Do You Remember These Old School Racing Computer Games?

Our real-life cars are great, but we can't usually use them to catch funky crooks or evil spies, and we can't race them in Formula One — or in 2190 or 1945. Luckily, there's video games! Here's my favorites.

Street Rod 1 and 2

Street Rod is a game with enormous potential! I have spent many nights praying that someone makes a modernized version of this game, but so far, no software company has managed to do that! This game is certainily a classic, and first of its kind.

You play a car mechanic. Starting out with no car and some money (classic racing game story), you will have to find a suitable car using the ads in the paper. To earn more money for parts and new cars, you will have to race other drivers in the town.

There are 3 tracks available, one of which is a straight 1/4 mile drag race. You can race for money, or pink slips. This is also the worst aspect of the game as the racing graphics are simply awaful, and car handling is always the same. Unfortunately, this limits the car tuning to engine, tires, gearbox, aerodynamics and exhaust. Still, this is more than enough to keep the game interesting.

You can make numerous modifications to the engine, and there are many cars and car manufacturer parts available, so getting the most out of your car will be extremely fun and challenging. The goal of the game is to beat "The King". He has the best car (and chick) in the game :) Of course, once you get his car, the chick also comes in the package :) Unfortunately, the time to do this is limited, and that is also somewhat annoying.

However, this game is for me one of the best racing game in gaming history! http://youtu.be/XTFEOh7weqY

Lamborgihni American Challenge

Lamborghini American Challenge is a Lotus style racing game. Except in this one you can only drive the "Lambo" :) Its typical in every way for this genre - addictive, fast paced and a no brainer :) Just push the pedal to metal and enjoy the ride! The "racing" will basically come down to avoiding the slow cars and catching up with your opponents. If you finish the race within top 3 positions, you'll get some money, and with it the ability to upgrade your car and enlist to the more expensive races. The more expensive the races, the harder the opponents, but higher the money award.

The graphics are nice, and sounds are nothing special. There are two gameplay modes supported - championship mode where you play a whole career, and VS mode where you can race against your friend. That pretty much wraps it up. If you like lotus-like games, you will certainly enjoy this one! http://youtu.be/QwMjTaaV0FA

NASCAR Racing 1994

For those who wants to remind this stock car racing game that was NASCAR Racing developed by Papyrus Design Group, Inc. but published by Sierra On-Line, Inc. in North America and by Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Inc. outside North America in 1994. http://youtu.be/Z6Izm_DBKY0

Test Drive - Racing Serial

Test Drive had the concept of a free landscape. The player did not have to drive on a preset course, but could go wherever they want, i.e. drive off the road and onto the grass, hills, farms etc. The player would also have to watch out for the speed limit when a police car was in sight, otherwise he could get caught. A level also featured railroad crossings with a real train running in a loop.

Car radio, windscreen wipers and headlights were featured in this game. The game shipped with three cars to drive; the Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari Mythos Pininfarina Concept, and the Chevrolet Corvette CERV III Concept.

An add on package, "Road and Car", was available as an extra purchase featuring a Cape Cod to Niagara road course, and the Acura NSX and Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo. http://youtu.be/zKveLNZ4fXc

Here are the links to download games:

Street Rod PC - http://filerack.net/file/05N8i0

Street Rod 2 PC - http://filerack.net/file/05N8H9

NASCAR 94' - http://filerack.net/file/05N8H8

Lamborgihni American Challenge - http://filerack.net/file/05N8H6

Test Drive Triple Pack - http://filerack.net/file/05N8i3

What is the first racing game which you played?

The first racing game I played I believe was Mario Kart 64. If kart racing doesn't count, San Francisco Rush.

Probably shouldn't have the game links in your post, unless they are officially offered for free.

@Eikichi-Onizuka: The game links are officially for free, that's why I put links here in post.

Needs more Rollcage.

I actually came into this thread expecting to see Rollcage lol

Does anyone here remember Powerboat Racing? I got it with my Windows 98 PC back in the day. Recently looked the game up on Youtube and wow... I don't remember the draw distance being that bad :P Cool thing was you'd complete it and then unlock a the ability to race in Catamarans.