Top 6 Racing Full Sized Arcade Games

It’s nearly impossible to go through an arcade setting and not see any racing games. These games come in different styles, types, sizes, and brands that often offer something unique, separating them from the competition. With that said, you might have difficulty deciding which one’s the best among the bunch without some help. So let’s see which one of these adrenaline-pumping racing-themed full sized arcade games are the most notable from their counterparts.

Virtual Racing

Released back in 1992 and developed by Sega AM2. This game was so popular with its sleek polygon designs and reliable and fun races that it didn’t stop at just being released on the arcades. It was also released on consoles such as the Sega Saturn and the Sega Genesis. Sega has had both the pleasure and opportunity to remove many different racing games throughout the years, but this is one of the best ones they’ve developed.

Crazy Taxi

Even people who aren’t fans of racing arcade games have doubtlessly heard of this legendary gem of a title. Released in 1999 with incredible aesthetics and music that fit the game’s theme, you couldn’t get enough of such an addicting concept. The game promptly featured the player getting people from point A to Point B. How you got there didn’t matter so long as you could do so quickly and efficiently. Going off-road wasn’t just suggested to accomplish this, but outright encouraged!

Ridge Racer

Developed by Namco in 1993, many people have come to appreciate this game for how it made an incredible advancement for racing games. The fresh and improved graphics it had were the new coat of paint that racing games needed at the time. Its gameplay mechanic of using drift controls for your vehicle when you need it most was also significant to its popularity.

Daytona USA

If you ever wanted to appreciate a more realistic take on a racing game that also happens to have been developed by Sega, then Daytona USA is the game for you to try. This game is considered a classic by many long-time racing game enthusiasts. Like Ridge Racer, it was also released in 1993 and praised for updated graphics and its modern setting that was fitting for racing games at the time.

Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

There’s no doubt that Star Wars has had an incredible impact on the gaming industry that continues until today. It also left its fingerprints on the racing game genre with its pod racer title features that allows riding of racing pods from Star Wars Episode 1. The level of speed, danger, memorable setting, and immersion that this game gives you leave you wanting more experience as you go through a race similar to the first of the prequel trilogy.

San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing

Finally, we move on to a famous title for different racing styles in which you went through the very diverse, steep, yet exciting landscape set in San Francisco. Developed by Midway games, this racing game added much-needed flavor, excitement, and interest in the racing genre by adding several facets that became the norm for years. Factors such as secret tunnels, going through bridges and buildings, and flying off of ramps make this game pump your blood, making you more invested in the race. These changes make this game so notable amongst its peers.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of full sized arcade games that feature racing for you to enjoy, and these titles are just a few that scratch the surface in sheer variety. Racing may seem like it’s the same game no matter what label you pick up, but it has come a long way from its humble beginnings. We can only hope that they will continue to improve for the years to come.