2023 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for racing game fans, with the return of two beloved franchises and exciting new contenders vying for the crown. From realistic contenders to the throne of Mario Kart to unannounced surprises, here are the five new racing games we can’t wait to get our hands on in the coming year.
Number 1. Forza Motorsport
It’s been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over: Forza Motorsport is back and ready to take on the competition. The Forza franchise has always been known for its attention to detail, with visually stunning graphics and cars that are modeled down to the atomic level. In a genre where realism is key, Forza has consistently set the bar high for other racing games to follow.
While the last installment, Forza Motorsport 7, was a solid addition to the series, it wasn’t the groundbreaking release that fans had hoped for. However, with five years to work on this new game, the Forza team has had the time and resources to truly refine and perfect their craft. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for us with the newest iteration of Forza Motorsport.
In a crowded field of racing games, Forza has always stood out as a leader in the genre. With its fierce competition, Gran Turismo has long been the game to beat, but Forza has the resources and talent to give it a run for its money. We can’t wait to see what this new Forza game brings to the table and how it will raise the bar for racing games in the future. So, gear up and get ready to hit the track with Forza Motorsport.
Number 2. Wreckreation
Get ready for high-speed crashes and over-the-top demolition in Wreckreation, the sequel to Dangerous Driving. This game is all about causing chaos on the track and watching your opponents come to a sudden stop in a shower of metal, sparks, and shattered glass.
One of the most exciting features of Wreckreation is the 400km squared sandbox known as Sledgehammer County. Here, you can create your own tracks and obstacles, building looping courses high above the ground. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock even more outrageous obstacles to add to the open world, such as giant cows and moving windmills. With all of these wacky hazards scattered throughout the track, Wreckreation starts to look more like a super-sized crazy golf course than a traditional racing game. So, get ready to cause some destruction and have a blast in Wreckreation.
Number 3. Disney Speedstorm
Disney has entered the kart racing scene with their own Mario Kart-style game featuring a wide range of beloved characters. From Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean to Baloo from The Jungle Book, you’ll have the chance to see all of your favorites duking it out on the track. Despite being geared towards kids, the game has a surprisingly gritty aesthetic with muted colors and neon accents. It’s sure to be a hit with players of all ages.
One of the most appealing aspects of the game is that it will be free to download and play. However, it’s likely that players will have the option to purchase additional content and customization options such as kart decals and outfits. Even with the potential for in-game purchases, Disney’s kart racing game is sure to be a hit with fans. So why wait? Start your engines and join in on the fun.
Number 4. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
Test Drive Unlimited, the pioneering open-world racing game, is returning in 2023 with a new setting: Hong Kong Island and the surrounding roads. Developed by the team behind the acclaimed WRC games, this updated version of Test Drive Unlimited promises to deliver all the excitement of the original, including constantly connected online multiplayer, the chance to drive luxurious supercars, and an open world to explore.
As you cruise around Hong Kong’s densely populated areas and winding mountain roads, your goal will be to compete in races and events to earn the coveted Solar Crown. We can only hope that this prize is a literal crown that our character can wear with pride. And with the option to accumulate more supercars than a dealership in Knightsbridge, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your racing prowess in Test Drive Unlimited. Get ready to hit the streets and rev your engines in this thrilling open-world racing game.
Number 5. Pacific Drive
Pacific Drive is not your typical racing game. Instead, it’s a survival horror experience set in the surreal, supernatural Pacific Northwest. Players will customize and drive a modified station wagon through the Olympic Exclusion Zone, only leaving the safety of their vehicle when absolutely necessary. The abandoned garage serves as a base of operations, and each time players set out, the world and road layout is slightly altered.
But beware, as you navigate through this strange and dangerous world, you’ll encounter Lovecraftian creatures, reality-bending anomalies, and buckets of icky green goo. It’s a far cry from the mundane experience of getting lost in Milton Keynes. Pacific Drive offers a unique and thrilling twist on the racing genre.
