Racing games are fantastic ways to pass the time and the larger screens of our Windows 10 devices only adds to the entertainment value of these games. We've covered a wagon load of racing games for our Windows Phones and with Windows 10 being fresh on everyone's mind, we felt the need to showcase a few of the top rated racing Windows 10 games.
We could not fit in all the great titles from this genre into one roundup, so if we missed your favorite racing game sound off below in the comments. Just remember, while many of these games are available in the Windows Phone Store (we will include the links for those that are), for this roundup we are concentrating on Windows 10 games.
Asphalt 8: Airborne
Asphalt 8: Airborne is Gameloft's racing gem that has been available for both Windows and Windows Phone for some time. We've seen the game updated several times to add more cars to the garage and racing tracks to conquer. The game has fantastic graphics, responsive gaming controls and is arguably the best racing game available.
Key features for Asphalt 8: Airborne include:
- Over 100 high-performance cars to race. Models include offerings from Dodge, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Audi, Lotus and even Tesla makes an appearance
- Race in nine different venues such as Venice, French Guiana, Iceland and the Nevada Desert
- Career mode includes 8 seasons and 180 events
- Multiplayer mode supports eight players
- Ghost Challenges to race for the best times
- Games can be saved locally or in the cloud to continue gaming across devices
From the slow motion impacts to the airborne jumps, the visual effects with Asphalt 8: Airborne are simply stunning.
Control options include using your tilt sensors, on-screen controls or keyboard controls. Playing the game from a tablet and using the tilt sensors makes for a great gaming experience. You will find yourself leaning into turns in no time.
What may be the most compelling reason to try Asphalt 8: Airborne is the price. Asphalt 8: Airborne is a free Xbox gaming title for Windows 10 and Windows Phone. There are several in-app purchase opportunities, but the core game is a solid racing option. If you are a racing game fan, Asphalt 8: Airborne is a must have title to have in your Windows gaming library. If you are looking for an exciting game to pass the time with, it is a must try title.
Download Asphalt 8: Airborne for Windows (Free)
Download Asphalt 8: Airborne for Windows Phone (Free)
CSR Racing
While racing around a racecourse has its own appeal, some may prefer the straight track for their racing needs. CSR Racing is a drag racing game that hasn't been on Store shelves for long but has quickly become one of the more popular racing titles available.
The game is played from a profile view and offers you the chance to pursue a career in city street drag racing. The game has over ninety licensed cars to race, each with customizable appearances and upgrades available through the game's garage.
CSR Racing has four racing modes available, which includes:
- Regulation racing where you compete against randomly generated opponents
- Crew battles where you race your way through the five racing families
- Ladder racing where you face a multi-stage event and race against opponents that become progressively more challenging to beat
- Multi-player races where you challenge other CSR Racing
As you complete races, you will earn cash that can be used to buy new cars or upgrade your existing fleet. Upgrades cover your tires, transmission, engine, turbo boost, intake, nitrous and body adjustments. You can also change the paint scheme and customize your license plate.
Racing mechanics are simple. You try to rev your engine to optimal levels before the race starts and acceleration is automatic. Your job is to shift gears in a timely manner to keep your acceleration smooth.
Overall, we found CSR Racing to be one of the best racing games available for both Windows and Windows Phones. Game play can be saved to the cloud to allow you to switch between devices without losing any progress. The game is also available for iOS and Android platforms, which offers you a larger pool of CSR Racers to challenge in the multi-player races.
Download CSR Racing for Windows
Download CSR Racing for Windows Phone
Beach Buggy Racing
While Asphalt 8 and CSR Racing offer an edgy approach to racing, Beach Buggy Racing is more of a lighthearted approach to satisfying your need for speed.
The game, available for both Windows Phone and Windows 10, offers an action packed world of off-road kart racing. You race against a field of rival drivers, each with unique personalities and special abilities.
Your racing buggy can be upgraded to provide you with a boost in acceleration, increase your top speed, improve the handling and beef up the kart's overall strength (helps when you smash into things). You also have a large collection of power-ups that can be collected during races such as rockets that will blast your opponents off the track, oil spills that will slow them down and monster truck tires that increase your ability to smash things.
The game has four racing modes that include split-screen multiplayer races, quick races, championships and career modes. To help add to the racing variety Beach Buggy Racing also has daily challenges that will test your driving skills.
Beach Buggy Racing includes twelve racetracks to conquer and has gaming control support for your keyboard, tilt sensors and gamepad.
You begin racing with a beach buggy and as you earn gaming credits, you can purchase new rides such as a muscle car or hopped up pickup truck. You can even unlock a moon buggy to race. Additionally, ten drivers can be unlocked as you advance through game play. Each drivers offers a unique personality and skills for the racetrack.
Graphics are well drawn up and races are challenging in their own right. While the game does take a lighthearted approach to racing, it is well worth a try. Beach Buggy Racing is a free game, available for both Windows 10 and Windows Phones. You do have several in-app purchases for coins, gems and other gaming resources.
Download Beach Buggy Racing for Windows (Free)
Download Beach Buggy Racing for Windows Phone (Free)
Hydro Thunder Hurricane
Hydro Thunder Hurricane takes your need for speed to the water where you get to race an assortment of high-performance speedboats. The Xbox gaming sequel has been around for a while and the original version, Hydro Thunder Go, used to be available in the Windows Phone Store.
While dated, Hydro Thunder Hurricane remains a popular racing option for Windows 10. The game features eleven racing environments that include Monster Islands, the Bermuda Triangle and Area 51. Each are has plenty of jumps, drop-offs and secret passages to navigate.
Hydro Thunder Hurricane has twenty new transforming boats to race, as well as the original boats from the original Hydro Thunder game. Boats can be customized to a degree with a series of skins and as you progress through the game, the boats become a little more powerful and flashy.
Gaming controls include your tilt/touch options, keyboard options and gamepad support. Graphics are excellent and the racecourses challenging. Hydro Thunder includes four racing modes that include:
- Races: Straight up racing against fifteen computerized opponents.
- Ring Masters: This racing mode has gates you run your boat through that will add boosts to your turbo power meter. Miss a gate and you lose some of your turbo power and adds a time penalty.
- Gauntlet: Time trial racing with exploding barrels scattered around the course.
- Championship: Compete against 15 other boats in a series of mixed events.
You also have Ghost races where you race against your friend's best performances.
It had been a while since I last played Hydro Thunder Hurricane and had forgotten how enjoyable the game is. Hydro Thunder Hurricane is a little on the pricey side at $9.99 but there is a free trial version available that provides you enough racing to decide if it is worth the investment.
Download Hydro Thunder Hurricane for Windows (Trial / $9.99)