New PS4 owner first racing game(s) suggestions?

[Benny44]

So - I'm finally getting a current gen console, and I'm wondering which game to get for starters on the system? I've played the GT series since day one, and I've had more fun with it than any other series. GT6 has gotten more hours than any other game ever. And despite the many negative reactions to it, it's my personal favorite. So, getting that out of the way, what are your suggestions for first games?

I play with a controller, but beyond that I like things as realistic as possible (as long as it can be reasonably handled with a controller). I also enjoy older/not-quite-so-high-performance vehicles. I had a fun little series in GT6 where we raced 400-500pp cars, and I absolutely had a blast - so that's a point of reference(I also like old cars).

Right now my list is Project Cars, AC, Driveclub. Maybe there's others you can suggest? I'm only going to be able to get one to start. Preferably a more budget friendly one, as I'll have just bought a PS4. As always, Any and all help is appreciated!

 

[TJ13]

There are a few MX games but probably not what you are looking for.

The Crew is one and well it's kinda mixed.
Some enjoy it others not so much.

WhipEout is another game. Just released and well good in some sense.
Have PCars and Driveclub.

Both are good in their own areas.

Haven't tried AC.

 

[Benny44]

Yeah - not a bike fan....even though the game looks good. I forgot about The Crew, it looks interesting. Pcars looks great, I'm just not sure because it doesn't seem I can upgrade or collect cars. Thanks for the suggestions @TJ13

 

[Scaff]

Yeah - not a bike fan....even though the game looks good. I forgot about The Crew, it looks interesting. Pcars looks great, I'm just not sure because it doesn't seem I can upgrade or collect cars. Thanks for the suggestions @TJ13

You will not be collecting or upgrading cars in either AC or PCars, the focus in both is on the driving (for AC) and racing (PCars). They can both be tricky with a controller, but are certainly playable.

Driveclub is an excellent arcade racer, no upgrades, but lots of collecting to do and is still one of the best looking racers on the PS4 (edged only by Wipeout - but that's not 'normal' racing - but it is excellent).

If rally interests you then both Dirt Rally and Dirt 4 are worth a look, collecting and upgrade (more so in D4 - but that has only just come out so its a bit more expensive). Seb Loeb Rally has the pick of the physics in terms of rally, loads to do and loads of cars to collect, but it looks and sounds poor. The official WRC title are all poor.

F1 2016 is a solid F1 game (much better than F1 2015) if that's your flavour.

If its a bargain you are after then PCars GoTY edition is the one to go for, all the DLC and a ton of content, but its focus is racing, not car collecting. No upgrades, but the set-up option can keep you busy. DC can also be picked up for bargain basement prices and teh season pass is cheap for the amount of content you get.

 

[Benny44]

You will not be collecting or upgrading cars in either AC or PCars, the focus in both is on the driving (for AC) and racing (PCars). They can both be tricky with a controller, but are certainly playable.

Driveclub is an excellent arcade racer, no upgrades, but lots of collecting to do and is still one of the best looking racers on the PS4 (edged only by Wipeout - but that's not 'normal' racing - but it is excellent).

If rally interests you then both Dirt Rally and Dirt 4 are worth a look, collecting and upgrade (more so in D4 - but that has only just come out so its a bit more expensive). Seb Loeb Rally has the pick of the physics in terms of rally, loads to do and loads of cars to collect, but it looks and sounds poor. The official WRC title are all poor.

F1 2016 is a solid F1 game (much better than F1 2015) if that's your flavour.

If its a bargain you are after then PCars GoTY edition is the one to go for, all the DLC and a ton of content, but its focus is racing, not car collecting. No upgrades, but the set-up option can keep you busy. DC can also be picked up for bargain basement prices and teh season pass is cheap for the amount of content you get.

Yes- I just downloaded WRC 4(maybe 5?)for PS+ for PS3. It was a waste of 5 mins of playtime haha. I'm not into rally too much. I'm wondering about Driveclub and the arcade tag - are we talking NFS or Burnout (which are fun but for me just diversions for short play periods) or more, say, FM3 or 4? Because I loved Forza 4....

 

[Zona]

Project Cars, Assetto Corsa and Driveclub are what I would recommend getting for now. The Dirt games are well worth getting as well, they should all tide you over until Gran Turismo Sport is released. Also are you getting a regular PS4 or a PS4 Pro?

 

[Benny44]

Just a regular one - it's all I can afford right now, and I don't want to save up for a few months just to get a pro.

 

[Scaff]

Yes- I just downloaded WRC 4(maybe 5?)for PS+ for PS3. It was a waste of 5 mins of playtime haha. I'm not into rally too much. I'm wondering about Driveclub and the arcade tag - are we talking NFS or Burnout (which are fun but for me just diversions for short play periods) or more, say, FM3 or 4? Because I loved Forza 4....

Driveclub has physics very much grounded in reality, so I would put it closer to GT and FM than to NFS, cars do what you expect them to.

It also has a hardcore mode that turns off all the assistance and shows the core engine to be quite solid in that regard.

Given the price you can get it for I would say you have little to lose.

 

[HELLAFLUSH240SX]

Driveclub, Project Cars, Asseto Corsa, Dirt Rally, Dirt 4, Need For Speed.

If you have time, get an Xbox X and Forza

Also, if you really need customization, Forza is the only game that will allow you to do what you want while also being grounded in reality as Scaff would say. I'd just wait for the GTS release and play the other PS4 exclusives such as Uncharted etc.

 

[Benny44]

Hmmm....Driveclub might be an unlikely winner for me. Considering Project Cars is pretty cheap now too, they might be my first two games (wife is getting Ratchet & Clank so I'll have a little diversion)

 

[sems4arsenal]

Driveclub is a must, the online is dying a bit but the game with the dlc is pretty big.

Don't just buy racers though, you'll be missing out on some great games. I'd recommend Horizon, Uncharted 4, and Wipeout.

 

[Benny44]

@sems4arsenal - I have limited play time, plus, and maybe some will call me a prude, but Sony's E3 had me thoroughly disgusted with the violence in games (man I sound like a 'get off my lawn'guy). Although I don't think any of those games you mentioned are over the top...certainly not Wipeout. But I've never liked any of the other wipeout games, so I'm skeptical. I'll definitely look into other games though. But, probably just one a month for the first bit

 

[Zevious Z]

I really think Driveclub is the game you want given that you aren't much of a rally guy. PCars is difficult to enjoy with a controller even after adjusting the settings and AC is apparently similar in that regard. Driveclub feels great with the ds4 and is drop dead gorgeous on the occular quadrant to boot.

 

[Wolfe]

It's worth pointing out that PCARS2 is on the horizon (dated for September), so while it would be a good idea to pick up PCARS1 for a discounted price to see if it suits you, it might be wise to skip a full price copy of PCARS Complete Edition (what they call the GOTY Edition on PS4 in NA). PCARS2 will have more of everything of course, plus they've promised a much more refined experience when playing with a controller. In PCARS1, most people find they need to tweak the advanced controller settings for the game to be playable.

The Crew is decent fun, but I appreciate older and not-so-high-performance cars like you, and I didn't find all that many cars I liked in the game, FYI. You may want to check a list. But it also seems to get PS Store sales regularly; I have no real complaints having gotten it for $13. Just so you know, it requires an online connection (but does not require PS+), because it's like an MMORPG.

I think PCARS is the way to go for a realistic simulator, and I would recommend The Crew for cruising and upgrading/customizing cars.

 

[lancia delta hf]

Hmmm....Driveclub might be an unlikely winner for me. Considering Project Cars is pretty cheap now too, they might be my first two games (wife is getting Ratchet & Clank so I'll have a little diversion)

My advice is to buy which ever racing game is currently in the sale. They have all repeatedly been in the sale so will be again for sure. You could get the Assetto Corsa, Pcars, Driveclub with all the dlc for the price of one full game by the end of the year ( possibly even by the end of summer).

@sems4arsenal - I have limited play time, plus, and maybe some will call me a prude, but Sony's E3 had me thoroughly disgusted with the violence in games (man I sound like a 'get off my lawn'guy). Although I don't think any of those games you mentioned are over the top...certainly not Wipeout. But I've never liked any of the other wipeout games, so I'm skeptical. I'll definitely look into other games though. But, probably just one a month for the first bit

Well if you don't like violence, check these games.

• Unraveled.
• Rocket league ( yay cars )
• Everyone's gone to the rapture.
• Tricky towers.
• Art of balance.
• Life is strange ( free this month if you have PSN+).
• Heavy rain.
• Micro Machines. ( More cars).

Just to name a few.

 

[Benny44]

Thanks so much @Zevious Z and @Wolfe - I'll probably have all 3 in the next couple months. They each sound good in their own way.

And I really appreciate the list of alternate games @lancia delta hf! It's difficult to find a list of E rated games without people thinking you're looking for kid's games. As soon as I showed my wife the list, she remembered Unravel from last year's E3 and wanted it, so that's definitely a win . On a side note, it reminded me of Flower for PS3, even though they're vastly different in most ways. And Micro Machines! I think I used to play it on NES. I'll definitely check out the others on that list-easier to buy games when both you and your wife can enjoy it- I think @Wolfe knows about that too. Anyway, I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply

 

[VBR]

I'm wondering about Driveclub and the arcade tag - are we talking NFS or Burnout (which are fun but for me just diversions for short play periods) or more, say, FM3 or 4?

I have limited play time...

I Have DRIVECLUB, Project CARS, & Asseto Corsa. P CARS is awful with a controller, & AC doesn't fair much better. You'd end up spending most of your time fiddling with settings, or Googling them writing them down & inputting them only to find they don't feel good.

DRIVECLUB is pick up & play, & feels great on a controller right away (but not so good on a wheel). DC is the kind of game that you can pick up for 10 to 15 minutes, do a race or two & then put it back down. No tuining, but plenty of unlocking/collecting. I'd recommend getting DC first, with the Season Pass also. Sometimes there on sale & very cheap. Great looking game too. My only criticism is that the faster the cars get, the harder they are to control. Similar to you I love cars in the 300 to 500PP range in Gran Turismo, & was an avid Shuffle racer in GT5. DC's physics are described by the maker as "authentic", & I'd agree with that; it's more simcade than arcade, Bags of fun!

 

[lancia delta hf]

Thanks so much @Zevious Z and @Wolfe - I'll probably have all 3 in the next couple months. They each sound good in their own way.

And I really appreciate the list of alternate games @lancia delta hf! It's difficult to find a list of E rated games without people thinking you're looking for kid's games. As soon as I showed my wife the list, she remembered Unravel from last year's E3 and wanted it, so that's definitely a win . On a side note, it reminded me of Flower for PS3, even though they're vastly different in most ways. And Micro Machines! I think I used to play it on NES. I'll definitely check out the others on that list-easier to buy games when both you and your wife can enjoy it- I think @Wolfe knows about that too. Anyway, I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply

Unraveled is a beautiful game to play, definitely suitable for kids and adults. Micro Machines isn't out yet but i'm looking forward it. All the games I mentioned are generally in the sale every now and then.

 

[Benny44]

@VBR yeah-sounds kind of like a 'dessert' game - enjoy it in moderation, but maybe not give you that meaty game that's with you for the long haul. I'll still put in Paradise City for a quick burst once or twice a week. I think I'll still get P.Cars though, I saw it for $20 today, so if I don't like it, I don't break the bank. But GT Sport will be the game I get day one.

@lancia delta hf yeah, watching videos, Unravel looks outstanding. One other game that doesn't fit into sim at all, but looks fun, is Trackmania. Might be another good diversion game

 

[Benny44]

Thanks everyone - I ended up getting Driveclub first because it was $7 in the PS store with plus. It's pretty fun, but I just couldn't get into it. I bought the complete edition of Project Cars on the store for $40 this morning. @Sick Cylinder thank you for talking me into this. I absolutely love it in the limited play time I've had! I haven't even tinkered with the controls yet. It will definitely be my go-to game, and I'll have #2 to look forward to in the not so distant future as you pointed out @Wolfe, so thank you. I've been driving an old Ford Escort around Nordschleife with 32(!) on the grid. Loads of fun! Thanks again everyone. Maybe I'll catch some of you on the track

Also - I'm just learning this game, so if someone wants to do a little race sometime, I'm Bic44 as always

 

[ghostrider135]

I had fun with NFS 2015, The handling is shocking but it sure is pretty, Project Cars is my go to racing game though, I see others have mentioned Micro Machines, Honestly I think its terrible its severely lacking generally all round and way way way overpriced for what is basically a Hasbro commercial and is nothing like the original games at all (also its very much online focused)

 

[Wolfe]

I'm glad you're getting along so well with PCARS, @Benny44, given that it was such a divisive game.

I've sent you a friend request, but I don't have PS+ now. I plan to subscribe when PCARS2 comes out.