We already published the list of best PS2 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS2 arcade racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS2 definitely has a great library of arcade racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS2 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. FlatOut 2
- Release Data: Bugbear/Empire Interactive, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
FlatOut 2, while not a major improvement over the first game, is still a quality demolition racer.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of lovable qualities to be found in FlatOut 2, especially if all you want is the same basic racing gameplay as in the first FlatOut, but with a lot more of it.
#24. MTX Mototrax
- Release Data: Left Field Productions/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
All told, MTX Mototrax is a good game that should please fans of the motocross racing genre, but there are better choices on the market.
MTX Mototrax may be a good motocross racing game, but MX Unleashed is still a better game across the board.
#23. Star Wars: Racer Revenge
- Release Data: Rainbow Studios/LucasArts, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Though Racer Revenge is a lot of fun and plays great, it’s simply too short.
Even with the alternate routes, racing around the same tracks can get repetitive.
As it is, Racer Revenge is good-looking game that’s a whole lot of fun while it lasts, which unfortunately isn’t very long at all.
#22. Burnout Dominator
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Burnout Dominator is more Burnout, and that’s great.
It may not have all the modern features and quirks that you’d want from a sequel, but if you’re a fan of the series who absolutely wants more tracks, Dominator should satisfy you nicely.
#21. Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory
- Release Data: Angel Studios/Rockstar Games, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Smuggler’s Run 2: Hostile Territory will instantly impresses fans of the original, as it is essentially a better-looking version of the original.
The fundamentals haven’t changed enough to sway anyone unimpressed with the first game, but the consistent quality of this series should warrant a look from anyone in search of an off-road driving game.
#20. Kinetica
- Release Data: SCE Santa Monica/SCEA, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Kinetica is by no means a bad game.
The interesting character design and unique stunt system set it apart from the pack, but the fluctuating frame rate, track design issues, and poor sensation of speed hold it back from being a really good futuristic racing game.
#19. MX Superfly
- Release Data: Pacific Coast Power & Light/THQ, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
MX Superfly is a cleaned-up and slightly larger version of MX 2002.
If you missed out on MX 2002, Superfly is a perfect place to start.
If you’re a casual MX 2002 player, though, you might not notice or appreciate the game’s changes and updates as much as an MX 2002 fanatic would.
#18. Freekstyle
- Release Data: Page 44 Studios/EA Sports Big, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
Sporting an excellent sense of speed and tight controls, Freekstyle is undeniably fun.
But its awkward learning curve will test even the most passionate players.
For those who are serious with Freekstyle, its daunting challenge will certainly increase its staying power, but those looking for quick-hit fun will find the surprisingly addictive multiplayer modes to be their best bet.
#17. MX 2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael
- Release Data: Pacific Coast Power & Light/THQ, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
MX 2002 is good enough to attract those of you who aren’t already a motocross fan without alienating fans of the real sports.
The career mode could have used a little more depth, but in the end, the game controls very well, and there are more than enough tracks in both the standard and freestyle modes to keep you occupied.
#16. Crazy Taxi
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Cheltenham/Acclaim, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Crazy Taxi is a fun, exciting game, but fans of Crazy Taxi who already own the Dreamcast version don’t really need to bother with the PlayStation 2 version.
The original version is every bit as good, if not better than this version, so only those PS2 owners who don’t also own a Dreamcast will find this game worthwhile.
#15. MX Unleashed
- Release Data: Rainbow Studios/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
In the end, MX Unleashed is another very good entry in a solid series of motocross games.
It plays well, and it has great control and a lot of tracks and objectives.
All in all, fans of the series or of motocross in general should definitely check it out.
#14. Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild
- Release Data: Rainbow Studios/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
The new tracks are incredibly fun to race on, and the numerous stadium and open-water courses really take advantage of the game’s gameplay mechanics and enhanced trick system.
However, it’s unfortunate that there are only eight world courses, but the fact that there are new costumes, Sea-Doos, and riders to unlock will keep you playing the game for a while.
#13. Ridge Racer V
- Release Data: Namco, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Ridge Racer V is a fun, great-looking game that will please old Ridge Racer fans.
Players that picked up the series around the third or fourth game may be a little disappointed with the way the cars handle, but not so much that their fun will be ruined.
#12. OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
- Release Data: Sumo Digital/Sega, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If you’re looking for a fun arcade racer with lots of Ferraris and the ability to do some fast and furious drifts, you won’t go wrong with OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast.
Those who’ve already played OutRun2 may find the experience to be largely the same, but it’s still a worthwhile experience, especially those who missed out on that game.
#11. Burnout
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Acclaim, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Anytime you feel the need for a nerve-racking racing experience, it is the type of game that you can come back to and play from time to time and enjoy thoroughly.
Burnout is one of the most intense and entertaining racing games on the PlayStation 2, complete with tight controls and impressive graphics.
#10. Smuggler’s Run
- Release Data: Angel Studios/Syscom, 2000
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Smuggler’s Run is an excellent game with a very cool premise and solid gameplay to back it up.
Though the game gets a little dry and repetitive after a while, the limitless opportunities found in the multiplayer modes and the insane vehicular stunts make it a worthy addition to any driving fan’s game library.
#9. XGIII: Extreme G Racing
- Release Data: Acclaim Studios Cheltenham/Acclaim, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
In short, Extreme-G 3 is a smart and solid racing game that provides an amazing feeling of true speed.
One of its notable drawbacks is that there are some holes in its AI that you can exploit to race through the leagues.
Overall, it’s a racer that should appeal to those who get little out of Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec.
#8. Splashdown
- Release Data: Rainbow Studios/Infogrames, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
Splashdown is one of those games that successfully executes a number of different elements but, at the same time, doesn’t take full advantage of the setting.
In any case, Splashdown is a good racing game that—with a few tweaks—could have easily been one of the greatest.
#7. Rumble Racing
- Release Data: Electronic Arts, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Rumble Racing looks good, moves fast, and is a blast to play, either by yourself or with a friend.
Anyone with an interest for racing combined with power-ups and shortcuts won’t be disappointed, and the game has enough options and tracks to keep you entertained for a long time.
#6. Spy Hunter
- Release Data: Paradigm Entertainment/Midway, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If you were to slap a 007 license on this game, it would be one of the best James Bond games.
As it stands, it’s a solid reinterpretation of a video game classic that adds its own unique elements to the franchise without forgetting what made Spy Hunter what it was.
#5. Wipeout Fusion
- Release Data: Studio Liverpool/SCEE, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Wipeout Fusion is a lot of fun.
It is one of the best combat racers for the PS2 and it is possibly the fastest racing game on the system as well.
There is so much to do and so many different ways to play that you will get at months of playing out of this game.
#4. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2
- Release Data: Black Box/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In this intense entry in the Need for Speed franchise, you’ll enter the World Racing Championship, testing your driving skills on a handful of exotic tracks.
You can also play as the police yourself in the You’re the Cop mode, where you must arrest speeders by chasing them down and running them off road.
#3. Burnout 2: Point of Impact
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Acclaim, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
This excellent sequel puts players behind the wheel of wickedly fast vehicles, tasking them with completing laps on exciting tracks and courses.
You won’t be alone on most of the street courses, as you’ll have to avoid oncoming traffic and other cars.
In short, this is an insane and amazing racing game for people that love destruction.
#2. Burnout Revenge
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
This exciting racing game is packed with great content, with five different race types and a full single-player mode as well.
It pays to be aggressive when racing, as you’ll earn extra boost for causing other players and traffic to crash.
With over 70 cars and 160 single-player events to complete, Burnout Revenge delivers plenty of bang for your buck.
#1. Burnout 3: Takedown
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Like other Burnout titles, this entry contains a lengthy single-player career in the form of World Tour mode.
The most notable addition is “Takedowns”, which now enable you to cause opposing cars to crash and burn with aggressive action.
This hectic arcade-racer is full of explosive action, and one of the finest racing games on the PlayStation 2.
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See also: Best PS1 Games & Best PSP Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS2 arcade racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
