7 Best PS1 Racing Games, Ranked

The original PlayStation is one of the most fondly remembered gaming systems of all time. This console was Sony’s first attempt in the gaming market, and it was successful in beating the Nintendo 64 in terms of lifelong sales. This was also thanks to a much more competitive software library, which saw the release of many exclusive games that took advantage of the storage offered by CDs.

Racing games were greatly represented on the console as well, with many all-time classic series seeing their very first release on this platform. Even today, the PS1 can offer some great value for racing fans with some of the best games in the genre. These titles may be rough around the edges when it comes to the gameplay, but this stems from the fact that these games are a product of their time. Once players look past that, they’ll have a ton of fun blasting through these titles.

Updated on May 18, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra:Racing games have always been a blast to play through, with fans of the genre often loving the idea of being on the brink of losing control at high speeds as they zoom past their opposition to reach the finish line. This simple gameplay loop has endured for many generations, witnessing a ton of developments along the way. The PS1 was no stranger to the genre, being home to many racing games that were a blast to play through. Though these titles may seem somewhat dated when compared to the industry standard today, there is still a great deal to love about the retro experiences that they offer.

7 Colin McRae Rally

GameRankings: 82%

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Game Boy, Game Boy Color
• Release date: July 15, 1998
• Developer: Codemasters

Colin McRae Rally is the very first title in Codemasters’ evergreen rally simulation series, which is nowadays simply known as Dirt Rally, dropping the name Colin McRae after the death of the popular driver. Even if the series has had multiple great entries over the years, this first game still has a unique charm, maybe due to the hardware it runs on, or maybe because it has aged so nicely from a visual standpoint.

The game uses the 1998 championship drivers and racing tracks, and the titular Colin McRae even lent his voice for some commentary. Track design and visuals are impressive for the system standards and still hold up today, much more than some games found on later generations of consoles. Rally fans will surely have a great time discovering this all-time classic, but every racing fan should give the game a chance.

6 Need For Speed 3: Hot Pursuit

Metascore: 88

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, PlayStation 2
• Release date: March 25, 1998
• Developer: EA Canada

Need for Speed was already an established franchise by the time Need for Speed 3: Hot Pursuit came out. The game is very similar to its predecessors in terms of driving mechanics, favoring an arcade style rather than pure simulation. What makes this entry different is the re-introduction of the titular pursuits. In a separate game mode, players must not only race against opponents but also be wary of police cars scattered all around the track.

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These two game modes allow for a lot of variety, giving players a breath of fresh air whenever it’s needed. As for every other earlier game in the Need for Speed series, the game is at its best when played in multiplayer. Fans of local split-screen competition will surely have a great time here, as this is one of the best games in the series. Given the leaps and bounds by which Need for Speed has progressed, fans likely won’t mind harkening back to the good ol’ days of this franchise with titles like this.

5 R4: Ridge Racer Type 4

Metascore: 88

The Ridge Racer series was at home on PS1. The system saw the release of four games in the series over five years, giving fans a lot of choices regarding which game to pick up. Ridge Racer Type 4 was the last entry to be released on the PS1, and it’s surely the best one of the bunch. The game perfects the series’ typical arcade-feeling driving style, making it a blast to race through every track, especially when competing with friends.

The game is also jam-packed with content. It has more cars, tracks, tunes, and racing options than any of its predecessors, making it easily the most complete entry in the series up to that point. Racing fans who prefer realistic experiences may find it slightly difficult to enjoy Ridge Racer Type 4, but the game will prove to be one of the best experiences available on the system for everyone else. It can also be played on modern hardware along with many other games through PlayStation Plus.

4 Crash Team Racing

Metascore: 88

After releasing three of the best platformers on the system, Naughty Dog decided to have their bandicoot mascot star in his own racing game. Crash Team Racing may have come into existence as an attempt to replicate Mario Kart 64‘s success on the PS1, but it was already clear at the time that the game had enough personality of its own to set it apart from the competition.

For starters, the game includes a single-player campaign, jam-packed with collectibles and optional, tougher challenges along with boss races, an intriguing concept that was introduced here for the first time. Not only that, but the game is also a blast to play, especially with friends, thanks to the satisfying driving system and masterfully designed racing tracks. Despite the game receiving a remake in 2019, the original is still one of the best racing games of all time, and it has aged like fine wine.

3 Wipeout XL

Metascore: 93

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Sega Saturn
• Release date: 1996
• Developer: Psygnosis

The PS1 also saw the birth of Wipeout, a franchise that would become closely associated with Sony’s gaming systems in the following years. The series saw three releases on the PS1, but Wipeout XL (also known as Wipeout 2097) is surely the best one. The game sports a futuristic style that is somehow still futuristic to this day, almost thirty years after the game’s original release.

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Other than that, the game is much more dynamic, competitive, and frantic than its predecessor. Racing in Wipeout XL is extremely difficult to master, and there’s always a great chance that vehicles won’t make it to the end in one piece. But that’s what makes this game a true classic. It’s easily one of the best games in the series, and it’s a blast when played in multiplayer. It’s a shame, however, that the Wipeout series isn’t all that prevalent nowadays, even if the Omega Collection gave people a reason to check out two of the best titles in the series that have been remastered for modern systems.

2 Gran Turismo 2

Metascore: 93

Gran Turismo is another series that was born on the PS1. Gran Turismo 2 was originally released near the end of the PS1’s life on the market, as the PS2 would be released just a few months after the game came out. However, this allowed the game to use the system’s potential to its fullest, providing one of the best simulation racing experiences on the platform.

The game features an impressive amount of real cars and tracks, and its driving style, while hard to master, is one of the most satisfying driving experiences fans can come across on the system. Gran Turismo 2 also features a lengthy single-player campaign, which truly tests the player’s abilities. Despite the series’ continued improvement over time, this is still one of the best racing games ever made.

1 Gran Turismo

Metascore: 96

It’s only fitting that the best racing game on the PS1 just so happens to be part of a franchise that is known by many as one of the very best in the racing genre. Gran Turismo is a game known for its legacy, with the balance between simulation and arcade racing being quite tantalizing.

The amazing graphics on display here kept on elevating in quality until fans were more than confident of the fact that the Gran Turismo games could feature some of the most beautiful visuals to be found in a racing game. Aside from aesthetics, the game also received praise for its responsive controls, car customization options, and replay feature. For racing fans looking for a classic title that still holds up almost three decades later, Gran Turismo on the PS1 is a must-try.

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