10. GRID Autosport
Stripping racing back to the basics, this arcade romp is deeply challenging – AI is often bizarrely intelligent in finding ways to overtake you and bash you off the track on their way past – creating a deeply rewarding feeling deep in your bones when you get a #1 trophy. This is a great pick-up-and-play racer that focuses more on the fun side of racing without getting too bogged down in realism.
9. Need for Speed: The Run
Need for Speed: The Run puts you behind the wheel for a 3,000 mile race from San Francisco to New York. No speed limits, no rules and no allies means you must drive fiercely, resulting in one of the most chaotic and engaging racing games available on the Xbox 360. Visually immersive and boasting excellent driving mechanics, this is one of the most exciting titles in the Need for Speed series. This one is a belter!
8. Burnout: Paradise
Take a trip to Paradise City with this exciting reinvention of the Burnout series that, thanks to the overall tone and chaotic gameplay, reminds gamers why it was so beloved in the first place. The deeply innovative and exciting Burnout Paradise is a stunning and endlessly rewarding racing title that encourages carnage in the way only Burnout knows how. Throw out the driver’s handbook and let the chaos flow through you.
7. Blur
Described as Mario Kart for grown-ups, this ridiculously addictive and over-the-top racer offers dynamic power-ups that can be combined strategically to gain the upper-hand in any given race. With heart-pumping racing action, this totally unique title is packed with licensed cars and real-world tracks, and most importantly, a truly innovative approach to grown-up racing games. Endless fun.
6. F1 2013
Much like the beloved motorsport that inspires it, F1 2013 is a title that demands skill, tactics and commitment – and certainly rewards players with a remarkably deep and satisfying experience. With complex handling, this is not a game for arcade racers, but if you’re willing to put in the time and win a race based entirely on skill and merit, then look no further than this incredibly authentic motorsport simulator.
Much like the beloved motorsport that inspires it, F1 2013 is a title that demands skill, tactics and commitment – and certainly rewards players with a remarkably deep and satisfying experience. With complex handling, this is not a game for arcade racers, but if you’re willing to put in the time and win a race based entirely on skill and merit, then look no further than this incredibly authentic motorsport simulator.
5. DiRT 3
This super-charged and endlessly fun racer combines the usual rally racing with delightfully bonkers mini-games including “Outbreak” which challenges the driver to spread a zombie infection and “Invasion” which involves smashing wooden targets. Also included is a gymkhana mode that puts drivers in obstacle courses, challenging them to perform tricks to earn points. Colourful and fun, DiRT 3 is a riot.
4. Midnight Club Los Angeles
With at times downright bizarre physics, Midnight Club Los Angeles has a certain character and arcade charm to it that puts it high up on this list. With a simple career mode – beat everyone and become the champ of Los Angeles – this is a good old-fashioned racer with a focus on fun. With very little customisation or settings you can change, Midnight Club Los Angeles is a reminder that a good racing game only needs to put you behind the wheel to have a good time.
3. Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed
This passionate love letter to classic SEGA characters and franchises is a wonderful call back to the heyday of gaming and provides a heavy emphasis on fan service. But this is more than style over substance – beneath the surface lies a truly effective kart racer, which could just beat Mario Kart on the track. A well-balanced, entertaining and delightfully entertaining arcade racer that is certainly the most fun entry on this list.
2. Need for Speed: Rivals
This unique racer drops the player into Redview County where a street-racing rivalry between cops and racers never ends. With the option to play as either racer or police, variety is key in Need for Speed: Rivals, a game which boasts a great deal of exploration in its open world and many things to discover and unlock. With stunning mechanics and in-game systems, Need for Speed: Rivals plays like an absolute charm.
1. Forza Motorsport 4
Boasting some of the finest visuals on the Xbox 360, Forza Motorsport 4 delivers a robust variety of cars, tracks and challenges. With incredibly in-depth vehicle and handling settings, you can tune your car to suit you – just don’t expect simple, arcade gameplay. This is a driving simulator for patient, thoughtful players. Those who are willing to put in the hours to practice will be deeply rewarded by the finest driving game on the console.