If you consider yourself a gaming enthusiast, you probably already know how different “virtual racing” used to be in the past. Graphics, gameplay, content – everything you know about gaming these days has undergone significant change since the first version was released many years ago. Tech advancements stand at the base of the swift revolution of gaming, and quite a lot of things have been modified in the industry, especially in recent years.
If the topic of car racing games interest you, and you want to know more about the history behind them, you might find the following details useful:
1972’s Space Race by Atari
Ever wondered which exactly was the first race game to appear? Well, if you take a look back in history, Space Race created by Atari in 1972 seems to be the first ever racing video game made available. People would come to the arcades where they could access the game on arcade cabinets.
As you’ve probably already figured out from the name itself, the game took place in space, and could be played by two players moving space crafts to avoid asteroids. If you compare the monochrome graphics and the simple gameplay of Space Race with the options you have available in 2019, there is almost no resemblance left at all. Today’s games are considered a masterpiece in comparison with Atari’s creation. Still, being something entirely new, players did have just as much fun then as they are now.
1974’s Gran Trak 10
The Gran Trak 10 appeared shortly after Space Race, and this time around, cars were actually involved. Pretty rudimentary overall, Gran Trak 10 was a coin-operated arcade game, in black and white, gamers using a gearstick, pedals and a steering wheel to control the action happening on the arcade cabinet.
If you Google a few photographs of the game, you’ll get to see for yourself how limited the graphics actually were. However, for those times, Gran Trak 10 was highly appreciated, and remains the ultimate old-school reference for racing video games.
Night Driver
In 1976 a new version was on the point to excite arcade players with a passion for racing. Night Driver appeared as a new gaming concept, providing a behind-the-wheel view, something that will later become a common characteristic for these types of video games. This basic dashboard view would open the path to the future of car racing games.
Rally X
In 1980, Rally x made its first launch. The game was certainly more advanced than its predecessors, featuring multiple paths as well as opposing racers. Avoiding contact with other vehicles and collecting flags were the main purpose of the game. Rally X was certainly something new for players and that’s why it quickly become a favorite option for arcade lovers.
Super Mario Kart
Fast-forward to 1992, Super Mario Kart benefited from huge success. After playing Hang On, RC Pro-Arm, and Hard Drivin’ the last few years, this racing game version became an all-time hit in ’92. Even if you haven’t played it yourself, you certainly heard about it at least once. Available on Super Nintendo, the game simulated movement through a 3-dimensional plane and made out of kart racing a beloved option for all gamers.
Ridge Racer
Ridge Racer was one of the first ever games available on the PS1 gaming console. Being in the original PlayStation launch titles, it naturally benefited from great success. Because the design of the PS1 focused on 3D graphics, the graphics of this game were considered similar to arcade quality. It was released in 1994, quickly embraced by gamers from North America and Europe.
Gran Turismo
You couldn’t talk about the history of race gaming without mentioning Gran Turismo. Why? Because this was considered more than just a video game, it was an actual driving simulator. The handling and driving were more realistic than ever, and you would have available an impressive selection of real-world cars. This was the first time when racing was no longer played in an arcade style, although besides the simulation mood, you did have an arcade mode available as well.
Gran Turismo 3
If the original Gran Turismo was so loved, the 2001 A-spec version made an even bigger impact. It’s considered one of the best-selling racing games of all time. Featuring improved graphics, with more realistic characteristics, Gran Turismo 3 is still remembered as an important race game reference.
Burnout Paradise
2008 was the year when graphics were taken to entirely new levels. Burnout Paradise’s gameplay was no longer about driving simulation, but incorporated wrecks and stuns, making the virtual racing that more enjoyable. Crashed were shown in slow-motion, car designs were extremely detailed and gaming speed was highly satisfying.
Today’s ultimate racing games
The car race gaming sector has certainly come a long way. With the latest technological upgrades, if you use the right devices, a virtual race can actually feel like the real thing. Over the last ten years, more amazing options have made their way into the gaming industry. Whether you want to enjoy a quick race on your smartphone, you want to game on your Xbox or PlayStation, you prefer PC racing games or you want to use VR set, you have more than enough options to choose from. Some of the most popular games available nowadays remain Need for Speed: No Limits VR, Project Cars and Gran Turismo Sport.
Playing a car racing video game in 2019 is far from what it used to be back in the day. Things have evolved significantly along the years, and improved features are still expected in the future. The gaming industry in general has benefited from an impressive transition, and whether you prefer playing on your smartphone or you like immersing yourself in a virtual reality experience, gaming today is certainly more enjoyable than ever. The variety of racing games available makes it possible for any player, regardless of skills, to get a glimpse of different driving styles, which is why so many new versions are being released regularly.
