We already published the list of best Dreamcast games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Dreamcast arcade racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Dreamcast definitely has a great library of arcade racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Dreamcast and arcade racing games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Surf Rocket Racers
- Release Data: CRI/Crave, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Fans of Hydro Thunder will probably be interested in giving this title a whirl.
But don’t be surprised if all that gets your attention in Surf Rocket Racers are the mini-games rather than racing.
Though Surf Rocket Racers displays good water effects and offers a number of play options, the lack of depth and simple gameplay will hardly keep anyone’s attention.
#24. Sno-Cross Championship Racing
- Release Data: Unique Development Studios/Crave, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
After playing the likes of Test Drive Le Mans, Sega GT, and Wacky Races, racing fans know exactly what to expect from the Dreamcast’s hardware.
Although Sno-Cross Championship Racing was a valiant effort on the PlayStation, on the Dreamcast it falls far short of standards and expectations.
#23. POD: Speedzone
- Release Data: Ubisoft Romania/Ubisoft, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
The interesting level design and copious eye candy are crippled by the game’s fumbled controls.
Those wanting for any kind of futuristic racing may find it amusing, but the majority would do well to leave POD SpeedZone for a casual session at best.
#22. Super Runabout: San Francisco Edition
- Release Data: Climax Entertainment/Virgin Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
I can see the appeal that this game can have with younger players who don’t know any better.
But to those wishing to make a smart purchase, this game may have enough gameplay for a quick session.
But if you want a Dreamcast game where driving and crashing are the norm, go for something like Crazy Taxi.
#21. Mag Force Racing
- Release Data: VCC Entertainment/Crave, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
If you are willing to sit through the lengthy learning curve, this game certainly has its high points, but it also has some aesthetic weaknesses that keep it from being great.
If this game was a little more polished, it would easily be a must-have, but between the interface and the game’s frame rate issues, it’s not recommended to everyone.
#20. 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker
- Release Data: CRI/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
The track designs have enough twists and turns in them, the competing racers are challenging, the clock can sometimes be downright difficult to best, and it’s all brought together with traditionally tight, arcade-friendly Sega controls.
As an arcade game, this is a novelty, but a thoroughly satisfying one.
#19. Pen Pen TriIcelon
- Release Data: General Entertainment, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
It won’t take more than two or three hours to unlock all the track variations, as the computer racers don’t put up much of a fight.
The game, as a whole, is a little too simplistic to hold the interest of most players, eventually putting Pen Pen TriIcelon to the kids game category.
#18. Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour
- Release Data: Crystal Dynamics/Eidos Interactive, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
As a kart racing game, it’s nothing extraordinary, but as a Disney collector’s item, it works wonders.
Where Wacky Races failed to capture the true essence of its license, Magical Racing Tour succeeds at delivering the emotion and heart of its Disney characters.
It’s also a pretty good racing game.
#17. Tokyo Xtreme Racer
- Release Data: Genki, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Gamers looking for a full-on racing product, complete with multiple tracks, officially licensed cars, and changing weather conditions, can play Sega Rally 2, but anyone looking for a fun, unique, addictive gameplay experience, will want to look into Tokyo Xtreme Racer.
#16. Star Wars Episode I: Racer
- Release Data: LucasArts, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Despite looking underwhelming due to mediocre porting, Star Wars Episode I: Racer is still a great, fast futuristic racer, thanks to some unique touches that add challenge and flair to the gameplay.
Whether you have interest in the source material or the genre, gamers will find themselves satisfied with this one.
#15. 4 Wheel Thunder
- Release Data: Kalisto/Midway, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If you don’t mind a high initial difficulty level and a bit of fog, the sheer overall quality level, fun factor, and multimedia experience of 4 Wheel Thunder make it a no-brainer for arcade racing lovers.
Those deeply addicted to Hydro Thunder may find themselves underwhelmed, but for everyone else, 4 Wheel Thunder is a breath of fresh air.
#14. Demolition Racer: No Exit
- Release Data: Pitbull Syndicate/Infogrames, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Demolition Racer: No Exit has better visuals, more tracks, improved gameplay, and enough secrets compared to the PlayStation version.
The Dreamcast may lack a healthy assortment of demolition-style racing titles, but Demolition Racer: No Exit stands at the top of the heap.
#13. Looney Tunes: Space Race
- Release Data: Melbourne House/Infogrames, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Not a bad game by any means, Looney Tunes Space Race is one of those types of games that could be great fun for only about half an hour.
Presented without any flaws, we could see how fans of the old school cartoons and young children alike could really dig it.
#12. Speed Devils
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
While the weak multiplayer severely cuts into the game’s replay value, Speed Devils does present an excellent single-player experience.
The courses become increasingly challenging without being increasingly frustrating, making it into a game you’ll want to play through to the end.
#11. Hydro Thunder
- Release Data: Eurocom/Midway, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
Hydro Thunder was the best boat racing game to ever hit the arcade, and the Dreamcast version carries that tradition to the consoles.
At its core, Hydro Thunder is still a very exciting racer that offers awesome graphics and a solid engine, but in the end it still feels like an arcade game.
#10. Re-Volt
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios London/Acclaim Japan, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
The fact that this game wasn’t completely optimized is the only thing that keeps it from being the best racing game on the system.
The frame rate could have been optimized with a few tweaks, and if they fixed that this game would have been near perfect.
All things considered, however, the game is extremely solid, and is worth a look.
#9. Vanishing Point
- Release Data: Clockwork Games/Acclaim, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Vanishing Point‘s vehicle dynamics and artificial intelligence were fashioned over the course of an extensive two-year R&D period.
Also, the game’s six head-to-head and multiplayer competitions sidestep the majority of the game’s balance problems.
Flaws aside, Vanishing Point is one of the most original and enjoyable racing games on the Dreamcast.
#8. Sega GT
- Release Data: TOSE/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In the end, Sega GT does a good job of emulating the general look and feel of Gran Turismo, but the lack of any innovation coupled with some specific control and interface problems keeps this game from garnering a higher score.
#7. Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2
- Release Data: Genki, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
There are more than 300 rivals to race against, and you’ll be hard pressed to find them all, so if you’re looking for a game that you can easily defeat, look elsewhere.
On the other hand, if you’ve got tons of free time to devote to racing, purchasing, and modifying scores of cars, this might be what you’re looking for.
#6. Sega Rally Championship 2
- Release Data: Sega AM3/Sega, 1999
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
With an excellent two-player mode, and the addictive ten-year championship, Sega Rally 2 is the king of the hill.
While Ridge Racer 4 has a more exotic lineup of fictional cars, and Gran Turismo has an extensive list of vehicular customization, Sega Rally 2 marries the qualities of super-fun arcade racing, challenging track elements and design, and unparalleled replay value.
#5. Crazy Taxi 2
- Release Data: Hitmaker/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Crazy Taxi 2 is just as much fun as the first game.
While it would have been nice to see some slightly more drastic changes to the Crazy Taxi formula, fans of the original will immediately feel right at home with Crazy Taxi 2.
Anyone looking for a solid Dreamcast game will find just that in Crazy Taxi 2.
#4. San Francisco Rush 2049
- Release Data: Midway, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
It doesn’t need to be repeated that San Francisco Rush 2049 is quite an arcade racing game.
With a multitude of elements that let it transcend that narrow and often underrated genre, racing fans and those simply seeking a wild, entertaining experience would do well to check it out.
#3. Daytona USA
- Release Data: Amusement Vision/Sega, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Other than its updated physics and sensitive controls, Daytona USA for the Dreamcast really is the return of an old favorite.
And although Daytona USA isn’t a perfect racing game, a greater variety of tracks, cars, and options makes this sequel seem fresh and new.
#2. Wacky Races
- Release Data: Infogrames Sheffield/Infogrames, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Wacky Races is a license-based racing game done right.
Sure, there are a few quirks to get used to, and the difficulty level is less than forgiving, but these are no reason not to give Wacky Races a chance.
Furthermore, the game gives Dreamcast owners their Mario Kart game and does so in a way that some will find vastly superior.
#1. Crazy Taxi
- Release Data: Hitmaker/Sega, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
While some may argue that Crazy Taxi sticks a little too close to the arcade model to have any real longevity, the replay value comes from the sheer fun of the game.
The game has the same kind of universal appeal and pick-up-and-play mentality that made Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater a hit on the PlayStation.
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See also: Best Saturn Games & Best Gaming Chairs
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Dreamcast arcade racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
