Racing Games With The Best Sense Of Speed

In racing games, players always want to feel the thrill of driving the fastest cars at insane speeds. However, not all racing games convey that sense of speed equally. While developers of hardcore driving simulators rarely employ special tricks to enhance the sensation of speed, the arcade racing genre is known for using various techniques to deliver an exaggerated, adrenaline-pumping rush.

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By  Gerardo Molina

Key elements that enhance the feeling of speed include adjusting the field of view (FOV), adding motion blur, dynamic camera shaking, and incorporating sound effects for passing objects. Motion blur, once a staple in arcade racers, has become less common in recent years as developers now use other methods to intensify the sense of speed while keeping the visuals crisp. Let's take a look at some of the best arcade racing titles in recent years that excel at making players feel the rush of high-speed driving.

1 Driveclub

The Forgotten PlayStation Game That Excels At Conveying Speed

Driveclub is one of those hidden gems that players can no longer purchase, which is unfortunate given its technical brilliance. Even though the races themselves weren't always the most engaging, the game stood out for its top-notch graphics and incredible sound design, making it a marvel at the time of its release — and still impressive today. Driveclub often resurfaces in discussions among racing fans for these very reasons.

The game's sense of speed is unmatched, especially when paired with its breathtaking weather effects, like heavy rain. Driving a supercar at high speeds in treacherous weather conditions felt genuinely intense, with motion blur, dynamic camera shaking, and immersive sound design all working together to convey the sensation of danger spectacularly.

2 Need For Speed Heat

High-Speed Cop Chases Make For An Adrenaline-Pumping Experience

The Need for Speed series has long been a staple of arcade racing, and even at its lowest points, the games have always excelled in style and sound. Among recent entries, Need for Speed Heat stands out as one of the best for delivering a heart-pounding sense of speed. With its vibrant neon aesthetics and intense nighttime police chases it doesn't take long to get the adrenaline flowing.

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By  Prateek Pandey

When driving a hypercar, Need for Speed Heat makes players feel like they're riding a rocket, thanks to its clever use of motion blur, dynamic camera shaking, and perfectly calibrated FOV in key camera angles. While it may not be as effects-heavy as classics like Underground, Carbon, or Most Wanted, Heat still nails that thrilling sense of speed.

3 Split/Second

The Sense Of Speed Among The Destruction Brought To Life By Impeccable Sound Design

Split/Second was one of the last attempts to revive the destruction racing subgenre, standing out for its unique mechanic of destructible, route-changing environments and its TV-show aesthetic. Although the game never achieved mainstream success, it was a technical marvel, immersing players in a world of chaos, massive explosions, and smoking wreckage on the road.

Split/Second flawlessly captured the sense of speed, making many other racing games feel slow by comparison. Its most outstanding feature was its impeccable sound design, which elevated every destructive moment on screen. Combined with the constant sense of imminent danger — especially when leading a pack of aggressive rivals — each race in Split/Second provided a perfect rush of adrenaline.

4 Need For Speed Unbound

Distinct Visual Style And Smooth Handling Make For A High-Octane Driving Experience

Need for Speed Unbound - the latest installment in the series - unsurprisingly delivers a highly satisfying sense of speed. Building on Heat's foundation, Unbound sets itself apart with a unique anime-inspired visual style and incredibly fluid car controls, even when driving at top speeds.

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Dropping support for older hardware was a smart move, allowing Unbound to achieve smoother performance and handling on modern platforms. Dodging traffic on the highway while trying to shake off the cops creates unforgettable, heart-pounding moments. At times, the intensity of Unbound can feel almost exhausting — but in the best way possible.

5 Shift 2: Unleashed

A Shift To Realism Brings New Appeal

As the sequel to Need for Speed: Shift, Shift 2: Unleashed took a bold step away from the arcade roots of its predecessor, even dropping the Need for Speed name to signal a shift toward realism. The game emphasizes a more serious, grounded approach to racing, with its standout feature being the immersive first-person cockpit camera.

Driving fast in Shift 2: Unleashed is genuinely intense, with the subtle camera movements mimicking a real driver's perspective, enhancing the sense of immersion. The game excels in making speed feel terrifyingly real, especially during crashes, where distortions, blackouts, and motion blur contribute to a visceral experience. This combination of realistic driving mechanics and a powerful sense of speed makes Shift 2 a notable entry in the racing genre.

6 Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

It's Not The Best In The Genre, But It Gets The Basics Right

While Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown hasn't yet cemented itself as a heavyweight in the racing genre, it still excels in key areas. The game showcases impressive attention to detail in its expansive world and offers a wide array of cars to collect, making it a solid contender in the high-speed racing experience.

Solar Crown handles the sense of speed effectively, utilizing a combination of techniques like motion blur, dynamic camera shake, and immersive sound design. Tearing through the narrow streets of Hong Kong in a luxury car at top speed is a visual and auditory spectacle. Though it may not be groundbreaking, Solar Crown does the fundamentals of speed and excitement just right.

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