is the primary game mode, a way for players to live the life of an off-road racer. Other game modes return, with new ones such as Gymkhana, where racers pull off various tricks to earn points, much like you would see with skateboarding at the X Games.
Wipeout HD
Release: 2008
Developer: SCE Studio Liverpool
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Wipeout HD is the next step in the anti-gravity racing series, featuring tracks from the PSP Wipeout Pulse and Pure, though brought up to PS3 specs and 60 FPS. We now race in the FX350 anti-gravity league, where corporations have their own racing teams.
Like most Wipeout titles, expect fast-paced action with power-ups along the tracks. They can be offensive, defensive, or utilitarian, all with the purpose of helping you win the race. This version got an expansion called Fury, which was eventually remastered for the PS4.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Release: 2010
Developer: Criterion Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
After the Underground duology, Most Wanted, and Carbon, we get Hot Pursuit, a reboot of the eponymous title from 1998. The focus is on racing while being chased by the police. You can also take the role of the police and focus on stopping street racers.
Unlike Criterion’s previous game, Burnout Paradise, this one is not as much of an arcade game, but also definitely not a simulator. It does have a larger open world and the racing can be entertaining. Licensed cars are a huge difference, as every vehicle in the game exists in the real world.
F1 2013
Release: 2013
Developer: Codemasters Birmingham
Publisher: Codemasters
F1 2013 gives players the opportunity to enter the Formula One 2013 season as a professional driver. The game features all the 22 drivers and 11 teams from the season, as well as the 19 circuits. It is fully licensed and a gem for F1 fans.
But not everyone is a fan of modern racers. For those players, the Classic Edition of the game is there to provide vintage racing fun, namely from the 1980s and 1990s. The latter decade does require a separate pack to be purchased.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles
Release: 2008
Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games tends to have a couple of hits and Midnight Club is a gem in the racing genre. Known typically for their immersive, open-world games, Rockstar delivers an open-world racing game that knocks the previous games in the series out of the park.
Set in Los Angeles, the player can enjoy a 24-hour day and night cycle, with real-time weather that affects vehicle performance. There are various races and ways to advance your career, but beware of the police, they won’t take your speeding and reckless driving lightly.
GRID Autosport
Release: 2014
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
GRID is more of a racing simulator than an arcade title, and that captures the attention of those more interested in a realistic feel when driving their virtual cars. This can be seen through the damage system. Car parts eventually wear out, losing performance, and requiring the player to change them.
The player’s career is divided into seasons when you can sign with different teams. You can also enter different categories of races, depending on what you prefer. Ideally, you want to be the best in all of them, but that takes time and dedication.
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Release: 2012
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sega
Sega did wonders after abandoning hardware manufacturing after the poor sales of the Sega Dreamcast. That meant focusing on game development and working with other console manufacturers closely, bringing us great titles such as this.
Sonic was already popular, so combine that with racing, and you get a truly unique racer. Featuring characters from the Jet Set Radio series, Space Channel and Sonic, you have plenty of icons to choose from in this karting marvel.
MotorStorm
Release: 2006/2007
Developer: Evolution Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
MotorStorm is a racing game that combines various vehicles to give you a unique off-road experience. From bikes to monster trucks, anyone can enter a race. Fair isn’t the point, but rather arcade fun, tuned so that every vehicle can win.
A notable feature in the game is the dynamics of the tracks. They get damaged or rather, changed by the passing of the vehicle. Every lap will be different from the last, so don’t count on that one move to save you. MotorStorm is an iconic title, probably one of the best PS3 games.
