Racing video game facts for kids

A racing game is a type of video game where you compete in races. The main goal is usually to finish first or complete a course in the fastest time possible. These games can be based on real-life racing, like Formula One or NASCAR, or they can be set in amazing fantasy worlds. You can race all sorts of vehicles, including cars, bikes, boats, or even spaceships!

Different Types of Racing Games

Racing games come in many styles, each offering a different way to play. Some try to be very realistic, while others are all about fun and wild action.

Realistic Racing Games

These games try to feel as real as possible. They focus on how vehicles handle, how physics work, and even how weather affects the race. You often need to learn how to control your vehicle carefully, just like a real driver.

Semi-Realistic Racing Games

These games mix realism with a bit of arcade fun. They are easier to pick up and play than full simulations but still offer a good sense of driving skill. They often have lots of cars and tracks to explore.

Arcade-Style Racing Games

Arcade racing games are all about speed, excitement, and over-the-top action. They are usually easy to control and focus on fun rather than perfect realism. You might find power-ups, crazy jumps, or even car combat in these games.

Street Racing Games

These games often take place on city streets, sometimes illegally. They can involve customizing your car, escaping police, and racing against other drivers in a more open world.

Kart Racing Games

Kart racing games are usually lighthearted and fun. You race small, cartoon-like vehicles called karts, often with special items or power-ups to help you or slow down opponents. They are great for playing with friends.

Other Racing Game Types

There are many other types of racing games, focusing on different vehicles or racing styles.

Off-Road Racing

These games involve racing vehicles like trucks, ATVs, or rally cars on rough terrain, dirt tracks, or through natural environments.

• 4x4 Evolution (off-road truck racing)
• Baja (desert racing)
• Dirt (series, rally racing)
• Motor Storm (series, extreme off-road racing)
• Sega Rally (series, classic rally racing)

Motorcycle Racing

These games let you race motorcycles, from fast sport bikes to off-road dirt bikes.

Water Racing

You can also race on water! These games feature jetskis or speedboats.

• Jet Moto (series, jetski racing)
• Wave Race (jetski racing with realistic water physics)
• Hydro Thunder (speed boat racing)

Monster Truck Racing

These games let you drive huge monster trucks, often performing stunts or crushing cars.

Stunt Racing

Some racing games focus on performing amazing stunts and tricks while you race.

• Stunts (classic stunt driving game)
• Re-Volt (RC car racing with stunts)

Images for kids

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  Sega Rally arcade racing games at the Veljekset Keskinen department store in Tuuri, Finland in 2017

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  SuperTuxKart, an example of a kart racing video game

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  Daytona USA (1994) twin-seat arcade cabinet.

See also

In Spanish: Videojuego de carreras para niños