The PlayStation 2 (PS2) era was a golden age for driving games, with a plethora of titles that catered to different tastes and preferences. From realistic simulations to arcade-style thrill rides, the PS2 had it all. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and count down the top 10 PS2 driving games of all time.
The PS2 was a console that brought driving games to the mainstream, with many titles achieving critical and commercial success. The console's impressive graphics capabilities, combined with its vast library of games, made it the perfect platform for driving enthusiasts. Whether you were a fan of racing, rallying, or just cruising, the PS2 had a driving game that suited your needs.
So, without further ado, let's get started with our countdown of the top 10 PS2 driving games of all time.
10. WRC: World Rally Championship
Kicking off our list is WRC: World Rally Championship, a rally racing game that was developed by Evolution Studios. Released in 2001, WRC was one of the first rally games to feature realistic physics and graphics. The game's attention to detail, combined with its challenging gameplay, made it a hit among rally fans.
Realistic Rallying Experience
WRC's gameplay was praised for its realism, with accurate car handling and realistic track conditions. The game's physics engine was also commended for its accuracy, making it feel like a real rally experience. With a variety of cars and tracks to choose from, WRC was a must-play for any rally enthusiast.
9. Need for Speed: Underground 2
Next up is Need for Speed: Underground 2, an arcade-style racing game that was developed by EA Black Box. Released in 2004, Underground 2 was the sequel to the highly successful Need for Speed: Underground. The game's open-world design and variety of customization options made it a hit among racing fans.
Open-World Racing
Underground 2's open-world design allowed players to explore the city and participate in various racing events. The game's variety of cars and customization options were also praised, allowing players to personalize their vehicles to suit their driving style. With a rich storyline and multiplayer capabilities, Underground 2 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
8. Burnout 3: Takedown
Coming in at number 8 is Burnout 3: Takedown, an arcade-style racing game that was developed by Criterion Games. Released in 2004, Burnout 3 was the third installment in the Burnout series. The game's fast-paced action and emphasis on vehicular combat made it a hit among racing fans.
High-Speed Action
Burnout 3's gameplay was praised for its high-speed action and emphasis on vehicular combat. The game's "takedown" feature, which allowed players to wreck opponents' cars, was a major selling point. With a variety of cars and tracks to choose from, Burnout 3 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
7. Gran Turismo 4
Next up is Gran Turismo 4, a realistic racing simulator that was developed by Polyphony Digital. Released in 2004, Gran Turismo 4 was the fourth installment in the Gran Turismo series. The game's realistic graphics and physics engine made it a hit among racing enthusiasts.
Realistic Racing Experience
Gran Turismo 4's gameplay was praised for its realism, with accurate car handling and realistic track conditions. The game's physics engine was also commended for its accuracy, making it feel like a real racing experience. With a variety of cars and tracks to choose from, Gran Turismo 4 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
6. Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition
Coming in at number 6 is Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition, an arcade-style racing game that was developed by Rockstar San Diego. Released in 2005, Midnight Club 3 was the third installment in the Midnight Club series. The game's open-world design and variety of customization options made it a hit among racing fans.
Open-World Racing
Midnight Club 3's open-world design allowed players to explore the city and participate in various racing events. The game's variety of cars and customization options were also praised, allowing players to personalize their vehicles to suit their driving style. With a rich storyline and multiplayer capabilities, Midnight Club 3 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
5. Project Gotham Racing
Next up is Project Gotham Racing, a realistic racing simulator that was developed by Bizarre Creations. Released in 2001, Project Gotham Racing was a launch title for the Xbox, but it was later ported to the PS2. The game's realistic graphics and physics engine made it a hit among racing enthusiasts.
Realistic Racing Experience
Project Gotham Racing's gameplay was praised for its realism, with accurate car handling and realistic track conditions. The game's physics engine was also commended for its accuracy, making it feel like a real racing experience. With a variety of cars and tracks to choose from, Project Gotham Racing was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
4. SSX Tricky
Coming in at number 4 is SSX Tricky, an arcade-style snowboarding game that was developed by EA Canada. Released in 2001, SSX Tricky was the second installment in the SSX series. The game's fast-paced action and over-the-top tricks made it a hit among racing fans.
High-Speed Snowboarding
SSX Tricky's gameplay was praised for its high-speed action and emphasis on performing tricks. The game's variety of characters and courses were also commended, allowing players to personalize their experience. With a rich storyline and multiplayer capabilities, SSX Tricky was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
3. Burnout 2: Point of Impact
Next up is Burnout 2: Point of Impact, an arcade-style racing game that was developed by Criterion Games. Released in 2002, Burnout 2 was the sequel to the highly successful Burnout. The game's fast-paced action and emphasis on vehicular combat made it a hit among racing fans.
High-Speed Action
Burnout 2's gameplay was praised for its high-speed action and emphasis on vehicular combat. The game's "crash mode" feature, which allowed players to participate in demolition derby-style events, was a major selling point. With a variety of cars and tracks to choose from, Burnout 2 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
2. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
Coming in at number 2 is Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, an arcade-style racing game that was developed by EA Black Box. Released in 2002, Hot Pursuit 2 was the sequel to the highly successful Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. The game's fast-paced action and emphasis on police chases made it a hit among racing fans.
High-Speed Police Chases
Hot Pursuit 2's gameplay was praised for its high-speed action and emphasis on police chases. The game's variety of cars and tracks were also commended, allowing players to personalize their experience. With a rich storyline and multiplayer capabilities, Hot Pursuit 2 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
1. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
And finally, coming in at number 1 is Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, a realistic racing simulator that was developed by Polyphony Digital. Released in 2001, Gran Turismo 3 was the third installment in the Gran Turismo series. The game's realistic graphics and physics engine made it a hit among racing enthusiasts.
Realistic Racing Experience
Gran Turismo 3's gameplay was praised for its realism, with accurate car handling and realistic track conditions. The game's physics engine was also commended for its accuracy, making it feel like a real racing experience. With a variety of cars and tracks to choose from, Gran Turismo 3 was a must-play for any racing enthusiast.
In conclusion, the PS2 had an incredible lineup of driving games that catered to different tastes and preferences. From realistic simulations to arcade-style thrill rides, the PS2 had it all. Whether you were a fan of racing, rallying, or just cruising, the PS2 had a driving game that suited your needs.
What's your favorite PS2 driving game? Let us know in the comments below!
What is the best PS2 driving game?
+According to our countdown, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the best PS2 driving game.
What is the most realistic PS2 driving game?
+Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is widely considered the most realistic PS2 driving game.
What is the best arcade-style PS2 driving game?
+Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 is widely considered the best arcade-style PS2 driving game.