We're sure you don't need reminding, but Christmas is coming up. There's less than a week to go, but thanks to modern delivery methods, there's plenty of time for some last-minute shopping. If there's a racing gamer in your life you're struggling to think of a gift for, don't worry, we've got you covered.
If that gamer is someone who prefers to play their video games on either PlayStation 4 or 5, this is the list for you. Here are the five PlayStation games that have impressed us most in 2021!
#5 - WRC 10
It's no secret that real-world sports have taken several hits these past two years. Every cloud has a silver lining though, and the one in this case is that esports have been able to flourish. That's certainly the case with WRC 10, as the multiplayer and competitive online modes have gone to the next level.
Our sole criticism of WRC 10 is that it has evolved quite as much from WRC 9. What remains though, is a full and engrossing Career Mode. This includes not only the full original 2021 WRC calendar, but also historical content like classic rally cars. Because it's also available on PS5, WRC 10 is the best-looking rally game we've ever seen as well.
#4 - MotoGP 21
Milestone makes great bike games like nobody else. The Italian developers impressed us yet again this year with MotoGP 21. Like with the WRC game, there is the full original 2021 calendar included in MotoGP 21. One of the coolest features with 21 though is the new managerial mode, which has changed how we play single player modes.
The sheer amount of content in MotoGP 21 is also staggering, as historic drivers and tracks are included. Let's not forget about the other motorbike series like Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE either which are all included and fully licensed.
That's all before we even touch on the gameplay and sound as well, both are which are top-notch. So too is the handling model, which is something Milestone have perfected over the years.
#3 - Gran Turismo: Sport
With Gran Turismo 7 on the way next year, now is the last real chance to enjoy Gran Turismo: Sport. GT Sport is still one of the best racing games on the PlayStation 4 thanks to its regular updates. Not only that, but GT Sport has expanded from a game with a lot of quality to one with a lot of quantity too.
This is due to the cars and circuit list constantly expanding, something that will carry over to GT7.
Despite coming up to five years old, GT Sport is also the undisputed king of sims when it comes to its handling and simulation models. The game still looks good as well, especially if you pop it into your PS5 and enjoy it in 4K and in 60 FPS. It's also on the cheap side as well, you should be able to find it for around £15 in the UK.
#2 - Wreckfest
Wreckfest may have been originally released all the way back in 2014, but it's been given a new lease of life thanks to a next-gen release. Earlier this year, Wreckfest was released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in June of this year. Despite being seven years old now, it's still one of the most fun racing games around.
There is no other game that we're aware of where you can compete in a demolition derby with everybody driving sofas. Yes, you read that correctly, sofas... You can drive a couch. If rubbing is racing, then Wreckfest is the king of racing games in this regard.
Add friends into the mix with the online multiplayer as well and you've got an experience you won't forget in a hurry. Even though it's getting on now in terms of a video game, it's still as enthralling, and the graphics and sound are as impressive as in 2014. Definitely give Wreckfest a try if this one has somehow passed you by till now.
#1 - F1 2021
Codemasters somehow find a way to keep raising their own bar with the official Formula 1 games. F1 2021 is yet another impressive title in this series and we think it's the best racing game of the year.
The graphical and audio presentation are better than ever on the next-gen consoles. Furthermore, features like the PS5's haptic feedback add a new dimension to the racing. The amazing Braking Point story mode has also been a very welcome addition.
Meanwhile, previous game modes like the Career Mode and My Team feel as fresh and polished as ever. This is in part thanks to additions such as legendary drivers and the recent Formula 2 2021 update. Impressively, circuits such as Jeddah and Imola have been added post-release, keeping the game fresh even going into the new year.