When fans think of racing games, they’ll likely think of hardcore road races like inForzaor sophisticated track races inF1– but this isn’t necessarily the full extent of the genre. In fact, some racing games take place in venues players don’t expect, such as the future. Racing games set in the far future take the high-octane races of bothForzaandF1and add their unique spin to it, often featuring colorful tracks, awesome cars, and new mechanics.
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As a result, a lot offuturistic racing gamescan end up becoming much more awesome compared to typical racing games out there. And thankfully, players don’t have to look further away to get awesome racing games that fit their particular tastes.
10Antigraviator (2018)
It’s the year 2210, andAntigraviatorenvisions a world that transcends the realm of gravity. As with any other sci-fi racer,Antigraviatorfeatures a slate of hovercars called Gravs with unique appearances. However, whereAntigraviatorshines is how players can customize their Gravs not just to adjust to racetracks but to other environments as well.
Gravs can be upgraded with various components that may help players on some tracks but compromise them on the other. Moreover, players can accessunique ways to sabotage opponentsusing the tracks themselves, such as using rocket launchers, creating rockslides, and even triggering hover mines.
9Grip: Combat Racing (2016)
As the name implies,Grip: Combat Racingnot only lets players enjoyhigh-octane racesusing both awesome wheeled and airborne sci-fi cars, but rather customize the way they approach racing combat. Cars inGripfeature ridiculous weapon options that just let players wreck their opponents on the battlefield.
However, instead of being a straight-up sci-fiMario Kartclone,Gripalso offers a wide range of environments that give different racing options to players. Cars do not just race on tracks but can also scale on ceilings and walls, adding a new dimension of physics players can navigate in order to outpace and outrace fans.
8Z-Race (2021)
While primarily a VR arcade racer, the straightforward “retro” mechanic ofZ-Racemakes it a must-recommend in terms of sci-fi racers. Like with usual games of the genre,Z-Raceallows players tochoose their own vehicleand enjoy racing on anti-gravity tracks with the delight of real-world physics.
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What’s perhaps more interesting is howZ-Raceprioritizes player comfort, such as choosing a third-person view to ensure comfort across all player demographics. Its straightforward mechanics make it accessible as well, including typical nitro boosters, avoiding obstacles, and the general “outrace everyone” rule.
7Pacer (2020)
Sometimes, it’s not enough that a sci-fi racer offers the intensity of anti-gravity racing. InPacer, players not just race in complex tracks using four classes of unique high-speed floating cars, but rather enjoy the feeling of outpacing opponents with awide variety of weapons. However, wherePacershines isn’t just within the confines of racing combat, but rather its customizability.
Vehicles alone come in various customizable formats, while weapons can differ in stats such as damage, firing rates, and targeting. However, the crazy part is how modifiable the tracks are as they come with unique variants such as reverse, mirrored, and night modes, giving each of the game’s 14 tracks as many as eight different ways to race!
6V-Racer Hoverbike (2018)
When it comes to futuristic racers, it’s about time that the gaming space explored the high-octane delight offuturistic motorcyclescalled hoverbikes, andV-Racer Hoverbikefinally makes this happen. Originally tailored for VR consoles,V-Racer Hoverbikeoffers a unique experience for virtual reality gamers, especially thanks to the game’s rather futuristic take on racing HUDs.
Not only that, but the rather straightforward take ofV-Racer Hoverbiketo a sci-fi motorcycle racer makes it extremely accessible to all manner of racing fans. Even its multiplayer component remains enjoyable, as while it offers a local party mode, the game also lets players race “ghosts” of their friends in time trial.
5Xenon Racer (2018)
Who sayssci-fi racing gamesalways have to involve floating cars? InXenon Racer, the world of futuristic racing remains equally wheeled and equally sophisticated. Its tracks bring players to variants of Dubai and Tokyo, all the while sporting cars withunique appearances and sophisticated features.
What’s perhaps awesome is how the game’s racing features are translated into unique visuals for the cars, such as unfolding parts to accommodate boosters and special modes. Added with the fact that the game follows the traditional on-track setup of traditional racers, andXenon Raceroffers a unique blend of classic and futuristic that works as a good transition to other sci-fi racers.
4Lightfield (2018)
Lightfieldtakes futuristic racing to the next level, allowing players and their anti-gravity ships to explore hyper-futuristic environments against other racers. Replacing typical tracks are the option to stick to walls and ceilings, jump tovarious other tracksand elements in the surroundings, and lose themselves in visual immersion.
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Inspired by parkour,Lightfieldboasts gameplay that let players utilize cruising skills, tricks, and flexible mechanics that let players be as engaging or as relaxed in races. The game knows its visual prowess, especially with its own photo mode!
3Wipeout HD (2008)
Despite its age,Wipeout HDproves that there’s nothing bad when it comes to these classics, especially in the realm of sci-fi racing games. Its rich history givesWipeoutits own straightforward lore, with the game now exploring the FX350 anti-gravity racing league. Players choose among anti-gravity ships owned by teams (racing corporations) and compete across different tracks.
What makesWipeout HDso iconic is its combat system, where players have anarsenal of offensive weaponssuch as blasters and defensive options like shields. Likewise, anti-grav ships have their own stats that players have to mix and match with their arsenals to ensure victory in the game.
2F-Zero (2004)
Released back in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance,F-Zeroshows the potential of a sci-fi racer with straightforward mechanics. Similar to otherF-Zerotitles, players simply choose a futuristic vehicle and race around specially-made tracks with obstacles. However, players can also do aspin attackto disorient other vehicles and secure the advantage.
One interesting feature ofF-Zerois track creation, permitting players to set tracks of different shapes and sizes as well as obstacles to litter them with. These tracks cost different points, which players earn by constantly racing through the game. In terms of customizability,F-Zeroand its track creator certainly top the list ofbest sci-fi racing games.
1Star Wars Episode 1: Racer (1999)
Despite its age,Star Wars Episode 1: Racerproves that dated graphics can never keep down an entertaining game. In the game, players take on the role of podracers competing in various planets known in the franchise.
WhereRacershines isn’t in its complexity, however, but rather in its unique racing mechanics. Players still have to compete with other podracers tocome out on top, but they have to mind their vehicle’s boosts and durability throughout the match. They may even be able to repair their podracers in the match, similar to Formula One races albeit with a mobile pitstop.
