Racing games to strap into during lockdown

Luckily we live in modern times and there are alternatives to keep us entertained. Online racing games have been preparing us for this lockdown for years and here are some that you should look out for.

Forza Horizon- XBOX ONE

Xbox has a unique feature called Game Pass. You pay a monthly subscription and are thus rewarded with hundreds of games which you only need to download. We browsed Game pass and came across Forza Horizon 4. Forza Horizon is an open-world racing game and the fourth instalment takes place in the United Kingdom. You get to race around the countryside taking part in a variety of racing events. The aim is to complete events and win popularity as well as credits which can be used to purchase hundreds of cars, ranging from the Model T Ford to the latest Ferrari’s, Lamborghinis and more. The game also offers online play which lets you play against other petrolheads the world over who are also in lockdown. The game offers breath-taking graphics and the cars look so real that you want to reach out and touch them. This is a must if you miss the open road.

Forza Motorsport 7- XBOX ONE

Like Horizon, Forza Motorsport 7 is a console-based racing game however this one is more simulation than Horizon. The track-based game accurately depicts some of the most iconic racetracks from around the world. A player is tasked with competing in events, earning credits and progressing from entry-level racer to professional, taking part in a host of various championships. Like Forza Horizon 4, Forza Motorsport 7 also offers hundreds of vehicles to choose from and you can race against players from around the world or even link up with local players.

Formula 1 2018

Another game which came up on Game Pass is Formula 1 2018. This is the official F1 racing game which follows the 2018 season. Here you race as a new driver joining some of the smaller teams. The season is accurate with practice, qualifying and race days being on the to-do list over a race weekend. You are given certain objectives thought the season by your team and when you reach or exceed them, the larger teams such as Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes take notice. Once a season is complete those teams can offer you a seat based on your performance. The game lets you take part in a full-on realistic season which will see you spending many hours behind the wheel as to complete full race days, in some cases 72 laps, dealing with tyre wear, damaged front wings and changing conditions.

Grand Turismo- PlayStation

Much like Forza, Gran Turismo is a racing simulation game focusing on realistic racing. The game lets players start as beginners and you have to work your way to the top, doing various challenges and licenses which lets you compete in specific events. You also earn credits which can be used to purchase and upgrade your vehicle and you can also take part in online events against other players.

Dirt Rally 2.0-Microsoft

Many of the above games take place on the tarmac, this one, however, takes place on dirt. Welcome to the fast-paced world of rallying. The game lets you take some of the most powerful, most iconic rally cars through a championship of your choosing. Compete against the clock in this fast-paced racing game where the smallest mistake could cost you the rally stage. The graphics are brilliant as is the actual racing dynamics with different conditions having various effects on the car.

These are some of our top games to dive into during this lockdown period. Many of the games are available on console and PC. We hope to see you out there, in the virtual world that is.