We already published the list of best PS3 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS3 arcade racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS3 definitely has a great library of arcade racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS3 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. nail’d
- Release Data: Techland/Deep Silver, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In the end, Nail’d may not be the most original game on the PS3 for that matter but it does provide a good old fashioned off-road racer that may not win anything for originality but it does provide a high speed alternative to the influx of road racers.
#24. Wheelman
- Release Data: Tigon/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Wheelman introduces some neat ideas to the open-world driving genre, and when you’re moving at high speed, it’s a lot of fun.
The slow-motion gunplay and air-jacking work well, and really make you feel as though you’re blessed with superhuman driving abilities.
If you’re a fan of Vin Diesel or movie-based car chases then you’ll get some enjoyment out of Wheelman.
#23. GTI Club + Rally Cote D’Azur
- Release Data: Sumo Digital/Konami, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
GTI Club Plus is good if you’re a nostalgic fan of the original arcade machine.
Newcomers, on the other hand, will find that the maps, modes, and features lack the depth of modern racing games.
However, if you want to try a racer that does things a bit differently, GTI Club Plus is definitely worth taking a look at.
#22. LittleBigPlanet Karting
- Release Data: United Front Games/SCEA, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Taken purely as a kart racing game, LittleBigPlanet Karting isn’t quite the deepest experience out there.
Thankfully, the core racing is exciting, and the lengthy story mode offers a variety of well-designed courses to compete in.
Overall, LittleBigPlanet fans and kart racing fans will definitely enjoy the game and everything it has to offer.
#21. Daytona USA
- Release Data: Sega AM2/Sega, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Daytona USA is no doubt a lot of fun for an arcade racing game.
If you are a nostalgic gamer like myself, the title is a must-have. If you are a racing game fan, this title is a must-have too.
In the end, it’s a tremendous value for long-time players.
#20. Ridge Racer Unbounded
- Release Data: Bugbear/Namco Bandai Games, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Unbounded may not have much to do with the things that defined Ridge Racer, but if you can get over that, you’ll discover an energetic, entertaining racer, with gratifyingly destructive environments, and challenging gameplay.
Get over the tough learning curve, build your own tracks, and master drifting and you are on your way to a truly enjoyable experience.
#19. Stuntman Ignition
- Release Data: Paradigm Entertainment/THQ, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Stuntman: Ignition is a significant step up from its predecessor, and it’s a pretty distinct experience as far as driving games go.
The fundamental structure of playing through the same stunt sequence repeatedly will no doubt sour some, but if you can get past that, it can be a blast.
#18. SkyDrift
- Release Data: Digital Reality, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If you’ve ever played an arcade or kart racer before, then you have a good idea of what to expect from SkyDrift.
This is a fun, arcade-style racer that offers surprising depth and rewards smart play.
If you’re a fan of racing games or fighting other planes out of the sky, SkyDrift is definitely worth checking out.
#17. Sega Rally Revo
- Release Data: SEGA Racing Studio/Sega, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
At its gameplay core, SEGA Rally Revo is a return to glory for Sega in the sense it delivers a fun arcade-driven game that still manages to throw enough of a challenge at you to keep you coming back for more.
#16. Cars 2: The Video Game
- Release Data: Avalanche Software/Disney Interactive Studios, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Cars 2 is a game that not only has a lot to offer for fans of the movies but also for anyone who enjoys games like Mario Kart.
If you’re in the market for a kart racer that’s fun to play alongside friends and family, you won’t regret getting this one.
#15. OutRun: Online Arcade
- Release Data: Sumo Digital/Sega, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Outrun Online Arcade is largely the same game that it’s been for years, which is to say that it’s a simple and fun arcade racer that works great as a time killer.
It looks good, plays great, sounds OK, and has just enough replay value to keep you coming back for more every now and then.
#14. Ridge Racer 7
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
While Ridge Racer 7 may not be the most innovative of games in the racing genre, it still comes out to be a decent launch racing title.
The new level of customization and the generally enjoyable gameplay all make up for some flaws, and make Ridge Racer 7 an easy choice for a racing title.
#13. Driver: San Francisco
- Release Data: Ubisoft Reflections/Ubisoft, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
It looks great, it’s got a lot of personality, it tells an entertaining story and it’s great fun to play.
Fans of open-world experiences who want to try something new will find exactly what they’re looking for here, provided they can forgive the unnecessary flaws involved.
#12. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
- Release Data: Sumo Digital/Sega, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Although the core of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is obviously pulled straight out of Mario Kart, this crazy racer can stand on its own.
The tight controls and excellent track design ensure that head-to-head competition is always exciting, but it’s so fun just to play around with these karts that it’s so easy to lose hours playing this.
#11. Blur
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If you love a more hardcore racing experience, and the idea of truly chaotic combat sounds appealing, than Blur might be for you.
If you’re looking for a fun, pick-up-and-play combat racer, then I think you need to go back to Mario Kart or, better yet, pick up the excellent Split/Second.
#10. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
- Release Data: Sumo Digital/Sega, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Beyond its obvious appeal to Sega fans, this is a rich, bold and substantial arcade racer that demands your attention.
It might not be quite as finely tuned as Mario Kart, but it’s a good deal, more ambitious, and different enough that it deserves a place alongside it in your gaming library.
#9. Pure
- Release Data: Black Rock Studio/Disney Interactive Studios, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Pure isn’t the most original game out there, and it might have been nice to see it build on the trick system in SSX instead of just copying it.
But nonetheless, its focus on tricks, boosting, and larger-than-life jumps over gorgeous environments pays off.
This is an exciting racing game that seriously delivers on its promise of high-speed, high-adrenaline action.
#8. ModNation Racers
- Release Data: United Front Games/SCEA, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Other
ModNation Racers boasts some of the most impressive creation tools yet seen on a console.
The single player career can be difficult, and the long load times quickly become a bind, but ModNation Racers succeeds in providing outstanding online sharing facilities and great multiplayer fun.
#7. Split/Second
- Release Data: Black Rock Studio/Disney Interactive Studios, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In the end though, Split/Second has so much going for it that it’s easy to recommend for kart and arcade racing fans alike.
Even if racing games aren’t typically your thing, Split/Second offers enough action and fun to recommend to everyone.
#6. Dyad
- Release Data: Right Square Bracket Left Square Bracket Games/SCEA, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
There are a few times when Dyad‘s abstract presentation is so overwhelming that you don’t feel in control of your own destiny. But by and large, this unique game keeps you invested.
It’s a great mix of comfort and excitement, making it easy to lose yourself in the barrage of sound and energy.
#5. Joe Danger
- Release Data: Hello Games, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In a lot of ways, Joe Danger feels like it was made by Nintendo: it will constantly surprise and delight you, in the way the best first-party Nintendo games do.
It’s got bright, cartoon visuals, and the level design encourages return visits to look for all the hidden stars and coins.
#4. Wipeout HD
- Release Data: Studio Liverpool/SCEE, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
Wipeout HD is a compilation of PSP games running in high definition, and it looks considerably better for the visual upgrade.
The game is immensely polished from start to finish, the controls feel fantastic, and really, it’s the best Wipeout game in a long, long time. Do not miss this one.
#3. Burnout Paradise
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Burnout Paradise has its share of flaws, but it’s also incredibly fun.
The change to an open world brought its share of issues but it also allows for freedom unseen in any recent racing game.
Most importantly though, Criterion has once again delivered a racing experience that can best be described as controlled chaos, one where even crashing is immensely rewarding.
#2. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is one of the most thrilling racing games around.
It doesn’t matter which side of the law you prefer to play on; the unpredictable nature of these events and the sheer speed at which they’re played make this a tough game to put down.
#1. Wipeout HD Fury
- Release Data: Studio Liverpool/SCEA, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Futuristic
The new tracks are excellent, but it’s the game modes that offer the real value for money here.
It’s no surprise Sony Liverpool was keen to get them into gamers’ hands in an expansion rather than having to wait until the release of a completely new game.
If you liked WipEout HD, Fury is a no-brainer. Get it now.
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See also: Best PSP Games & Best PS Vita Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS3 arcade racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
