5 Most Realistic Video Games For The Driving Enthusiast
Motorsport has been an inspiration for video games for decades, influencing everything from arcade-style franchises like Need For Speed to the various auto-themed slots.
For enthusiasts, the more rewarding experiences in the gaming sphere will be found through driving simulators; those titles which put realism at the top of the agenda. Here is a quick rundown of the most authentic driving simulators out there at the moment.
F1 2019
If you are a fan of Formula One, the most believable incarnation of this particular sport is found in the officially licensed game series developed by the experts at Codemasters.
The latest iteration is F1 2019, which received praise for its attention to detail on a technical level, really making it feel like you are in the cockpit of the world’s most ferociously powerful vehicles. It also provides plenty of new features not found in earlier versions, including coverage of F2 for those who want to test their mettle in the lower echelons of the competiton.
Assetto Corsa
It may have been released more than half a decade ago, but Assetto Corsa endures as arguably the most realistic and thrilling driving simulator on the market.
The pixel-perfect representations of the various officially licensed supercars it features are seriously jaw-dropping in terms of how accurate they are, so long as you have powerful enough hardware to run it at its highest settings. Meanwhile under the surface is a whole heap of intensely detailed coding which comes together to deliver unflinchingly convincing performance.
Along with vehicles from brands including BMW, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Lotus, the game also features real-world tracks which have been laser-scanned to make sure they match their tangible counterparts down to the last millimetre. And if you have a virtual reality headset, there is support for an even more immersive experience in this game.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Sometimes you might want to drive at a slower pace, while still focusing on the technical aspects of getting from A to B as efficiently as possible. In this case, Euro Truck Simulator 2 will be a must-buy game.
Its simulation elements go deeper than merely emulating the feeling of getting behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle; there are also goals to accomplish, loads to deliver and myriad customisable options that let you tweak your experience to your liking.
The realism of this game is expanded thanks to the various DLC bundles that can be purchased, which add in extra trucks, different load types, more locations to visit and everything in between.
Project CARS 2
If you are looking for a realistic racing game that packs in more content than most of its competitors put together, then Project CARS 2 is definitely going to be high on your wishlist.
It is available not only for PC but also for Xbox One and PS4, so it can be enjoyed by anyone who prefers to play in the comfort of their living room.
140 different tracks are baked into the game, along with almost 200 different sports cars. It also offers a range of different driving styles across various conditions, from the taught, precise action of track-based racing to the spills and thrills of heading off-road for rally events. Well regarded by critics, the main complaint is that it might put off those who are only casually interested in driving games.
Dirt Rally 2.0
Like F1 2019 this is a driving simulator developed by Codemasters, which is a seal of quality in its own right. It follows on from a long line of predecessors, having evolved from the Colin McRae Rally franchise.
Players can jump behind the wheel of the rally car of their choosing, then take on a plethora of events ranged across countries including New Zealand, Greece, Wales and Argentina.
There are 50 different vehicles in total to choose between and you can either race in one-off events, or participate in a fully fledged career mode which will help you to develop your skills over endless hours of immersive, enjoyable play. If you are looking for a focused rallying experience, this is the game to pick.