Three top-down racing games

Racing games. I will probably tell you I'm not that into them. But then I remember I grew up on Need for Speed 2, and I have unlocked Black Series in TrackMania. (If you know, you know.)

More specifically, I seem to have this thing for top-down racing games. With a big arcade feel. But also with realistic driving physics.

(The culprit for this niche? Playing hundreds of hours of GeneRally in my student room, sharing a keyboard with my best friend while battling it out.)

Here are three games I will try to push on everyone who has the need for virtual speed.

Art of Rally

Oh yeah. I'm also a sucker for hyperstylized games. This game feels so good to drive. The cars ooze cool. And it has an amazing synth soundtrack.

It's time trial only, which detracts 2% from a perfect 100 score. Nevertheless, I will forever love this gem.

Super Woden GP II

This might not look the part, but Super Woden GP II is a must-play for anyone who's into Gran Turismo. It shamelessly copies its credit and event system, has an insane amount of cars, and it's so satisfying to tune up your car and finally complete a difficult event.

To maximize the nineties feel, you can turn on different retro rendering styles in the video settings.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill

Third and final tip is something completely different. It's a surprisingly addictive downhill MTB game. It's a weird mix of being zen and brutally difficult. You will smack into so many trees.

Honorable mention: You Suck at Parking

This game by Belgian studio Happy Volcano is a punishing puzzle game. Just like Lonely Mountains, it's the ultimate 'one more try' game.