Do you recall these iconic racing games?
I remember that one!
For passionate petrol heads who review vehicles and are fascinated by automotive history, racing games have also stood out over the years. Another car-related area for car fanatics to experience, many iconic titles have come to the fore, some of which you might even recall yourself.
By The Editors
Sun, Apr 19, 2026 06:38 PM PST
Featured image by Dan Butler.
These days, automobile lovers and gamers alike are offered a wealth of inviting car-themed gaming products to immerse themselves in. For example, Forza Horizon 6 is a major blockbuster and Tokyo Xtreme Racer is a top PS5 game. However, alongside exploring these titles, plus games in other areas such as online blackjack options like Spanish 21 and social deduction favorites like Among Us, there are some truly iconic racing games to reminisce about. Even if some games aren’t playable in 2026, they’ve helped shape the smash-hit releases of today. Let’s remember just some of them below.
Daytona USA
Played in homes and arcades around the world, Daytona USA is an arcade racing game like no other. This fondly remembered title by so many has entertained mass audiences over the years, with options like its engaging multiplayer aspect making it a blast to play. Racing against the clock has never been so fun, especially as Daytona USA had the capabilities to host up to eight players at once. Throw in the product’s high-speed action, and it really is a legendary racing game.
Gran Turismo 4
A much-loved series, while we could focus on some other notably successful Gran Turismo releases, Gran Turismo 4 is the best of the lot for many fans of the franchise. It offered remarkable depth, even more circuits, enhanced physics when compared to its predecessors, and impressively realistic handling. Sure, later versions of the game beat Gran Turismo 4 in many areas, but at the time of its release, it was viewed as the finest racing game out there. For its impact alone, Gran Turismo 4 simply had to make the list.
Colin McRae Rally
A title more senior gamers will undoubtedly recall, Colin McRae Rally is truly iconic when assessing some of the most memorable releases from this exhilarating area of gaming. Released in 1998, it’s a title that was ahead of its time. While you’ll struggle to find it today, Colin McRae Rally had some impressive features associated with it. Its graphics were a particular highlight, mastering specific vehicles was a challenge many people relished taking on, and topping the rankings in races was tough. For gamers who wanted a realistic racing experience, Colin McRae Rally clearly delivered it.
Super Mario Kart
While there are newer versions of Mario Kart games to play right now, Super Mario Kart is where it all began in 1992. Released on the SNES, it took the world by storm thanks its familiar cast of characters and the epic races fans could attempt to reign supreme in.
While it doesn’t mirror racing in real life, Mario Kart games specialize in providing strong doses of entertainment as players race against each other and enjoy options like battle mode. For many gamers, when they think of memorable racing games, Super Mario Kart immediately springs to mind.
Need for Speed Underground 2
In terms of serving up detailed customization features at a time when shows like Pimp My Ride were being viewed everywhere, Need for Speed Underground 2 hit the spot. Not only were its car modification features nailed, but Need for Speed Underground 2 came with a sense of freedom many racing games struggle to get right. Players could drive almost anywhere, take part in random races, drive an array of familiar vehicles, and so much more. It was brilliant.
