The PS2 saw a plethora of racing games come out. Many tried to follow in the footsteps of bigger and better games, some were video game adaptions of racing movies, and others were sports games from official series.
With so many, there were few that rose to the top as classics in the genre at the time. They were lauded as the best of the generation and should be added to someone's wishlist if they love this genre of gaming. So here are 10 of the best PS2 racing games that were released according to MetaCritic.
10 Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix (Metascore: 85)
While the original cut of Midnight Club 3 didn't make the list the remix did. While it's lauded as being one of the best racing games on the PS2, even though it controls as you would expect on that generation of games.
It has unparalleled customization and the remix is seen as the definitive edition with an extra track, new music, and more customization options. This Rockstar game is more preferable to be picked up in remix form then original due to their similarities, but the remakes improved features and add ons.
9 Burnout 2: Point of Impact (Metascore: 86)
Even though it lacks a storyline, Burnout 2: Point of Impact has led a legacy of being one of the best racing games on the PS2. Its success is based fully on gameplay and the feeling of speed as you race through its courses.
Its arcade-style racing is considered the best, some even citing it was what they wanted Stuntman to be with its daredevil action. Unlike most games, many of the reviewers enjoyed the tutorials of the game which gave them a good start for the game.
8 Colin McRae Rally 3 (Metascore: 86)
This game is mostly for hardcore racing fans. The reviews on it are polarizing, many turned off from the control of the cars finding it almost disgusting to turn. Others point out is that it is not an arcade-style game but more of the race simulation style.
While highly rated for what it is, some Metacritic critics found the lack of multiplayer and overall buggy multiplayer a big turn off for suggesting it to people.
7 NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup (Metascore: 87)
While most reviewers saw it as the best Nascar and sports racing game, others were quick to point out missing features and technical issues.
It does provide overall more options than you'd expect from a sports racing game like 4 car teams that you can race with, but it was bogged down by frame rate issues and missing features like being able to go to the camera angle from inside the car when driving. Compared to others before this entry, the graphics are considered a step-down.
6 NASCAR Thunder 2004 (Metascore: 88)
NASCAR Thunder 2004 is the last in the Thunder line but known as the best in that series. In a series that essentially ended in its 09 edition, this was considered the pinnacle of the series.
The Career mode and car customizability are considered its best and most in-depth features. This game is a favorite if you love big crashes and vengeful AI who remember your misdeeds.
5 Gran Turismo 4 (Metascore: 89)
Gran Turismo 4 is known as one of the essentials on the PS2. A game that is necessary if you love racing games. Its performance, number of cars, and the gameplay is seen as the best in racing games.
What it does lack though, which hurts its ranking, is decent online play, very little changes to the previous installments, and a lackluster arcade mode. Its graphics are considered the best on the system if that is saying something with the amazing graphics that are available today.
4 Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (Metascore: 89)
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 lives up to the name of need for speed with thrilling gameplay that really can be defined as "Speed." It's a series known for its fast-paced gameplay and this title is known as its opus.
The only complaints out of the game are that it lacks car customizability and an issue of visual sense with the environment never changing in feeling when flying past it in breakneck speeds, such as up hills or different terrain.
3 Burnout Revenge 90
Burnout Revenge is an over the top, eccentric, and action-packed racing game. This game gets on GTA levels of destruction as you race around; pedestrians are no obstacle if they are in your way because they will fly off the hood of your car. The car on car action sees lots of explosions ad destruction while retaining that fast feeling.
All the different modes and options have kept reviewers busy for hours and seen as one of the most detailed in that regard. The only qualm people talked about is that it is massively similar to Burnout 3. The difference being, which makes this game better in the minds of many, is the Revenge mechanic and cheer destruction you can do in the game.
2 Burnout 3: Takedown 93
The only thing Burnout 3: Takedown lacks is the hardcore customization and tune up settings that the other games have, but it excels in everything else from hardcore speed to over the top action.
It's an arcade-style racing game so realism isn't expected of it, and the game celebrates and masters its own arcade-style gameplay knowing full well it isn't a simulation racer. Burnout 3 was a thrill-seekers game on the ps2.
1 Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec 95
While Gran Turismo 4 is already on the list, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the top entry of this list. While Burnout3: Takedown was the king of the arcade-style racing games, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec is the king of realism/simulation racing games. I
t's held as a masterpiece of the PS2 era for, at its time, the most realistic racing experience you could get. It both respected its predecessors and built off of them for a complete experience. Many agree that it's what a simulation racing game should be.