The 40 Best Playstation 2 Driving Games
As the fourth installment in Polyphony Digital's renowned racing simulation series, Gran Turismo 4 showcases an impressive level of realism, offering car enthusiasts a chance to virtually drive over 700 vehicle models from around the world. Utilizing a new physics engine, GT4 achieves a heightened sense of immersion with features like realistic tire deformation and skid marks, alongside an array of authentic racing tracks. Interestingly, this iteration of the game introduces B-Spec mode, where players can act as a race team manager, overseeing and guiding the AI driver for a unique gaming experience. Moreover, the inclusion of Photo Mode stands out, with players having the ability to take snapshots during races and save them to a USB storage device, a feature that was ahead of its time.
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
- 2
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
2005Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition distinguishes itself from other racing games, thanks to its partnership with the popular auto magazine, DUB, cultivating an atmosphere of car culture authenticity. The extensive customization options have been streamlined and enhanced, alongside a revamped roster of over 60 licensed vehicles, including motorcycles for the first time in the series. Boasting three distinctive urban environments - San Diego, Atlanta, and Detroit - players can experience a massive open-world environment filled with unique races and challenges. Additionally, the game's soundtrack stands out from its competitors, delivering an eclectic mix of over 100 songs spanning genres such as hip-hop, rock, and techno.
- Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Expanding on its predecessor, Need for Speed: Underground 2 delves deeper into the tuner culture with more customizable vehicle options and parts, as well as a notably larger open-world city to explore. Graphics and lighting have seen a significant upgrade, enhancing the visual appeal of the game, particularly during nighttime racing scenes. In addition to refining the traditional circuit, sprint, and drag races, Underground 2 introduces a new gameplay mode known as 'Outrun,' which challenges players to overtake their opponents within a set distance. Furthermore, the game boasts an extended roster of licensed cars unique to this iteration, catering to fans of both classic and modern car culture.
- Developer: Pocketeers
Taking arcade-style racing to a whole new level, Burnout 3: Takedown rewards aggressive driving tactics by encouraging players to "take down" their opponents through high-speed collisions. Not only has the series' signature crash mode been expanded upon, but Takedown also debuts a brand new gameplay feature called "Aftertouch," granting players the ability to control their wrecked vehicles in slow-motion for maximum carnage during pile-ups. Flaunting more than 70 high-performance cars and a plethora of stunning locations, the game delivers a fast-paced, visually stimulating experience. Exclusive to Burnout 3 is the introduction of Signature Takedowns, which are specific crash scenarios that players can collect for extra rewards and bragging rights.
- Developer: Criterion Games
With Need for Speed: Most Wanted, the series took a bold step by marrying the open-world, street racing elements of Underground with police chases reminiscent of Hot Pursuit. Set in the sprawling city of Fairhaven, the game features unparalleled freedom and exploration, with various races and challenges scattered throughout its winding streets. Additionally, Most Wanted introduces a new gameplay mechanic called 'Fairhaven': a list of the top 15 racers to defeat, thereby creating a more focused narrative for players to follow. Alongside an impressive car roster, a standout feature of this installment is the return of intense high-speed police pursuits, providing adrenaline-fueled moments and unforgettable gameplay sequences.
- Developer: Sensory Sweep Studios
Emphasizing realism and attention to detail, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec pushed the boundaries of graphics, physics, and gameplay on the PlayStation 2 upon its release. The substantial roster of licensed cars, ranging from everyday models to iconic racing machines, allows players to fine-tune their virtual driving skills across a variety of tracks and championships. Significantly, GT3 introduced Rally Racing for the first time to the series, diversifying race settings and providing new challenges for players to overcome. Despite having fewer cars and tracks compared to its successor, Gran Turismo 4, this particular iteration retains a nostalgic charm and a sublime gaming experience, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.
- Developer: Polyphony Digital
Revolutionizing the street racing genre, Need for Speed: Underground's emphasis on customization and tuner culture quickly captured gamers' hearts and paved the way for future installments. The game's impressive graphics, particularly with neon lighting and reflections, crafted an immersive night racing atmosphere unique to the time. Moreover, this iteration of Need for Speed introduced drift racing, which has since become a fan-favorite race type in subsequent titles. Above all, Underground's diverse array of licensed vehicles and aftermarket parts established it as a standout title within the racing game genre.
- Developer: Pocketeers
As the sequel to the iconic original, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 delivers thrilling police pursuit action combined with exotic supercars and high-octane racing. The game offers a captivating single-player experience through its Championship mode and Hot Pursuit mode, each providing their own unique set of challenges and rewards. Furthermore, the game's graphical improvements and excellent soundtrack amp up the intensity, immersing players in heart-pounding breaks from the law. Among its exclusive features, Hot Pursuit 2 hosts a wide array of powerful police vehicles, such as the Lamborghini Murciélago and the Ford TS50, for players to commandeer, ensuring a memorable gaming experience.
- Developer: EA Seattle
Combining elements from previous titles, Need for Speed: Carbon transports players to the fictional city of Palmont, where they are embroiled in an underground racing war amongst rival crews. With a greater emphasis on storytelling, Carbon weaves an intricate narrative surrounding betrayal, revenge, and high-stakes racing. The introduction of Crew members, each with their own unique abilities, adds a strategic dimension to the gameplay that sets it apart from other installments. Lastly, the game's groundbreaking Autosculpt technology allows for unparalleled car customization, enabling players to mold and shape every aspect of their vehicle's appearance, ushering in a new era of personalized racing experiences.
- Developer: EA Canada
Building upon the successful foundation of its predecessor, Burnout Revenge reignites the passion for high-speed destruction by introducing several new gameplay mechanics that amplify the intensity. A prominent addition is the ability to "traffic check" cars traveling in the same direction, propelling players to strategically create chaos on the streets. Moreover, new race types like Traffic Attack, Grudge Match, and Eliminator add extra layers of excitement and challenge. Burnout Revenge also features a comprehensive online mode, allowing players to challenge friends and rivals from around the world for ultimate bragging rights.
- Developer: Criterion Games
Delivering an authentic motorsport experience, TOCA Race Driver 3 excels in capturing the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of professional racing. Featuring over 120 championships and a diverse range of vehicle types, including touring cars, rally vehicles, and even monster trucks, the game caters to an extensive palate of racing enthusiasts. With its refined handling system and dynamic damage model, players can expect an immersive, high-octane experience on the track. Exclusive to this installment, the Pro Career mode allows gamers to focus on a specific racing discipline, honing their skills and unlocking new challenges as they progress through the ranks.
- Developer: Codemasters, Robosoft Technologies
Pioneering the concept of a massively multiplayer online racing game, Test Drive Unlimited invites players to explore the sun-soaked island of Oahu, Hawaii, while participating in various racing events scattered across the huge open-world map. Boasting a vast array of licensed vehicles, from exotic sports cars to luxury SUVs, the game caters to every automotive taste. The groundbreaking "MOOR" (Massively Open Online Racing) concept allows players to connect with others in real-time, challenging them to races or simply cruising the streets together. Furthermore, Test Drive Unlimited offers an extensive property-buying system, allowing players to purchase and upgrade their homes and garages, a feature unique to the franchise.
- Developer: Eden Games
- 13
Juiced
2005Taking a more grounded approach to street racing, Juiced places emphasis on building and maintaining a crew, alongside enhancing personal reputation among fellow racers throughout Angel City. Boasting a substantial roster of licensed vehicles and aftermarket parts, the game allows for extensive customization, showcasing a focus on car culture and style. Unique to Juiced is its gambling mechanic, where players can bet on race outcomes, challenging both their rival racers and themselves for cash and respect. Furthermore, the game integrates a calendar system, letting players plan and organize races, lending added realism to the immersive street racing experience.
- Developer: Juice Games
Venturing into vehicular combat territory, Twisted Metal: Black distinguishes itself from traditional racing games with its dark and sinister atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of the PlayStation 2's capabilities. Featuring a twisted roster of characters and vehicles, each equipped with a unique arsenal of weapons, players must engage in explosive, high-octane battles to determine the champion of the gruesome Twisted Metal competition. The game's distinct art style and edgy tone set it apart from other titles, immersing players in a nightmarish world filled with chaos and destruction. Additionally, Twisted Metal: Black introduces an engaging and intertwined narrative, breathing new life into the franchise and captivating players with its gripping storytelling.
- Developer: Incognito Entertainment
- 15
Midnight Club II
2003Following the success of its predecessor, Midnight Club II continues to build upon its street racing roots while introducing numerous refinements and improvements. Set across three distinct cities – Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo – the open-world environments offer a dazzling backdrop for high-speed, adrenaline-fueled races and challenges. With a greater emphasis on story progression, players must climb the ranks and establish themselves as the ultimate street racer among a cast of colorful and memorable characters. Additionally, the inclusion of motorcycles and the ability to perform stunts stands out as a unique feature exclusive to Midnight Club II, further enhancing the dynamic gameplay experience.
- Developer: Rockstar San Diego
FlatOut 2 takes the chaotic, destruction-based racing gameplay introduced in the original and cranks it up a notch, providing players with a wild, action-packed experience. Featuring a wider variety of vehicles, tracks, and modes, this installment offers ample opportunities for thrilling, full-throttle racing and explosive collisions. A noteworthy addition is the inclusion of ragdoll physics for drivers, who can be launched through windshields during crashes, leading to humorous and entertaining outcomes. Moreover, the expanded collection of mini-games, including the fan-favorite "High Jump" and "Darts," offers a unique twist on traditional racing games, making FlatOut 2 an unforgettable and engaging title.
- Developer: Bugbear Entertainment
Presenting a unique take on racing games, Auto Modellista boasts a striking cel-shaded art style that sets it apart visually from other titles in the genre. The game features a robust selection of Japanese cars, catering specifically to fans of JDM culture, and offers deep customization options, allowing players to tweak every aspect of their ride's performance. With varied race modes such as Time Attack, Arcade, and Garage Life, Auto Modellista provides ample opportunities for gripping, high-speed action. Additionally, this title stands out with its inclusion of historic Japanese tracks such as Suzuka and Tsukuba, offering a distinctive racing experience.
- Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1
- 18
Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3
2003Taking players into the heart of Japan's famous highway racing scene, Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3 offers a massive open-world environment comprising three major cities – Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka – each teeming with rivals to challenge and defeat. The game boasts an impressive variety of licensed Japanese vehicles to choose from, as well as an array of aftermarket performance parts for customizing one's ride. Notably, this installment introduces the unique "Spirit Points" system, which serves as both a health bar and a measure of a player's racing reputation, adding a new strategic element to the gameplay. Furthermore, Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3 exclusively features a day/night cycle, giving racers the opportunity to experience the vibrant cityscapes under different lighting conditions.
- Developer: Genki
As a tribute to the iconic late rally driver Colin McRae, Colin McRae Rally 3 delivers an immersive off-road racing experience, featuring realistic handling, physics, and graphics. Players are given the opportunity to step into McRae's shoes as they embark on a challenging career mode spanning multiple seasons and various international rally events. The game showcases an array of licensed vehicles, complemented by an extensive damage model, emphasizing the importance of car maintenance and repair between rally stages. Exclusive to this installment, players can also participate in a unique "Test Section," where they can learn essential skills and techniques, enabling them to master the art of rally driving.
- Developer: Codemasters Southam
Shifting gears from its street racing roots, Need for Speed: ProStreet ventures into the realm of legal, organized track racing, offering players fast and furious action across a variety of race events and disciplines. The game boasts a comprehensive career mode, dubbed "Race Day," where racers must compete in events spanning drag, drift, grip, and speed challenges. ProStreet introduces a unique physics-based damage system, ensuring that every collision and scrape adds an extra layer of depth and impact to the gameplay. Furthermore, the "Blueprint" option allows players to create and share customized vehicle setups, a feature exclusive to this installment, adding a new level of personalization and strategy to the racing experience.
- Developer: EA Black Box
Continuing the acclaimed rally series, Colin McRae Rally 2005 delivers an enthralling off-road racing experience that captures the essence of professional rally driving. With over 30 vehicles to choose from, including classics and modern rally machines, players can experience the thrill of the sport across a range of international events and multi-stage rallies. This installment introduces a new "Career Challenge" mode, where racers must progress through various championships, earning points and unlocking new events along the way. Additionally, Colin McRae Rally 2005 features an improved damage model, providing a heightened sense of realism and immersion during intense races.
- Developer: Codemasters, Ideaworks Game Studio
With a focus on delivering rich simulation gameplay, Enthusia Professional Racing offers players an immersive driving experience that emphasizes precision and skill. Boasting a vast array of licensed vehicles spanning various makes, models, and eras, the game caters to a wide range of automotive tastes. A standout aspect is the innovative "Enthusia Life" mode, which tasks players with managing their virtual driving career by participating in races, accumulating points, and advancing through various ranks and championships. Additionally, the introduction of the "Visual Gravity System," which provides real-time feedback on g-forces and vehicle handling, sets Enthusia apart from its competitors, further enhancing its sim-racing credentials.
- Developer: Konami
- 23
Tokyo Xtreme Racer: Drift 2
May 28 2001Focusing exclusively on the exhilarating world of drift racing, Tokyo Xtreme Racer: Drift 2 offers players a chance to master the art of drifting across a selection of Japan's most famous mountain passes. With an extensive roster of licensed vehicles, as well as customizable performance and aesthetic options, the game caters to drift enthusiasts and JDM aficionados alike. Boasting a rich storyline-driven career mode, players must challenge and defeat rival drift teams to become the ultimate touge champion. Furthermore, the game features a comprehensive replay system, allowing racers to analyze and perfect their drifting techniques, a feature exclusive to this particular installment.
- Developer: Genki
Featuring the beloved characters from the Crash Bandicoot universe, Crash Nitro Kart delivers a vibrant and zany kart-racing experience packed with excitement and fun. With a variety of race modes and tracks filled with entertaining power-ups and obstacles, players can engage in thrilling, high-speed action. Unique to this installment is the inclusion of team-based racing, which allows racers to work together with their teammates to pull off strategic moves and outwit their opponents. Furthermore, Crash Nitro Kart boasts an engaging adventure mode, immersing players in the eccentric world of Crash Bandicoot while challenging them to dominate both races and boss battles.
- Developer: Driver-Inter, Ltd., Vicarious Visions
- 25
Rumble Racing
2001Taking a more lighthearted and arcade-style approach, Rumble Racing offers players fast-paced, action-packed gameplay that distinguishes it from traditional racing titles. Showcasing over 30 outrageous vehicles and tracks filled with jumps, shortcuts, and power-ups, the game encourages players to embrace a reckless and combative driving style. Unique to Rumble Racing is the inclusion of various attack and defense power-ups, such as oil slicks, missiles, and shields, adding an additional layer of strategy and excitement to each race. Moreover, the game features a variety of single and multiplayer modes, ensuring endless hours of thrilling, adrenaline-fueled competition.
- Developer: Electronic Arts
- 26
MotorStorm: Arctic Edge
2009Transporting players to the icy and treacherous landscapes of Alaska, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge offers a thrilling off-road racing experience filled with intense action and spectacular crashes. Featuring a diverse lineup of vehicles, including snowplows, snowmobiles, and buggies, racers must navigate dangerous terrain and harsh weather conditions to come out on top. Unique to this installment is the introduction of avalanches, which can be triggered by excessive noise or collisions, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement to the gameplay. Additionally, the game boasts a robust single-player campaign, as well as ad-hoc multiplayer support, ensuring hours of edge-of-your-seat racing action.
- Developer: Bigbig Studios
Blending elements of both street racing and police pursuit, Need for Speed: Undercover thrusts players into the role of an undercover officer tasked with infiltrating an illicit street racing syndicate. Set within the vast open-world environment of the fictional Tri-City area, racers can explore the streets and highways at their leisure while participating in various high-stakes events. A key aspect of the game is the "Heroic Driving Engine," a physics-based system that allows for cinematic driving maneuvers and intense chases. Furthermore, the game's engaging narrative features real-life actors, adding a unique sense of realism and immersion to the thrilling undercover gameplay experience.
- Developer: Exient Entertainment
- 28
TOCA Race Driver 2
Jan 01 2004Building on the success of its predecessor, TOCA Race Driver 2 broadens its scope by offering a wide range of racing disciplines, vehicles, and tracks. The game features a comprehensive single-player campaign, known as "World Tour," which tasks players with competing in events spanning touring cars, GT championships, oval racing, and more. By incorporating an extensive vehicle damage model and dynamic weather, TOCA Race Driver 2 enhances the sense of realism and immersion for players as they embark on their racing careers. Exclusive to this installment, the game introduces a track editor, allowing racers to design and fine-tune their own custom circuits, further enriching the gameplay experience.
- Developer: Codemasters
- 29
Formula One 06
2006As the official game of the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship, Formula One 06 delivers an unparalleled representation of the high-stakes world of professional motorsports. Featuring all teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2006 season, players can experience the thrill of competing against the sport's greatest talents across a variety of game modes, including the immersive career mode. The game also introduces an interactive pit wall system, allowing racers to communicate with their team in real-time and make strategic decisions during races. Furthermore, Formula One 06 boasts online multiplayer support, enabling fans to challenge one another and prove their prowess on the iconic tracks of the F1 circuit.
- Developer: SCE Studio Liverpool
Returning to its roots, Burnout Dominator emphasizes the series' trademark high-speed takedowns and reckless driving, offering players a rush of adrenaline and excitement. With a wide selection of cars and varied race modes, Dominator delivers an action-packed experience filled with intense crashes and thrilling rivalries. Unique to this installment is the revamped "Burnout Chain" system, rewarding players for chaining together dangerous maneuvers and near-misses, resulting in exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat gameplay. Additionally, the inclusion of a "Maniac Mode," exclusive to this title, challenges players to rack up points through aggressive and risky driving, daring them to push their skills to the limit.
- Developer: EA UK
- 31
ATV Offroad Fury 2
2002As a sequel to the popular original, ATV Offroad Fury 2 elevates the off-road racing genre by offering enhanced graphics, controls, and gameplay options. Featuring a wide variety of ATVs to choose from and a plethora of terrain types, including sand dunes, forests, and snow-covered mountains, the game delivers an exhilarating all-terrain racing experience. The revamped career mode, known as "Pro-Career," challenges players to progress through various events and tournaments, earning cash and sponsorships to upgrade their ATVs. Furthermore, ATV Offroad Fury 2 debuts online multiplayer support, allowing racers to compete against friends and rivals across a range of exciting tracks and game modes.
- Developer: Rainbow Studios
- 32
Colin McRae Rally 04
2004Returning to the series' core rally racing roots, Colin McRae Rally 04 offers players an authentic off-road experience, featuring officially licensed vehicles, tracks, and events from the world of rally. The game includes a comprehensive career mode, where racers must progress through various championships, earning points and unlocking new events and vehicles along the way. Significant improvements in handling and physics, as well as enhanced damage models, add a heightened sense of realism to the gameplay. Exclusive to this installment is the introduction of a two-player, split-screen multiplayer mode, allowing friends to compete against each other in adrenaline-fueled off-road battles.
- Developer: Codemasters
As the fifth installment in the iconic arcade racing series, Ridge Racer V brings the high-speed excitement to the PlayStation 2, showcasing jaw-dropping graphics, tight controls, and pulse-pounding racing action. Set within the fictional metropolis of Ridge City, players can participate in various racing events, including the thrilling "Ridge Racer Championship," where they must prove their skills against fierce competition. Exclusive to this installment is the introduction of a slipstream mechanic, which allows racers to draft behind opponents for a speed boost, adding a strategic element to the gameplay. Furthermore, Ridge Racer V boasts an impressive array of vehicles, featuring both fan-favorite classics and new additions designed to challenge players' driving abilities.
- Developer: Namco
Celebrating the late British rally champion, Richard Burns Rally provides players with an authentic and highly-challenging rally racing experience. With a strong focus on realism, the game incorporates accurate car handling, physics, and damage models, setting it apart from many other rally titles. The game features a variety of licensed vehicles and a comprehensive selection of international rally events, as well as an immersive career mode that tasks players with managing every aspect of their driver's career. Exclusive to this title is the "Richard Burns Challenge," a series of driving lessons and tutorials designed to help players develop their rally skills under the guidance of the legendary driver himself.
- Developer: Gizmondo Studios Manchester
- 35
NASCAR Thunder 2004
2003As the latest in the acclaimed NASCAR series, NASCAR Thunder 2004 delivers an authentic stock car racing experience for fans of the high-octane sport. Featuring all teams, drivers, and tracks from the 2003 season, players can experience the thrill of competing against the sport's greatest talents across a variety of game modes and events. A standout feature of this installment is the introduction of "Grudges and Alliances," a system that tracks each driver's interactions, friendships, and rivalries, adding depth and realism to the gameplay. Moreover, NASCAR Thunder 2004 exclusively includes a comprehensive career mode, where players can manage every aspect of their racing team, such as sponsors, car upgrades, and race strategies.
- Developer: EA Orlando
Taking players on a unique journey through the ranks of NASCAR, Dirt to Daytona provides a thrilling racing experience that spans dirt track events, modified races, and the prestigious Winston Cup Series. The game boasts a variety of officially licensed cars and tracks, as well as an engaging career mode that challenges racers to work their way up from humble beginnings to stock car racing glory. A notable aspect of the game is its emphasis on vehicle tuning and customization, allowing players to fine-tune their driving machines for optimal performance on different track surfaces. Furthermore, NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona features a realistic damage model, reinforcing the importance of careful driving and strategic pit stops during races.
- Developer: Monster Games
- 37
Midnight Club: Street Racing
2001As the originator of the renowned street racing franchise, Midnight Club: Street Racing delivers a thrilling, open-world experience filled with high-speed races and challenges. Set within the bustling cities of New York City and London, racers must navigate the streets and alleyways to find and defeat rival racers, claiming victory and underground street racing supremacy. With a range of vehicles to choose from, including exotic sports cars and agile motorcycles, players can tailor their racing style to suit their preferences. Furthermore, Midnight Club: Street Racing features a robust roster of tracks and race modes, ensuring endless hours of thrilling competition and exploration in the world of illegal street racing.
- Developer: Rebellion Developments, Rockstar San Diego
- 38
WRC: Rally Evolved
2005Focusing specifically on the intense world of rally racing, WRC: Rally Evolved provides an exhilarating off-road experience featuring officially licensed teams, vehicles, and tracks from the 2005 World Rally Championship. The game includes a comprehensive career mode, tasking players with climbing the ranks as a novice driver, ultimately aiming to conquer the prestigious WRC title. A standout aspect is the introduction of dynamic weather and track conditions, which can impact vehicle handling and road surfaces during events, adding a layer of realism to the gameplay. Additionally, WRC: Rally Evolved boasts an impressive selection of classic rally cars, exclusive to this installment, giving fans a chance to relive memorable moments from the sport's history.
- Developer: Evolution Studios
With its emphasis on realism and attention to detail, V-Rally 3 offers players a challenging and immersive rally racing experience. Featuring a range of officially licensed vehicles, from classic rally cars to modern machines, racers can navigate a variety of real-world inspired stages and environments. The game's comprehensive "V-Rally Mode" takes players on a captivating journey through their career, managing sponsors, vehicle upgrades, and competing in various championships. Exclusive to V-Rally 3 is the ability to create custom drivers, lending a personal touch and a heightened sense of immersion to the overall gameplay experience.
- Developer: Eden Games
As a racing simulation title, Driving Emotion Type-S delivers a visually stunning and immersive driving experience on the PlayStation 2. Featuring a selection of high-performance sports cars and iconic racing machines, players can compete in various race events and championships. Boasting realistic car handling and physics, gamers can experience the joy and challenge of mastering each vehicle's unique performance characteristics. Furthermore, Driving Emotion Type-S includes a variety of challenging real-world circuits, such as Suzuka Circuit and Laguna Seca Raceway, providing true racing enthusiasts with an engaging and authentic experience.
- Developer: Escape Co. Ltd.