We already published the list of best PS3 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS3 racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS3 definitely has a great library of racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS3 and 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. F1 2010
- Release Data: Codemasters Birmingham/Codemasters, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
F1 2010 does a good job of re-creating the excitement and action of driving a Formula One car.
Clearly there is still room for improvement, but despite its occasional quirks, F1 2010 is a game that any fan of Formula One or simulation racing would do well to take for a spin.
#24. GRID 2
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2013
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
This is a game that wants you to experience the thrill of breakneck street racing, and gives you all the tools necessary to do just that.
With terrific handling, gorgeous environments, and a broad selection of event types, Grid 2 slams on the gas and rarely slows down.
#23. F1 2011
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
F1 2011 is a great sequel which captures the fragility of an F1 car for the first time and features significant improvements over its predecessor.
Its extremely steep learning curve will frustrate many novice racers but will delight serious F1 fans.
#22. 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.
#21. Midnight Club: Los Angeles
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The cars handle fantastically, the city is nearly perfect, the GPS stuff is awesome and customizing your ride is great.
It is way too hard, however, even right from the start.
Fans of street racing, and especially the Midnight Club series in general, will find a lot to like here, but don’t expect an easy time on the streets.
#20. Gran Turismo 6
- Release Data: Polyphony Digital/SCEA, 2013
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
When you’re on one of Gran Turismo 6’s absolutely gorgeous tracks, fused with the car you’re controlling, attacking apexes with confidence and devouring sectors with steely precision, it’s not hard to see why this series is deservedly regarded as one of the best of its kind, and this one is no exception.
#19. 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.
#18. MotorStorm
- Release Data: Evolution Studios/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The limited number of tracks and gameplay options hold it back quite a bit, but the fundamental racing is incredible.
The variety in vehicle types is great, the track designs are awesome and the online is extremely fun.
As an over-the-top, gorgeous-to-look-at racer, Motorstorm is absolutely a success.
#17. 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.
#16. MotorStorm: Pacific Rift
- Release Data: Evolution Studios/SCEA, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The track design is its greatest success; the intricacy and variety of the courses will keep you coming back to explore the possibilities and test your spirit.
Aside from a few remaining criticisms, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is a notable improvement over the original and a blast to play.
#15. 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.
#14. DiRT
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
On every other front, DiRT delivers a racing experience that’s a lot of fun to play and visuals that are such a joy to watch that you can even bring yourself to forgive the shoddy frame rate.
All around, DiRT is a class act, and it belongs in any racing fan’s library.
#13. Need for Speed: Shift
- Release Data: Slightly Mad Studios/EA Games, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Need for Speed: Shift is a glorious return to greatness for EA’s seminal racing franchise and has delivered a driving experience that is practically dead-on in terms of what it’s like to race around some of the world’s best racing circuits.
The career mode could have been a little better, but the act of driving is basically phenomenal.
#12. 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.
#11. Gran Turismo 5
- Release Data: Polyphony Digital/SCEA, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
If you’ve ever fantasized about a Ferrari, Gran Turismo 5 is a game that you’re sure to get a lot out of.
It’s unfortunate that much of what makes Gran Turismo 5 so great is under the hood rather than on display for everyone to see, but a powerful engine trumps a perfect paintjob every time.
#10. 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.
#9. Need for Speed: Most Wanted – A Criterion Game
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
As with all sandbox games the narrative is of your own making but this is even more true of Most Wanted.
It’s the racing game for people who don’t tend to like racing games. You’re not punished for missing that apex or abandoning that nagging racing line.
It’s undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences.
#8. GRID
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
There are plenty of other racing games on the market, but GRID captures the soul of the track like none other.
Although its car count is low, customization is limited and the repetitive dialogue grates a bit, Grid‘s stands out as a stylish but serious alternative to both hardcore driving simulations and over-the-top arcade racers.
#7. 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.
#6. DiRT 2
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
DiRT 2 is prettier than its predecessor, has more varied tracks and a functional multiplayer offering.
The vast majority of racing fans are going to love what DiRT 2 has to offer, but there will be a few who long for the days when a hill climb was considered the ultimate racing experience.
#5. 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.
#4. DiRT 3
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
DiRT 3 improves and builds upon its superb predecessor at just about every opportunity.
Whether you’re a veteran of the DiRT series and the long-running Colin McRae Rally series that preceded it, or someone looking for a way into off-road racing, DiRT 3 is the game you should be playing.
#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 racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!