Summary
In racing games, players always want to feel the thrill ofdriving the fastest carsat 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.
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.
Driveclubis 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.Drivecluboften 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.
TheNeed for Speedseries 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 Heatstands 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.
When driving a hypercar,Need for Speed Heatmakes 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 likeUnderground,Carbon, orMost Wanted,Heatstill nails that thrilling sense of speed.
Split/Secondwas 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/Secondflawlessly 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 inSplit/Secondprovided a perfect rush of adrenaline.
Need for Speed Unbound -the latest installment in the series - unsurprisingly delivers a highly satisfying sense of speed. Building onHeat’s foundation,Unboundsets itself apart with a unique anime-inspired visual style and incredibly fluid car controls, even whendriving at top speeds.
Dropping support for older hardware was a smart move, allowingUnboundto 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.
As the sequel toNeed for Speed: Shift,Shift 2: Unleashedtook a bold step away from the arcade roots of its predecessor, even dropping theNeed for Speedname 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 inShift 2: Unleashedis 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 makesShift 2a notable entry in the racing genre.
WhileTest Drive Unlimited Solar Crownhasn’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 Crownhandles 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 Kongin a luxury car at top speed is a visual and auditory spectacle. Though it may not be groundbreaking,Solar Crowndoes the fundamentals of speed and excitement just right.
