Driving cars in video games can be a blast. When a video game nails its driving mechanics, then stepping into a car and going berserk in open-world environments feels great.
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This is why players love video games where exploring the world in a swift car feels great. Zooming across urban landscapes and empty countrysides is a blast as players master these mechanics, take part in races, and customize their favorite vehicles to their hearts' content.
Burnout Paradise
A Fun Arcade Racer Set In An Open World With A Focus On Wrecking Cars
Burnout Paradise
- Released
- January 22, 2008
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Criterion Games
- Genre(s)
- Racing
Burnout Paradise is a great video game for fans of arcade racing who want to smash other vehicles to bits in the various types of races and events in this title. Exploring Paradise City and causing as much destruction and mayhem as possible feels great.
It helps that Burnout Paradise's driving mechanics make it clear that realistic racing isn't a priority. Rather, players enjoy the feel of arcade gaming as their car pulls off impossible drifts at death-defying speeds and smashes opponents in the process.
Grand Theft Auto 5
The Driving Mechanics In This Game Are Off The Charts
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
For a game that was released more than a decade ago, it's a testament to how incredible the development team over at Rockstar is that the driving mechanics of Grand Theft Auto 5 are still leagues ahead of most other open-world games (and, in some cases, some racing games as well). The single-player mode is fun enough as is, as players find cool-looking vehicles in the open world and "appropriate" them in no time.
GTA Online has an even larger array of vehicles to acquire and purchase, with players finding it more rewarding to invest their hard-earned cash to acquire these cars. Driving around Los Santos and its countryside in state-of-the-art vehicles feels great, and some cars are so valuable that players will think twice before driving at reckless speeds and wrecking these vehicles in no time.
Cyberpunk 2077
Driving Around In Futuristic Vehicles Is A Blast
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077's driving mechanics may not be the best thing around, but the atmosphere of Night City more than makes up for it. Exploring this dystopian urban landscape that looks pretty yet depressing at the same time is very compelling.
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Every corner of Night City has something interesting for fans to uncover, and finding the vehicle of their choice to roam around this capitalist hellscape is a blast. From a nod to the Batmobile to the armed and durable Herrera Outlaw, there's no shortage of quality cars (and bikes) to find in the game.
Watch Dogs 2
Driving Around While Using Hacks To Stop Pursuers In Their Tracks Is A Ton Of Fun
Watch Dogs 2
- Released
- November 15, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action, Adventure
Watch Dogs 2 has acceptable driving mechanics, but that alone wouldn't be enough to make exploration feel great. This is where the game's expanded hacking options come into the picture and make the very act of driving a car feel more dynamic than ever.
In a high-speed chase, Marcus can hack traffic lights and retractable bollards to hamper his pursuers and escape unscathed. The world of San Francisco itself is very detailed, which makes a leisurely cruise viable in its own right.
Forza Horizon 5
One Of The Best Open-World Racing Games Players Can Get Their Hands on
Forza Horizon 5
- Released
- November 9, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone // In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
Despite some issues stemming from its puzzling progression and overwhelming content, Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best open-world racing games players can get their hands on. The game looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous, making the open environments of Mexico a blast to traverse.
It won't take long for a lucky Wheelspin to gift players with a ridiculously good car that makes the act of driving around in the open world feel very cathartic. From Horizon Events to special deliveries, there's no shortage of content to keep fans busy in Forza Horizon 5.
Mad Max
Customizing The Magnum Opus To Explore This Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland Is A Blast
Mad Max
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
Mad Max is one of the most underrated video games of all time. No one expected this title's gameplay to be so amazing, with the combat featuring a brutal, crunchy spin on Rocksteady's Arkham combat. However, what really sold this game for players was the Magnum Opus.
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The wasteland in Mad Max is full of marauders with armored vehicles, which is why players must upgrade the Magnum Opus, bolster its defenses, and kit it out with offensive tools to make it easy for them to explore the world without being blown to bits. It's a huge part of what makes Mad Max so compelling, with players becoming very engaged in the act of customizing their car to explore the world more efficiently.
Final Fantasy 15
Driving Around In The Regalia Is Surprisingly Relaxing, Despite How Railroaded Exploration Is
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Some people may scoff at the on-the-rails driving in Final Fantasy 15 (although the Regalia eventually gains the ability to drive off-road and even fly), but that's looking at things the wrong way. This game is structured like a road trip, and the way the Regalia functions hammers in how relaxing things are when the gang decides to head from one area to another.
Sure, Noctis can drive the car if players wish, but it just feels more zen to let Ignis take the wheel as players listen to their favorite tunes from Final Fantasy and cruise to their destination. Events can occur on the road at any time, encouraging players to get out of their vehicle and explore the commotion before resuming their journey.
Need For Speed Heat
Arguably The Best Modern NFS Racing Game
Need for Speed Heat
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Language, Mild Violence
- Genre(s)
- Racing
The modern Need for Speed games do scratch that street racing itch for many, although players feel that the games have had a hit-or-miss track record. One game that was unequivocally a hit in the eyes of many is Need for Speed Heat, a game that manages to strike a compelling balance between night and day racing.
Players can farm cash in sanctioned races during the day without drawing the ire of the police. However, night races are decidedly illegal and run the risk of attracting cops, but completing these races nets a ton of REP. Racing during both times of the day is important and ensures that Need for Speed Heat never feels too repetitive, something that can't be said for the next NFS entry.
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