Bigben Interactive, Zordix Racing, Zordix AB
If there’s one thing the average person can appreciate, it’s the thrilling sense of speed felt from high-octane activities.
Immersing oneself in the type of movement that’s prone to breaking the speed limit can be quite dangerous in real life. But it’s usually a defined goal for anyone who loves to live out their speed demon fantasy in racing games. 2020 has arrived and with it comes a fresh collection of titles that are all about getting first place in the custom ride of your choice. It doesn’t matter what console you may own – there’s a brand new racer for you all to hop into on every home console you plead your loyalty to.
Strap in and get ready as we compile all the upcoming racing games hitting consoles in 2020.
Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 3
Developer: Milestone srl
Publisher: Milestone srl
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Google Stadia
Release Date: February 4
Fans of the racing sub-genre of Supercross can hop back onto their speeder models for another go-round in 2020. Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 3 offers what you’d expect – new rider avatars and animations, plus proper adjustments to the series’ ground and in-air feel. This racer is the official Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship gaming representative, which means all the real-world teams you follow religiously are here and accounted for. Racing to the top of the league means you’ll need to put in a ton of track work and rack up plenty of victories in the game’s extensive career mode. And feel free to let some steam off on custom created tracks and even take charge as a female rider.
Buy Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 3 here.
Tony Stewart’s Sprint Car Racing
Developer: Monster Games, Inc.
Publisher: Monster Games, Inc.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Dates: February 14 (PS4, Xbox One), February 21 (PC)
Sprint car racing provides a faster style of offroad competition that appeals to a multitude of fanatics. Tony Stewart’s Sprint Car Racing brings you into the fold and lets you live out the high-speed dreams of a digital pro sprint racer. If you choose to give this title a chance, you’ll be treated to a deep career mode that throws you into three separate racing series across 24 dirt tracks. Hopping online will also test your mettle as you compete amongst 24 other players, plus there are local two-player split-screen races to enjoy. Tony Stewart’s Sprint Car Racing is the official game of Tony Stewart’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions, which gives it the extra push it needs to appeal to hardcore sprint racing fans.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Tony Stewart’s Sprint Car Racing.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Tony Stewart’s Sprint Car Racing.
Overpass
Developers: Zordix Racing, Zordix AB
Publisher: Bigben
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Epic Games Store)
Release Dates: February 27 (PS4, Xbox One, PC – Epic Games Store), March 17 (Nintendo Switch), TBA (PC – Steam)
The great outdoors can be quite harsh to anything on four wheels. Offroad racing challenges experienced drivers to make their across rough terrain with the types of buggies and quads that can handle the pressure. Zordix Racing’s Overpass is the ultimate test of endurance and skill – you’ll need to have everything it takes to accelerate your ride across several dirt-filled tracks. The game’s finely tuned physics engine looks to do an awesome job of replicating the real-life feel of driving atop a withered bridge and against craggy slopes. This unique take on racers is specially made for those looking to challenge themselves and overcome Mother Nature’s toughest racecourses.
TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2
Developer: Kylotonn
Publisher: Bigben Interactive
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Dates: March 19 (PS4, Xbox One, PC), May 14 (Nintendo Switch)
The Isle of Man TT race is known worldwide as one of the most challenging sporting events. 2018’s TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge managed to replicate the nail-biting motorsport thrills of that racing challenge with great success. Now developer Kylotonn is back with a retooled sequel that will hopefully build upon the solid foundation set by its predecessor. TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2’s visuals look even better than before, plus it’s improving its driving mechanics thanks to more precise steering, newly added speed wobbles, and redesigned brakes/shock absorbers. This motorsport experience should push the TT Isle of Man racing game franchise to a higher level than ever before.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2.
MotoGP 20
Developer: Milestone S.r.l.
Publisher: Milestone S.r.l.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Google Stadia
Release Date: April 23
The MotoGP motorcycle racing competition franchise is back with another installment of high-octane entertainment. MotoGP 20 is improving a host of legacy features, such as introducing a retooled Managerial Career mode that gives you more important decisions to oversee for your team. This iteration’s Historic Mode is back and gives fans new ways to unlock legendary riders and racers. And not only do the game’s wealth of bikes look better, but their upgrading mechanics are even deeper than ever before. MotoGP’s gameplay is as strong as ever within this new installment thanks to stronger AI racers and a vastly improved online mode that fans will spend countless hours competing in.
DRIFT21
Developer: ECC Games S.A.
Publisher: 505 Games
Platform: PC
Release Date: May 7
DRIFT21 is a racer that emphasizes drifting more than racing to the head of the pack. And thankfully, it handles that particular aspect of car culture quite nicely. You’ll be able to customize your very own dream ride in a variety of ways and put them to the ultimate test as you drift across real-world Japanese EBISU circuits. DRIFT21 challenges you to master the art of drifting and earn as many points as possible while you do. So if you find yourself still watching episodes of Initial D and reading old issues of Option, then DRIFT21 has a high possibility of becoming your dream racing game.
Pick up a Steam gift card here if you’re looking to start playing DRIFT21 on PC.
Trackmania
Developer: Ubisoft Nadeo
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PC – Uplay, Epic Game Store
Release Date: July 1
The team at Ubisoft Nadea is revisiting the speed limit breaking races and creative track creation of Trackmania Nations with a brand-spanking-new remake. That remake has simply been entitled Trackmania and from the looks of it, it just might turn out to be a dream come true for racing game fans. You can look forward to competing in regularly updated seasonal campaigns, racing across a near-limitless lineup of developer and player made tracks and unique features that cater to the eSports crowd. 2020’s Trackmania remake should be a joy for racing game fanatics and those gamers out there that like to tap into their creative sides to keep things interesting.
NASCAR Heat 5
Developer: 704Games
Publisher: Motorsport Games
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: July 7
The NASCAR season may have come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19, but its digital counterpart will arrive just in time to pick up the slack. NASCAR Heat 5 will feature the type of exciting roundabout circuit racing fans have come to expect and plenty of exclusive content in honor of Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. 34 real-world tracks will come along for the ride this time around, plus the authentic Career Mode and challenging AI will be a part of this upgraded NASCAR package. The biggest addition of all is the eNASCAR Heat Pro League integration that will allow up to 40 players to compete online in order to appeal to eSports-minded pros.
F1 2020
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Deep Silver
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google stadia
Release Date: July 10
A new year is underway, which means it’s time for yet another F1 racing sim to hit the scene. Codemasters has returned to the high octane sport to make sure F1 fans get a new and improved digital racing experience. F1 2020 is going out of its way to go even bigger this time around – it’s adding a My Team Mode, which allows players to construct their own racing organization and build it into an F1 legacy. The series’ long-running Career Mode will also see substantial upgrades, plus split-screen and online multiplayer options are thankfully still intact. F1 2020 looks as lifelike as ever – its refined presentation and suite of modes should be enough to satiate F1 racing fanatics during the upcoming season.
Project CARS 3
Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: August 28
The Project CARS racing simulation series rivals that of the top-notch performance delivered by Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport. Slightly Mad Studios has done a bang-up job when it comes to providing a racing game that appeals to the most hardcore of automobile enthusiasts. Their latest project Project CARS 3 will increase the series’ immersion factor by improving upon its strong graphical presentation and top-notch feel when it comes to commandeering numerous road/race cars. Your on-road ventures within this upcoming sequel will take you all around the globe as you embark upon a brand new championship driver journey. Project CARS 3 should whet the appetite of racing game fans who’re searching for another quality simulation take on the genre.
WRC 9
Developer: KT Racing
Publisher: Nacon
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Dates: September 3 (PS4, Xbox One, PC – Epic Games Store), November 12 (PS5), TBA (Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC – Steam)
The next entry in the FIA World Rally Championship simulation series is going big in 2020. Not only is it slated to launch on current-gen consoles, but it’s also making its way over to next-gen machines. WR9 is making sure its cross-gen release comes with all the bells and whistles fans have become accustomed to but in an even more refined fashion. This sequel’s career mode is getting even better, three new events are being added to the game’s racing calendar, classic tracks are making their welcome return, and retro automobiles will be added to the rotation. WR9’s simulation feel will expectedly hit on all cylinders once again as you compete on your favorite tracks and hop into the game’s three new rallies along the way (Kenya, New Zealand, and Japan).
Tony Stewart’s All-American Racing
Developer: Monster Games, Inc.
Publisher: Monster Games, Inc.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: September 4
The Tony Stewart brand already provided racing fans with a sprint racing sim earlier this year. And now, a second game is coming from the brand. And this time, they’re offering a different take on the sport. Tony Stewart’s All-American Racing gives you three automobile options to choose from – Big Block Modifieds, Street Stocks, and U.S. Legend Cars International. As you take on a myriad of circuit series, you’ll need to manage you career by hiring a manager you can trust and keep your vehicles in peak condition at all times. You and your team’s status depend on your off-road successes and failures, so race hard and try your hardest to become the top racer in the USA.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Tony Stewart’s All-American Racing.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Tony Stewart’s All-American Racing.
Hotshot Racing
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: Curve Digital
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: September 10
When developer Sumo Digital is attached to a racing game, chances are it’s going to be worth a look. They’ve worked on a vast array of quality SEGA branded releases, such as Outrun 2, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed and SEGA Rally Online Arcade. Plus they’ve produced notable racers such as Split/Second, Forza Horizon 4 and F1 2011. Their next project comes in the form of the arcade racer known as Hotshot Racing, a project that evokes warm memories of the 90s heyday for the genre. Eight players can hop online or four players can compete locally and burn rubber on a slew of bright tracks. You can even hop into a cop car and take down a few speed demons. Hotshot Racing is an ode to the arcade races that took over your local 7-11 back in the day.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Hotshot Racing.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Hotshot Racing.
Buy a Nintendo eShop Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Hotshot Racing.
Pick up a Steam gift card here if you’re looking to start playing Hotshot Racing on PC.
Inertial Drift
Developer: Level 91 Entertainment
Publisher: PQube Limited
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: September 11
Inertial Drift is adopting a futuristic theme with a 90s feel and a unique control scheme that may grant it the extra attention it deserves. One analog stick is responsible for steering, while the other stick is primarily used for drifting. When used simultaneously, your vehicle can pull off sweet precision drifting and inspire the type of street racing moments you’re used to seeing on an episode of Initial D. There are 16 cars to go super fast in across 20 daredevil tracks, so be ready to master Intertial Drift’s unique twin-stick controls and drift past the competition.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Inertial Drift.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Inertial Drift.
Buy a Nintendo eShop Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Inertial Drift.
Pick up a Steam gift card here if you’re looking to start playing Inertial Drift on PC.
Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
Developer: GameMill Entertainment
Publisher: GameMill Entertainment
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 6
The iconic characters from Nickelodeon’s massive vault have come together once again for wily racing competitions in Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix. The massive roster for this cartoony kart racer features favorites such as Korra (The Legend of Korra), the entire Rugrats crew, the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lineup, Invader Zim, etc. Along with all those recognizable characters is a huge lineup of companions and numerous car parts that can be used to customize your favorite characters’ rides. You’ll fling items and lap the competition across 28 tracks, which means there’s a whole lot to do and accomplish within this Nickelodeon themed kart racing party.
Buy Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix here.
RIDE 4
Developer: Milestone srl
Publisher: Milestone srl
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Dates: October 8 (PS4, Xbox One, PC), January 21, 2021 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Lovers of 2-wheel automobiles have come to appreciate the RIDE series. The last three games have done an amazing job of properly replicating the look, sound, and feel of the speedy bikes and tracks they race across. RIDE 4 is improving things by adding dedicated servers to its multiplayer mode suite, updating its Career Mode, and adding in a new racing challenge in the way of an Endurance Mode. Dynamic weather and lighting effects have been thrown into this sequel as well, which means each race will appear even more lifelike than ever before. RIDE 4 looks to be doing right by fans of the motorcycle competitions that excite them to no end. Prepare to feel the immersion of motorcycle racing come October 8.
Street Racer Underground
Developer: JanduSoft
Publisher: JanduSoft
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 9
Street Racer Underground owes its roots to the mobile racers that get the most attention on everyone’s iOS-/Android-powered devices. Players who take this game for a joyride can look forward to engaging in an endless mode full of high-octane on-road action. Not only do you have to steer clear of the feds tailing you along the way, but you’ll also need to keep track of all the checkpoints you need to hit in order to survive. Race, switch lanes, dodge the cops, boost, and pimp out your chosen ride in this simple yet engrossing top-down racer.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Street Racer Underground.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Street Racer Underground.
Buy a Nintendo eShop Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Street Racer Underground.
Monster Truck Championship
Developer: Teyon
Publisher: Nacon
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Dates: October 15 (PC), October 20 (PS4, Xbox One), November 24 (Nintendo Switch)
Smashing worthless rides underneath the weight of a ginormous Monster Truck is one of America’s more underrated pastimes. Watching them engage in intense races and pull off huge jumps along the way is another part of the Monster Truck equation that makes it such an engrossing sport to watch. Monster Truck Championship encapsulates the look, feel, and sound of that sub-genre of racing in the best way possible. 18 different Monster Trucks come along for the ride – over 50 customizable elements can be customized on your big ride, three different leagues are full of worthy competition to compete against and 25 arenas give you the space to realize your Monster Truck pro dreams. It’s time to crush the competition figuratively and literally.
Buy Monster Truck Championship here.
DiRT 5
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia
Release Dates: November 6 (PS4, Xbox One, PC), November 10 (Xbox Series X|S), November 12 (PS5), TBA 2021 (Google Stadia)
The DiRT franchise has offered racing game fans a quality off-road experience that comparable games have had a tough time surpassing. Codemasters is ready to upgrade DiRT for the next-generation of gaming by taking digital racers on a global trek that’s as visually striking as you’d expect it to be. All types of vehicles can be taken all over the world, such as buggies, unlimited trucks, and rock bouncers. The Career Mode will map out your championship racing career in a non-linear fashion that will also be narrated by Nolan North and Troy Baker. DiRT 5 is pushing the boundaries of off-road racing games by going even bigger than ever before with a grander Career Mode, big-name voice talent, and even the return of offline four-player split-screen competitions.
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
Developer: Criterion Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam, Origin)
Release Dates: November 6 (PS4, Xbox One, PC), November 13 (Nintendo Switch)
One of the strongest entries in the Need for Speed series is undoubtedly Hot Pursuit. It appealed to speed freaks everywhere thanks to its focus on competing in racing challenges and intense pursuits as a part of the feds. Both sides of the coin gave way to two entertaining career paths that provided plenty of replay value. Now it’s making its welcome return in remastered form on current-gen consoles. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit features all of the base content from the original version alongside all of its DLC. The extra bonuses for this edition come in the form of updated visuals, 4K resolution/60 frames per second capabilities, and even new content.
Buy a PSN Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered.
Buy an Xbox Gift Card here so you can digitally purchase Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered.
Speed 3: Grand Prix
Developer: Lion Castle
Publisher: Orange One
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: November 10
Speed 3: Grand Prix provides arcade racer thrills across a large variety of car classes. You’ll zip around the globe and fight to grab the top spot in muscle cars, tuners, super sport rides, exotics, etc. The tracks you’ll compete on will transport you and the rest of the pack to the American wastelands, Germany, Britain, and even the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Speed 3: Grand Prix ratchets up the excitement with visible car damage that can even result in your ride exploding into fiery bits. If you’re looking to hop into the type of racer that would fit right into your local arcade, then this little known racer is worth a look.
MXGP 2020
Developer: Milestone
Publisher: Milestone
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Release Dates: December 16 (PS4, Xbox One, PC), January 14, 2021 (PS5)
The official racing simulator for the current MXGP season has arrived and it has the usual bells/whistles fans have come to expect. MXGP 2020 plays host to 68 riders from both the MXGP and MX2 categories, 19 circuits to compete on, and an extensive Track Editor that incorporates the terrain configuring Heightmaps feature. There’s also a Career mode to hop into, which lets you push your custom racer to the heights of MXGP superstardom. Other in-game features include a Co-Op Playground mode, a special Waypoint race type, and a massive gathering of officially licensed brands for cosmetic purposes. MXGP 2020 needs to be on the radar for dirtbike aficionados everywhere.
Pick up a Steam gift card here if you’re looking to start playing MXGP 2020 on PC.
And here’s a few racing games that were released years prior, but are now making their way to certain consoles for the first time in 2020:
• Offroad Racing – Buggy X ATV X Moto (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch): February 4 (Xbox One), April 23 (Nintendo Switch), September 17 (PS4)
• Antigraviator (Xbox One): May 2
• 80’s Overdrive (Nintendo Switch): May 7
• Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Steam – PC): June 18
• Need for Speed: Payback (Steam – PC): June 18
• Burnout Paradise Remastered (Nintendo Switch): June 19
• Assetto Corsa Competizione (PS4, Xbox One): June 23
• Star Wars Episode I: Racer (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch): June 23 (PS4, Nintendo Switch), October 27 (Xbox One)
• MX vs. ATV All Out (Nintendo Switch): September 1
• Race With Ryan Road Trip Deluxe Edition (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC): October 16
• PACER, formerly known as Formula Fusion (PS4, Xbox One): October 29
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