Der Drift-Motorsport fristet zwar noch ein gewisses Nischendasein, erfreut sich seit einigen Jahren aber einer steigenden Beliebtheit. Dies hat auch der Weltmotorsport-Verband FIA erkannt, weshalb man erstmals den FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup veranstalten wird. Der Austragungsort? Japan, das Geburtsland des Drift-Vaters Kunimitsu Takahashi. Vom 30. September bis 1. Oktober 2017 werden sich in Odaiba, Tokyo, 24 Drift-Asse aus 14 Ländern versammeln, um die Krone des Drift-Motorsports zu erobern. Auch in der virtuellen Welt scheint das Thema Drifting noch etwas übersehen zu werden. Grund genug für unsere Kollegen von Drifted.com, einen Blick auf die sich derzeit am Markt befindlichen Videospiele bzw. Simulationen zu werfen. Joe Terrell präsentiert in seinem Gastbeitrag die derzeit fünf besten Möglichkeiten, einen virtuellen Wagen seitwärts zu bewegen – selbst ohne Eurobeat.
Our generous hosts at Racingblog.de have kindly allowed me to share this article highlighting the top 5 drifting video games of 2017 with you.
So what is drifting?
Drifting is one of the fastest growing and most accessible forms of modern Motorsport.
This growth is accelerated by cheap practice area access (a smooth concrete area is all that’s needed) and low car specifications means that many people can get involved in this thrilling Motorsport.
The FIA has recently announced the creation of the first FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup, a drifting series that helps solidify drifting as a serious Motorsport in it’s own right.
How can I drift right now?
Even with the low cost of entry compared to more mainstream Motorsports, sometimes its great to boot up your favourite video games console or gaming PC and get your “sideways” fix electronically.
Now that the introductions are out of the way let’s dive straight in!
#5 – Project CARS
Project CARS was released back in May, 2015 and received a positive reception from the gaming community.
Project CARS is a sim-racer with a strong focus on driving dynamics and realism. This development direction has enabled a strong sub community of drifters to thrive, these gamers choose Project CARS as their go-to drifting game.
Project CARS has also been popular in the Esports world and will see its sequel released worldwide on September 22.
Project CARS trailer
Project CARS review
IGN’s Luke Reilly wrote a detailed review on Project CARS, here are his key take-aways;
“Deep and demanding but incredibly user-friendly, Project CARS looks great, sounds fantastic, and feels even better. The action is ferocious and tactical, the weather effects are awesome, and it’s brimming with content to explore. This is real racing done right.“
Read the full Project CARS review
#4 – Need For Speed
Electronic Art’s Need For Speed franchise has been around for decades however back in November 2015 EA released a fully rebooted Need For Speed game.
This new game delivered impressive graphics, addictive gameplay and offered gamers the ability to drive digital versions of their drifting heroes’ cars.
Need For Speed is the only game where you can jump into Ken Blocks iconic 1965 “HOONIGAN” Ford Mustang and hit the street. There is a strong drifting gameplay mechanic present which has helped make it a fan favourite.
Need For Speed trailer
Need For Speed review
Gamespot’s Scott Butterworth had this to say on the 2015 reboot of Need For Speed:
“The game is far from perfect, but it is, at points, truly exceptional. Its jaw-dropping visuals, adrenaline-pumping audio, and highly-customizable handling make screaming around the darkened streets of Ventura Bay an intense thrill. The sense of ownership that comes with tuning a single ride to perfection rather than simply grabbing the flashiest vehicle available proved tremendously rewarding.“
“Even just the breathtaking speed of upgraded vehicles makes the driving in Need For Speed absolutely gripping. This foundation of gratifying gameplay anchors the experience, while the rest of Need For Speed’s specifics run the gamut from equally outstanding to smash-your-controller frustrating.“
Read the full Need For Speed review
#3 – Forza Horizon 3
Turn 10’s Forza Motorsport spin-off Forza Horizon is now in its third iteration, this version brought improved visuals, richer and more diverse gameplay, varied tracks and a slew of playable cars. The game received many accolades on its launch and is a firm favourite for any budding drifter.
The open world environment enables many interesting drifting scenarios not easily replicated in conventional circuit based racers.
Forza Horizon 3 trailer
Forza Horizon 3 review
Gamespot’s Miguel Concepcion reviewed Forza Horizon 3 in September 2016 and these were his thoughts:
“With Forza Horizon 3, Turn 10 and Playground Games affirm the series’ status as the driving game for everyone. The new emphasis on off-road options isn’t at the expense of traditional races, thanks to the sheer volume of activities. All the while, Playground Games’ calculated kitchen-sink design philosophy and rich reward system persistently tempt you to explore beyond your comfort zone, whether it’s gifting your first Ariel Nomad buggy or reminding you that stunt races can impress thousands of fans.“
“Enhancing your own brand might feel like a strange motivation to hit the road, but pulling off sick e-drifts on a mile-long series of curves makes the PR work worthwhile.“
Read the full Forza Horizon 3 review
#2 – Forza Motorsport 6
Forza Motorsport is the most successful racing series available on the Xbox platform, now in its sixth iteration it offers many upgrades over its predecessor; Forza Motorsport 5, from improved visuals to a heavily restocked garage.
Forza Motorsport 6 remains accessible to beginners whilst offering enough depth to keep experienced players hooked. This game has an excellent multiplayer and is often used to host enthusiast run drift tournaments. The 7th installment will see its release on Windows 10 and Xbox One platforms on October 3 2017.
Forza Motorsport 6 trailer
Forza Motorsport 6 review
IGN’s Luke Reilly reviewed Forza Motorsport 6 on it’s launch and this was his summary:
“Like a big bucket of Hot Wheels brought to life, Forza Motorsport 6 is first-order car porn for the automobile obsessed but remains an accessible and exciting racer for those who just want to drive fast in something red with a horse logo on it. It’s spinning its wheels in a few areas but what’s here is undoubtedly some of the finest racing you can find on console and easily worth the upgrade from Forza 5.“
Read the full Forza Motorsport 6 review
#1 – Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsa hit the market in the fall of 2016 and caused a stir with its realistic simulation gameplay and extensive support for enthusiast customisations.
The game has carved itself a niche of ultra realistic driving mechanics and that has made it a firm favourite with digital drifters. Asseto Corsa has found itself a popular platform for Esports as well as private tournaments.
Assetto Corsa trailer
Assetto Corsa review
EVO’s Anthony Ingram reviewed Assetto Corsa back in August 2016 and these were this thoughts:
“Assetto Corsa remains a title you absolutely must add to your collection if you’re dedicated to racing simulations.“
“While its graphics still don’t quite match up to the very best in the genre, they arguably have more personality than some and they’re more than accurate enough to prove immersive.“
“Racing is entertaining, hot-lapping is fun and there’s an ever-growing collection of cars, tracks and challenges on offer to keep players occupied. With a growing online fan base (another factor on which modern sims live or die) you’ll always be able to find challenging opposition too, with the potential to replicate real race series like the MX-5 Global Cup or GT3-level competition.“
Read the full Assetto Corsa review
Want to see more drifting games?
If I have wetted your appetite to get behind the digital steering wheel then take a look at our drifting games section. We have more PC, mobile and free-to-play drifting games waiting for you there.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned to Racingblog.de for more great racing content.
About the author
My name is Joe and I normally write articles for the drift-mad website; Drifted.com.
Text: Joe Terrell, Drifted.com