Racing games have been a mainstay genre in the medium for decades. FromF-ZEROon the Super Nintendo toNeed For Speed: Unboundon modern consoles, fans of tight turns and blistering lap times have been spoiled for choice with titles that push the genre forward, paving the way forForzaandGran Turismoto sit firmly atop their competition. Such titles come in a variety of different forms, from track racing to open-world driving experiences, and each offers something unique to try and satisfy players of all persuasions. However, there is a specific type of race that has gone largely overlooked in modern video games despite its potential: drag racing.
It seems as though all bases are covered, as games likeDirtcaters to rally fans andTrialskeeps side-scrolling Flash-inspired gameplay design alive.Drag racing, however, is a format that is largely dormant in games, despite having the potential to be something exciting, interesting, and unique. It could provoke an entirely different way of approaching the tried-and-tested racing genre, with quick competitions provoking a “one more race” mentality instead of crossing the line after a lengthy drive around a circuit for laps at a time.
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Drag Racing is Underutilized by the Genre’s Heavy Hitters
Knowing how a car handles around corners is part of the fun for games that take players to the track, but this isn’t as essential inThe CreworForza Horizon,where the allure of driving through some of Earth’s most scenic locationsis far more important. The aforementioned games show that there is more than one way to approach the genre, but the absence of a dedicated drag racing experience in contemporary, successful franchises feels like an oversight.
Drag racing is typically short, taking place a quarter-mile at a time. What it lacks in length is balanced out by intensity, and a modern game that centers around the event could use the fleeting nature of the competition to its advantage. Games likeSuper Meat Boy, Celeste, andJetpack Joyrideare shortbut incredibly enticing as a result. A game does not have to be long to be worth its price tag.
In series likeGran Turismo, Project Cars, andForza Motorsport, players have the ability to customize their cars to make them better on the track. However, since so much of the fun and difficulty comes in carefully navigating corners and staying on the racing line, it’s easy to not notice subtle tweaks to the engine or breaks that make the car ever-so-slightly faster. As such, the depth of customization often doesn’t feel like it justifies the time it takes, and players forgoing the feature all together isn’t uncommon - largely because it’s easy to just buy another vehicle that will post a faster lap time.
Drag racing strips away a lot of these factors in favor of something less complex. Getting a good start is essential, and fighting for the lead in a straight line means intricate upgrades to a car can be far more important and influential on the outcome of a competition.A modern drag racing gamethat brings customization and competitive gameplay together could be a perfect scenario for keen mechanics, as their efforts feel like they truly matter. It’s a format that is not taken advantage of by the big franchises, meaning a title that focus almost entirely on straight-line speed would be unique enough to justify its existence. Should one be done well, it could add something to a genre that has left (almost) no stone unturned.
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