We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 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. Test Drive Unlimited
- Release Data: Eden Studios/Atari SA, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Even with its limitations, Test Drive Unlimited‘s concept is executed well enough to make it an addictive and interesting racing experience.
There’s nothing else quite like it on the market, and though you’re undoubtedly going to take issue with a few of the game’s peculiarities, there’s enough here to make it a racer worth checking out.
#24. Need for Speed: Shift
- Release Data: Slightly Mad Studios/EA Games, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Need for Speed: Shift has a good selection of cars and plenty of varied tracks to race them on.
However, Shift is neither an arcade racer nor a pure simulation; it’s stuck somewhere between the two, and while there’s plenty of good racing to be had here, it’s unlikely to completely satisfy fans of either.
#23. 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 kart 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.
#22. Need for Speed: Most Wanted – A Criterion Game
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Despite its inconsistencies and disappointments, there’s a lot to like about Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
It mixes a formula of both old school ideas and new ones, creating an experience that mixes well and will certainly appeal to a wide audience.
All in all, it’s a mostly exciting racing game.
#21. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
There’s a lot to see in Need for Speed Most Wanted, but the best moments in the game come from the police chases, which are easy to get in to, hard to get out of, and addictive enough to keep you coming back, even if the racing itself doesn’t stand out.
All things considered, it is a great choice.
#20. Blur
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Blur is so fast and fun to control that you can lose hours slamming into enemies, always coming back for one more race before you turn the system off and walk away.
If you love a more hardcore racing experience, and the idea of truly chaotic combat sounds appealing, then Blur might be for you.
#19. DiRT
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
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 inferior frame rate.
All around, DiRT is a class act, and it belongs in any racing fan’s library.
#18. F1 2012
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Although the presentation could do with some refining, F1 2012 pulls through where it matters: on the track.
Races are satisfying from start to finish, and battling with rivals and the limits of your car is a constant challenge.
There’s no question that this will please fans and newcomers alike.
#17. 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.
Furthermore, its extremely steep learning curve will frustrate many novice racers but will delight serious F1 fans.
#16. 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 blatantly.
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.
#15. Trials HD
- Release Data: RedLynx/Microsoft Game Studios, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The superbly designed levels can always be overcome with just a bit of practice, so the game is continually able to draw you back in for one more attempt.
However, the game is a little short on content with only 35 levels, but once you get sucked into this motorcycle racing world, it’s extremely hard to do anything else.
#14. Forza Horizon
- Release Data: Playground Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
It’s a complete package with good multiplayer, excellent and lengthy single player campaign, and a whole lot to do once you’ve finished the main story.
Forza Horizon is one of the surprises of the racing game world and should be played by every racing fan without a doubt.
#13. Project Gotham Racing 4
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Microsoft Game Studios, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
With such an intense level of focus trained on the weather effects in Project Gotham Racing 4, it makes you wonder what they could do if they focus on the simulation aspect instead.
Still, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Project Gotham Racing 4 is a worthy successor to the previous games in the series.
#12. GRID
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The graphics are top notch which isn’t much of a surprise when it comes to Codemasters and driving games.
Most of all the handling and controls of each and every car are a great mix of simulation and arcade.
Overall, both expert and amateurs should fall in love with this title.
#11. 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.
#10. DiRT 2
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
What makes DiRT 2 so special is the fact that its multiple difficulty levels and forgiving gameplay mechanics make it accessible to newcomers while offering a significant challenge for veterans.
If you have even a passing interest in off-road racing, you won’t regret playing DiRT 2.
#9. Joe Danger: Special Edition
- Release Data: Hello Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
If you haven’t had the pleasure of playing Joe Danger the first time around, then this game is a no-brainer as a purchase.
If you have already played it, still, go get this one, as the Lab mode is basically another version of the game’s original career mode, but twice as hard.
#8. 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.
#7. Burnout Paradise
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2008
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
The open-world design isn’t just a lazy gimmick—it’s a wonderfully executed concept that doesn’t rob the game of the series’ most beloved aspect: the act of driving fast and wrecking hard.
And if you have any affection for the series, you really owe it to yourself to give the game a look.
#6. Burnout Revenge
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
While Burnout Revenge might not have enough new stuff in it to drag you back in if you’ve been playing it on other platforms, this is definitely the version to get if you’re looking for an arcade racer.
It delivers solid, fast action, and is easily the fastest, most exciting racing game available on the Xbox 360.
#5. Project Gotham Racing 3
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Microsoft Game Studios, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Project Gotham Racing 3 may be one of the first racing games on the Xbox 360, but it does manage to impress.
It does have a sense of familiarity about it and the developers could have been a little more original and innovative but to deliver a game so complete which such good graphics was an achievement in itself.
#4. Forza Motorsport 2
- Release Data: Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios, 2007
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The driving model has been made better with the tweaks and adjustments made to it, and the features set is so remarkably deep that you’re likely to lose your free time buying, customizing, and racing your favorite cars.
It’s a testament to the original design that this sequel can feel both similar and yet much better at the same time.
#3. Forza Motorsport 4
- Release Data: Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios, 2011
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Like even the very best new cars, Forza 4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but rather it refines and improves upon what came before it.
That’s no small achievement given how truly special Forza 3 was, and if you’re still playing that game, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this for years.
#2. Trials Evolution
- Release Data: RedLynx/Microsoft Game Studios, 2012
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Though on a core level Trials Evolution is very similar to its predecessor, it does everything bigger and better.
The triumph of conquering a tough track, the thrill of getting a personal record, and the creative adventure of making your own track and playing the crazy creations of others all conspire to make this one super sequel.
#1. Forza Motorsport 3
- Release Data: Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
There’s no denying that Forza Motorsport 3 is a truly special racing game.
Not only does it make simulation-style racing accessible to anyone with the inclination to give it a try, but it looks and sounds superb doing it.
If you have any interest in racing games, even if you’ve never played one before, you’d do well to get this game.
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See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
