Since the beginning of video games, motorsport has been one of the hottest topics. Those of us lucky enough to have had a 1980s childhood will no doubt remember arcade classics like Super Bug or Pole Position on our 8-bit home computers. 40 years later, not only are racing games still one of the most popular topics, many of the players are still the same – maybe a little less slim and gray haired, but just as passionate about their racing.
Mobile is the platform of choice today
Of course, a lot has changed in 40 years, and not just in terms of gameplay and realism. In the ’80s, playing a racing game meant either stuffing coins into a cupboard, or hooking up a computer to the family TV screen with a joystick, or even a steering wheel and pedal. Today it is enough to pull the phone out of your pocket and click on an app. This is one of the reasons why games of all kinds are so common in all age groups today. Many of us would think twice about investing a lot of money in a gaming console and so on, but if we already have a smartphone and 98 percent of games are free to download, then why not?
There are literally dozens of racing games covering different themes and sub-genres. If you’re looking for a casual game that offers a fun distraction in your idle moments, we’ve picked a handful of the most popular ones for you.
Real Racing 3 – the original and still the best racing simulation
For the past decade, Real Racing 3 (RR3) has been the racing game of choice for Android and iOS. Think of it as the mobile version of Gran Turismo. Don’t be put off by the fact that the game is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – the graphics and game physics have aged well. The attention to detail is fabulous, and each of the 250 or so cars available has its own unique driving characteristics. Performance will be affected if you take damage, so try to keep it on the black stuff!
There are all sorts of game modes, including multiplayer events and special challenges, so there’s always something new to try. But if you’re just discovering the game for the first time, focus on the career mode, starting with the more humble vehicles. Learning the routes and especially the braking points is essential and requires experience.
Asphalt 9 – Legends – a stealth treat for arcade racers
Like RR3, Asphalt 9 has licenses with some of the leading car manufacturers. But that’s where the similarities end. While RR3 is all about bringing the most authentic driving experience to your phone, Asphalt 9 takes a traditional arcade-style approach, with nitrous boosts and outrageous stunts that make the Dukes of Hazzard look like a retired couple on a shopping spree.
It’s less cerebral than RR3 and doesn’t require the same kind of focus, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes a bit of mindless, arcade-style fun is just what you need to while away a few idle moments, and Asphalt 9 never fails to deliver.
Formula X – the motorsport themed casino slot
Here is a racing themed game that is a huge hit with Australian racing fans. Not only do Aussies love their motorsports, they are also the world’s busiest casino gamblers, averaging more than $1,000 per person per year. Most of that is spent on slot games, or pokies as they’re known locally, and the top paying online casinos offer hundreds of games. Now the first step to getting a top payout is to find a game with a decent return on investment for the player and a good selection of bonus features. Formula X checks all the boxes.
Don’t be put off by the game’s slightly outdated look, first impressions can be deceiving. Hidden behind the basic main screen are extra events like a free spins round and a bonus mini-game called Pole Position – if this doesn’t take you back to the days of Commodore and Atari games, there’s no hope for you! Overall, this is a fun slot game with reasonable payout metrics and always something happening.
Flex your managerial muscles with F1 Clash
Some of the most addictive sports games are the ones that put you in the manager’s chair. If you think you can trick Christian Horner or Toto Wolff, it’s time to stop talking about it and install F1 Clash on your phone instead.
The main game modes are ‘Duels’, where you go head-to-head against another manager in a race to the checkered flag, and ‘Events’, which follow the real F1 season. There are numerous decisions to be made during the race, including pit stop strategy, fuel management and tire compound choice. You can also spend coins to upgrade your cars between races, so with a little dedication even Williams Racing, Haas or Alfa Romeos can fight at the front of the grid!
Open world adventures in Forza Horizon 4
The mobile port of this 2018 expansion to the Forza Horizon series is set in a fictional United Kingdom. There is a vast network of streets and lanes to explore and over 400 cars to choose from, from modern supercars to historic museum pieces – for the driving purists the latter offer the most challenging experience, especially when the British climate turns against you!
There are numerous challenges and events to try, and success earns you currency and the opportunity to expand your car collection. But the best part is exploring the open road – bon voyage and safe travels!
