Car Games: Feeling the Need for Speed
If you enjoy the thrill of a fast car but can’t put the pedal down safely in real life, then the perfect place to enjoy speed is in the world of car games. Online video games allow us to pull off thrilling maneuvers on four wheels that we could only dream of attempting on real roads. It’s no surprise, then, that driving cars has become a major component of so many of our favorite action-packed, fast-paced games over the years. From relatively humble beginnings to the cutting edge of graphics and physics engines, the evolution of racing games has been nothing short of remarkable.
The earliest racing games had limitations due to graphical constraints, with cars unable to be rendered properly due to the limited number of pixels available. Instead, games like Space Race (1973) by Atari satisfied gamers’ desire to race. The two-player game features tiny spacecrafts that race against each other, competing to reach the top of the screen. The first true car game was Gran Trak 10, which was released in 1974, introduced the concept of using a steering wheel mounted to the arcade cabinet, which was revolutionary for the genre.
As technology, particularly graphics, began to progress, car games became more subtle and captivating. By the 1990s, there was a diverse marketplace for different kinds of driving games, ranging from the fun-filled Mario Kart to the hyper-realism of Gran Turismo, right back to the arcade experiences of Namco’s Ridge Racer. The gaming landscape shifted dramatically with the release of Grand Theft Auto in 1997, a game which took you out of a fixed racing track and into more of an open world, merging car games with action-shooters. All the evolutions of the car game genre have led to the current climate of online games, with many varieties of the genre available to play on GamePix. They’re all totally free to play, so you can feel free to indulge in some heart-pumping driving, regardless of what device you’re browsing on.
Things You Always Find in Car Games
The first and only objective rule of car games is that they will involve driving of one form or another. Beyond that, there are lots of differences that separate car games, with some being to do with gameplay, and others being more stylistic. Most often, you’ll take control of your vehicle from the rear in a 3D perspective, steering around the environment, dodging obstacles, and striving to achieve the best lap time possible. With this being said, there are many exceptions to the formula. Occasionally, you may enter a first-person perspective, controlling the car as if you were the racer themselves. There are car games that incorporate elements of simulation or puzzle games, offering unique challenges and objectives.
A popular feature of some car games is the option to upgrade and improve your car, or even replace it with an entirely new model. This progression system is an added incentive to win races and accumulate in-game currency, moving on to bigger and better things with every victory. On the other hand, you might prefer a more immediate experience where you can get straight into the highest echelons of action, getting your hands on the fastest, top of the range cars. Either way, a great part of driving games is that there is always scope for improvement. You can take that corner a little bit sooner, or brake later, and get as close as possible to the perfect racing line. Once you master these fine margins, you can rival the very best players of car games. There is plenty of scope for replay value, meaning even a familiar track can offer a refreshing and novel experience.
Depending on the type of car game that you are playing you’ll find that the vehicle handles very differently. Arcade racers offer simplified mechanics, with a lesser emphasis on the subtleties of tyre temperature or traction control. More cerebral, simulation-based car games demand meticulous management of a whole host of different factors. These different games also offer varying environments and surroundings to conquer, with the track itself altering the racing experience.
Car Games on GamePix
GamePix offers a varied range of exciting car games to cater to your individual preferences. In Madalin Stunt Cars 2, you’ll navigate an enormous sandbox strewn with loops, ramps, and other wacky obstacles, allowing for jaw-dropping stunts and incredible airtime. If you’re more interested in progression systems and customization, you might prefer Stock Car Hero, a game that offers a selection of famous stock-car races in which you can earn money and invest in upgrades. 3D Car Simulator falls somewhere in the middle, allowing players to choose from three different vehicles whose color schemes and lights can be swapped in and out according to personal preference. Car Driving offers a more career-based approach, taking you to the city streets rather than a track—with an amazing plethora of vehicles waiting to be unlocked.
One of the more stylish forms of driving is the famous ‘drift’, where your car slides around corners in a continuous skid. If you’re drawn to the art of drifting, games like Drift Hunters and Russian Car Drift 3D provide an intense challenge. To succeed in either of these games, you’ll need to practice taking corners like a pro. For a thrilling off-road adventure, jump into 4x4 Offroader and engage in a wild ride by traversing the wilderness in a giant truck, Jeep, SUV, or pick-up. Finally, for Formula 1 enthusiasts, there are several Grand Prix games, based on the world’s most popular form of motorsport. Monaco Grand Prix is a 1:1 recreation of the PlayStation title of the same name, which famously brought 3D racing into the home console for the first time.
Whatever your preference, GamePix’s library of online car games guarantees an exhilarating driving experience. Strap in, put the medal to the metal, and have fun!
FAQs
What can I expect from different kinds of car games?
Many car games will see you take control of the vehicle from a third-person perspective, navigating through environments and attempting to register either a fast lap time or to complete some kind of objective. Others will take you into the first-person perspective or introduce simulation or puzzle challenges to spice up the gameplay.
Are there games that allow for car customization and progression?
Yes. Many car games offer different options for upgrades and customization. You may also be able to unlock new cars or purchase them by using in-game currency earned from winning races or completing objectives. Some games allow for subtle improvements to be made by upgrading individual parts of your cars. These progression systems add depth and rewards that you can chase as a reward for your achievements.
What are the most popular car?
- Smash Karts
- Monster Truck High Speed
- Car Simulator Arena
- Kogama: World Racing
- Racing Masters
- Ado Stunt Cars 3
