Sony’s PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium services showcase a broad range of genres, including racing games, though they are less frequent compared to other categories like RPGs. Despite this, there remains a commendable array of titles that span various styles, from arcade racers to simulation experiences, along with unique niche offerings that emphasize diverse driving mechanics.
While the number of racing games on PS Plus may not fully warrant a yearly subscription focused solely on this genre, it contributes to the service’s overall value. Therefore, potential subscribers should consider racing titles as a component of the broader gaming library available. Fortunately, the top PS Plus racing games deliver a fantastic experience.
Updated January 4, 2025 by Mark Sammut: In a promising start to 2025, the January PS Plus Essential lineup features an exciting racing title.
Each featured game includes information on accessibility via a PS Plus Extra subscription, along with Amazon links for those wishing to purchase physical copies.
1 Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered (PS Plus Essential For January 2025)
Revamping a Timeless Classic
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is set for downloading from January 7 until February 3.
This month’s PS Plus Essential selection presents a diverse mix, with Need For Speed as a standout title—though opinions may vary. While the inclusion of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League may not thrill all players, the other two titles provide recommendable experiences. Particularly, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe stands out as a unique adventure that significantly alters the original 2013 game with fresh content and innovative ideas.
Unlike Ultra Deluxe, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered focuses mainly on enhancing visuals rather than reimagining gameplay. It may not reinvent the wheel (or the racing car), but this remaster remains an engaging and exhilarating drive, preserving the fast-paced action and streamlined gameplay of the original 2010 release.
2 Wipeout Omega Collection
Spectacular Futuristic Racing Awaits
Wipeout Omega Collection offers remastered experiences of Wipeout HD and Wipeout 2048, both of which showcase thrilling futuristic racing. Although the Wipeout franchise has seen limited activity in recent years, subscribers of PS Plus Premium can still delight in two of its peak offerings.
Crafted with a visually striking presentation and demanding gameplay, Wipeout Omega Collection captures the essence of fast-paced racing. While it offers an arcade-style thrill, the depth of its mechanics ensures a rewarding challenge. The collection boasts an extensive library of tracks and vehicles, reviving a PlayStation staple and sustaining its legacy.
3 MotorStorm: Apocalypse
An Exhilarating Ride in a Chaotic World
The MotorStorm franchise, which thrived between 2006 and 2012, was initially positioned as one of PlayStation’s hallmark racing series but has since drifted into obscurity. MotorStorm: Apocalypse encapsulates thrilling races set against a backdrop of destruction, where players navigate through collapsing environments.
While it may not rival the precision of more complex racing simulators, MotorStorm: Apocalypse impresses with its spectacular visuals and straightforward, enjoyable controls—perfect for fans of arcade racing.
4 Split/Second
A Timeless Arcade Experience
Black Rock Studio’s Split/Second deserves recognition for its unique premise where players embody stunt drivers competing in a high-octane reality show. Engaging in explosive racing antics, the game masterfully merges its ludicrous concept with solid racing mechanics.
Despite the general thrill of its outrageous premise, Split/Second doesn’t skimp on core gameplay principles. Its controls offer a blend of accessibility and excitement, ensuring a memorable racing experience. Although streaming PS3 games through PS Plus may not provide the best quality, it remains a worthwhile endeavor for fans.
5 Trials Rising
Precision and Control Over Raw Speed
Ubisoft’s Trials series has long captivated players, with Trials Rising being one of its finest iterations. This inventive racer consistently surprises with creative gameplay, albeit newcomers may find the controls challenging at first. However, once players master them, the title truly shines.
6 Jak X: Combat Racing
A Hidden Gem in Vehicle Combat
Naughty Dog’s Jak X: Combat Racing often gets overshadowed by the studio’s various franchises but stands out as a commendable example of vehicular combat. With both single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes, this title invites players to engage in combat-heavy races throughout a series of cups featuring beloved characters from the franchise.
Emphasizing vehicular combat, Jak X differentiates itself from conventional kart racers by incorporating health bars for vehicles. Players are rewarded with unlockables, enhancing both the adventure mode and multiplayer experiences, making it an excellent choice for solo or group play.
7 Riders Republic
Experience a Vast Open World of Extreme Sports
Riders Republic, Ubisoft’s extreme sports adventure, transports players to an expansive and visually stunning open-world environment. Launching with a variety of extreme sports options, the game continues to expand through updates that add new activities and events.
Although Riders Republic didn’t make a huge splash during its debut, it has demonstrated strong gameplay fundamentals complemented by a plethora of content. It features an engaging single-player mode filled with diverse events, encouraging players to experiment with different activities while aiming to uncover everything the vast world has to offer.
8 Hotshot Racing
A Nostalgic Indie Racing Experience
Hotshot Racing delightfully pays tribute to classic arcade titles like Virtua Racing and Daytona USA, enveloping players in a vibrant aesthetics reminiscent of ’90s arcade culture. Within its roster, players can select from eight charming drivers and over 30 unlicensed vehicles reflecting iconic automotive designs.
Racing mechanics are engaging, characterized by responsive controls that contribute to a fulfilling gameplay experience. While the game might lack expansive content, finishing its offerings can be achieved within a few hours, delivering pure fun along the way.
9 Ridge Racer 2
Celebrating a Legendary PlayStation Franchise
The Ridge Racer series has historically been a flagship title for PlayStation consoles, known for efficiently showcasing hardware capabilities. The PSP version continues this legacy, as Ridge Racer 2 remains a well-regarded title from its era, even if it’s not as innovative as its predecessor.
While it introduces additional tracks rather than groundbreaking mechanics, Ridge Racer 2 fits comfortably within PS Plus Premium, bringing nostalgic gaming to long-time fans. The presence of Ridge Racer Type 4 on the service reinforces the franchise’s enduring appeal.
10 Assetto Corsa Competition
A Comprehensive and Challenging Racing Simulator
Among the various racing genres, Assetto Corsa Competizione stands as a dedicated racing simulation that challenges players with its adherence to real-world physics and racing mechanics. Leading players through the complexities of the Blancpain GT Series, it offers an unrivaled level of realism.
This complexity creates a steep learning curve, particularly for newcomers seeking to jump into races without prior experience. However, diligent players who invest the time will uncover one of the most exceptional racing simulators on PS Plus.
11 Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 6
A Solid Offering for Motorcycle Racing Aficionados
The realm of motorcycle racing games, while specialized, offers solid entertainment through franchises like Monster Energy Supercross. The sixth iteration continues the trend of delivering decent releases, although it offers minimal innovation over prior installments.
Despite segmented improvement expectations, Monster Energy Supercross 6 satisfies players looking for a traditional motorcycle racing experience. Featuring an engaging career mode and visually intricate tracks, it effectively transports one through the game’s demanding but rewarding gameplay structures.
12 Jet Moto (& Jet Moto 2)
Timeless Fun from a Classic Series
As part of PS Plus Premium’s growing library of retro titles, Jet Moto rose to prominence during the PS1 era, generating three entries within five years before gradually fading into obscurity. Despite this, the series maintained a consistent gameplay quality, with the original game still holding its own.
Combining jet ski racing with land-based maneuvering, Jet Moto features a unique blend of terrains that enhance its racetracks. Even accounting for its age, the game presents an intriguing experience for newcomers and seasoned players alike.
13 Rally Cross
An Enduring Classic from the PS1 Era
A nostalgic experience for racing fans, Rally Cross offers a classic PS1 arcade racing experience that’s still fun today. As a product of its time, the game set a benchmark for its era while introducing unique gameplay mechanics that differ from competitors like Sega Rally Championship.
Rally Cross presents various race types; players can engage in standard races across diverse tracks that require unlocking for full access. This classic title still manages enjoyable gameplay mechanics, balancing sim-style driving with an arcade flair.
14 The Crew 2
A Vast Open-World Racing Experience
Following the discontinuation of The Crew, Ubisoft’s sequel, The Crew 2, now leads the charge in open-world racing. Despite criticisms of the game’s reliance on online features, it retains an active community and provides a vast world full of activities, races, and more.
Even with an emphasis on multiplayer gameplay, The Crew 2 remains accessible for solo players, proliferating a variety of events that visitors can participate in across its expansive map.
15 Ride 5
A Rewarding Motorcycle Racing Experience
Milestone’s Ride series has established itself within motorcycle racing, continually improving with each new release. Ride 5 is its latest installment and regarded as the finest in the series, albeit it may present challenges for newcomers due to its rigorous racing mechanics.
Ride 5 is designed as a proper racing sim that demands dedication from players to hone their skills. While it may frustrate some with its strict controls, the game rewards persistence with impressive visuals, a robust campaign, and engaging gameplay.
16 Redout 2
Redout 2 offers a thrilling racing experience inspired by titles like WipeOut and F-Zero, focusing heavily on speed and boosting mechanics. While it occasionally shines with perfect execution, frustrations can arise due to inconsistent gameplay.
However, when it clicks, Redout 2 presents a captivating campaign and outstanding visuals, proving to be a rewarding racing experience worth investing time in.
17 Special Mention: Twisted Metal & Twisted Metal 2
Icons of Vehicular Combat
The Twisted Metal series represents a high point in vehicular combat gaming, offering thrilling battles that share similar DNA with racing games. Recently, the addition of the first two Twisted Metal titles to PS Plus Premium has reignited interest in this beloved franchise.
While revisiting these classics may reveal dated mechanics, their nostalgic charm remains. The gameplay, although clunky, can still provide enjoyment, especially for those with fond memories of the PS1 era. Enhanced visibility for this iconic series may pave the way for further entries on the PlayStation subscription service.
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