Top 5 Racing Game Simulators
For racing fans who want to take their gaming experience to the next level, a racing simulator is the best way to go. These setups can cost a lot of money, but they’re worth the investment.
A quality sim racing wheel and pedal set will offer force-feedback and a real driving feel. Some even include haptic feedback, from a simple seat rumble to motion control systems that tilt and shake the seat.
rFactor 2
The successor to Image Space Incorporated’s rFactor series, rFactor 2 is a dynamic racing simulator that offers realistic driving physics, detailed graphics, and extensive modding options. It’s the preferred simulator of many real-life professional racing teams, car engineers, and simulation centers. The game also features an advanced engine that simulates chassis flex, an updated tyre model that reflects real-world grip levels, and a day/night cycle with changing weather conditions.
rFactor 2 uses a new version of ISI’s ISIMotor2 engine, which provides a more advanced and immersive experience than previous iterations. It includes a reworked tire model that allows the user to adjust tire and track settings to maximize performance. The game also features a fully customizable Showroom and UI, an improved force feedback system, and a variety of weather effects such as rain or snow.
Despite its high level of realism, rFactor 2 is not as popular as other sim racers like pCARS, Assetto Corsa, or Automobilista 2. It may have something to do with the fact that ISI didn’t promote it very well. However, it’s worth a shot for anyone who loves air hockey game machine to customize and create their own tracks and cars. Its sparse collection of eight tracks is made up of four modern circuits, three classic ’60s venues, and the fictional Mills Metro Park carryover from rFactor 1. The game’s extensive modding capabilities should allow its user base to add more venues and cars as time goes on.
Project Cars 2
Project Cars 2 is the racing game simulator many of us have been waiting for. Developer Slightly Mad Studio has gone the extra mile with its authenticity, bringing in factory drivers to sign off on not just the driving dynamics of each vehicle but the sounds of the cabin too – whines, squeals and clunks, the first few swipes of a wiper blade across a windscreen as it gets slick, the roar of an engine under power.
The result is a stunningly immersive experience. We tested the PC version on a force feedback steering wheel sourced from Momo and a high-end VR headset, and the sensation of driving these cars and tracks is as close to the real thing as you can get.
There’s an enormous selection of vehicles to choose from, including production and historic F1, IndyCar and sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s. The developers have also modeled weather, with the track surface becoming wet and slippery under rain, and even muddy and boggy under snow.
Project Cars 2 goes far further than simply adding these elements though – the game allows you to race any time, at night or in fog or heavy rain, and the conditions will change dynamically during your races. You might find yourself in a huge pool of water at the end of a long straight as the sun sets, or be battling swirling winds and lightning.
Rally Legends
Rally Legends is a dedicated rally racing game simulator featuring legendary cars. It features a variety of tracks and unique car handling. Race in a wide range of environments from snow to desert sand, and use the full potential of each vehicle. Complete challenging missions, unlock new cars and upgrades, and become a true offroad champion.
This PC-only sim from Image Space Incorporated is known for its highly modifiable Motor2 physics engine and enthusiastic community. It’s one of the best sims for reliving the thrill of a race. It also has a huge library of cars and tracks to choose from.
For fans of off-road racing, Codemasters’ DiRT series is another great choice. It has a new physical simulation model that captures the way loose surfaces collect under wheels during lateral sliding. This creates a more realistic feel and brings a whole new level of depth to the driving experience.
There are several other dedicated rally racing games that are worth checking out. rFactor 2 is still kicking around, even though it went out of beta with a lot of unfinished content. It’s been taken over by Studio 397, with the goal of revitalizing it and bringing it back to its former glory. Meanwhile, Slightly Mad Studios’ Project CARS has a similar focus and features a fully-featured physics engine and licensed cars.
iRacing
iRacing is the most comprehensive online racing simulation available, featuring professional racing cars, real world tracks, and a high-fidelity tire model. It employs racers-turned-designers and engineers to produce the most realistic driving experience imaginable. In addition to the car and track models, iRacing features physics-based assists such as an automatic transmission, Auto windshield wipers, driving line indicator, ABS, and traction control. These assist options are not available in iRacing’s ‘rookie class’ online events, but can be used during private sessions.
In iRacing, drivers are placed into one of six classes based on their performance in public series up and down iRacing’s licensing ladder. As drivers Dance Game Machine earn clean races, their safety rating increases and they can advance to higher classes. However, if players are found to be running off track or bumping into other players, their safety rating will decrease, and they may be barred from the next level of competition.
Players can choose from several graphics settings, prioritizing either quality or framerate. By default, most graphic-intensive effects are set to low. Using these settings, the game can run on less powerful machines. However, it is still recommended to use a high-resolution monitor. This helps the game look better and provides a smoother framerate. While driving a real car might be more visceral, sims have made significant strides in the field of eSports, with NASCAR and the Skip Barber Racing School operating officially-sanctioned events inside iRacing.
