The underground racing scene is part of a syndicate that has piqued the interest of gamers. Street racing is illegal in any form, yet it is accepted in various types of media. Video games have the potential to immerse players in a world foreign to them.
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We, by no means, want to promote street racing. The act is depicted as highly dangerous in video games. However, taking to the virtual road to go head-to-head against rival players for cash or pink slips is so gratifying when you win. Do you have what it takes to conquer the underground racing scene?
Updated by Jack Pursey, February 11th, 2021: Street racing was once the dominant subgenre of racing video games, though recent releases have been few and far between with Rally, Formula 1, and simulation-style racers currently flooding the market. Thankfully, the golden era of street racers provided numerous fantastic titles, many of which still hold up today. So to ensure that fans of the subgenre don't feel too down about the lack of recent releases, we've expanded this list to include a further five entries to ensure that fans have something to play until the subgenre (hopefully) makes a grand return.
15 Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
Developed by the suitably named Juice Games, Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights was initially released in 2007 on the PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and Xbox 360, before coming to the similar-sounding group of PC, PSP, and PS3 later the same year.
Juiced 2 didn't turn many heads at the time of its release, predominantly because the visuals certainly weren't up to scratch to other 2007 releases like Forza Motorsport 2, Bioshock, or Halo 3; but the game is certainly worth checking out today for the incredible array of customization options alone.
14 Burnout 2: Point Of Impact
The second entry into the Burnout franchise was released in 2002 and greatly improved upon its lackluster predecessor by not only fine-tuning the core driving mechanics but also by significantly fleshing out the amount of content available.
Among the most notable changes was the addition of the "Crash" mode that is now synonymous with the Burnout series. Although the mode may initially seem like nonsensical arcade fun, it actually offers fairly in-depth puzzle gameplay that requires both great driving skills and well thought out strategy.
13 Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition was released in 2005 by Grand Theft Auto creator Rockstar. As would be expected from the iconic development and publishing team, Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition offers players the chance to explore a US-inspired open-world.
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DUB Edition Remix was released one year after the original game hit stores. The enhanced game implemented numerous new features including new vehicles, new races, and the welcome return of Tokyo city.
12 Burnout Paradise
The penultimate release into the critically acclaimed Burnout series, Burnout Paradise offered an enormous open world for its time, which is today recognized as being influential in the prominent rise of open-world games.
Along with an impressive Xbox 360 Metascore of 88, Burnout Paradise was awarded Best Driving Game at the Spike TV Video Game Awards. The game received the remaster treatment in 2018, giving Burnout Paradise some of the best visuals in street racing history.
11 Burnout Revenge
The third but not the final Burnout game to appear on this list, Burnout Takedown was released in 2005, making it the fifth entry into the franchise. Criterion Games didn't try to re-invent the wheel with Takedown, as they opted to keep the gameplay very similar to the series' most esteemed title, Burnout 3: Takedown.
The game did implement a few changes to differentiate it from its predecessor, however, including Vertical Takedowns, and the new game mode Traffic Attack, which tasked players with earning money through Checking (hitting) traffic.
10 The Fast And The Furious
Street racing continues to be a significant influence in media today. The Fast and the Furious is the product of piqued interest in the outlawed form of racing. It is based on The Fast and the Furious movie series with an emphasis on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
The game features eight real-world dealerships. One can visit the Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda, Mazda, and even a U.S. Naval Base dealership. The purpose of the latter is for cars that are imported by stationed soldiers.
9 The Crew 2
Developer Ivory Tower had a vision of a street racing game, unlike any other. One sequel later, The Crew 2 has improved on its predecessor. It is an open-world racing game that requires players to be online to play.
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Thankfully, The Crew 2 is continually being updated, which is why it deserves a spot on this list. It contains one of the largest open-worlds for racing video games and a beefy collection of licensed vehicles.
8 Street Racing Syndicate
Some street racing games are more in tune with their street racing focus. Street Racing Syndicate takes players into the illegal underground world of street racing.
Modify your ride to turn into a hot vehicle ready for drag and circuit races. Rip the clutch and kick it into fifth gear. Race for pink slips and leave it all on the table. Street Racing Syndicate captures the essence of street racing, perhaps better than any other game.
7 Need For Speed (2015)
Need for Speed (2015) was one of the most realistic racing games when it was released. The open-world of Ventura Bay is a sprawling area with an urban vibe. Race head-to-head with other players online and trick out your vehicle.
We would have placed Need for Speed (2015) higher if it had more customization and refined driving mechanics. That won't stop many from becoming a racing icon in Need for Speed (2015).
6 Midnight Club II
The sequel to Midnight Club: Street Racing is in a different league than its predecessor. Midnight Club II features an online multiplayer mode.
The game even lets you race on a motorcycle as you visit locations like Paris, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Midnight Club II is one of the few street racing games that reinforce that there are no rules. You'll find shortcuts, and collisions are part of the fun.
5 Need For Speed: Underground
The first installment in the Underground series was an instant classic. In an era when street racing was becoming popularized in media, Need for Speed: Underground was the definitive underground racing game.
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This reboot was a commercial success for accurately capturing street racing. It featured a variety of import cars, which differed from previous Need for Speeds' exotics. The use of nitrous oxide in races was a game-changer.
4 Need For Speed Heat
Technically, Need for Speed Heat might be the most advanced street racing game from a technical standpoint, yet it isn't groundbreaking.
If you're looking for an all-around decent street racing game with breathtaking graphics, Need for Speed Heat might be for you. The game has a blend of daylight and nighttime racing that mixes well with the underground racing scene. With an extensive lineup of vehicles, this game is a must-play for street racing enthusiasts.
3 Burnout 3: Takedown
The act of crashing into other vehicles mid-race has been the basis of contention between players. While some players feel that crashing into other cars is cheating, others agree it makes the game more enjoyable. Burnout 3: Takedown took this senseless act and made it the game's primary focus—the result, a highly entertaining game that few could've predicted.
Crashes are emphasized tenfold, leading to some of the wildest collisions you could imagine. This street racing game indeed took crashes to a whole new level.
2 Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Back when the developers at Electronic Arts were peaking in the racing scene, Need for Speed: Most Wanted was a street racing masterpiece. This open-world game had a great deal of car customization, and the driving mechanics was the right blend of arcadey and realistic driving.
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The game was widely available on most platforms such as the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Android, iOS, and more. Heavily inspired by Need for Speed: Underground, Need for Speed: Most Wanted is relevant so many years later.
1 Need For Speed: Underground 2
The sequel to Need for Speed: Underground answered back with a fully explorable open-world and more vehicle customization than we've ever seen. Add a neon glow under your car, add a hefty speaker set to the trunk, or give your vehicle a body kit; the sky is the limit.
It contains a memorable soundtrack, a robust lineup of cars, and more. We wouldn't be surprised if Need for Speed: Underground 2 received a remake. Tricking out your stock car before you hit the road as a street racing prodigy gives this game immense replay value.
NEXT: 5 Of The Most Underrated Racing Games On The PS4 (& 5 That Are Overrated)