Grid (2019)

While there are deeper pro racing games available, this one still offers a lot for speed freaks to enjoy. In the new Grid (which is not a remake of 2008's Race Driver: Grid, a.k.a. Grid), players engage in a series of multi-lap and point-to-point races on both closed city streets and professional race tracks. As with many racing games these days, this features a good variety of cars, tracks, and viewpoints, as well as the ability to adjust such difficulty-affecting attributes as the car's traction and stability. This also, like other recent racing games, has a rewind function for when you want to correct a mid-race mistake, as well as an optional indicator that suggests when you should hit the gas, let up on it, or hit the brakes.

As for what's new in this year's model, the competition is much fiercer because your computer-controlled opponents get more aggressive towards you if you bump into them too much during a race. Even the different drivers on the track have individually programed A.I. to control their racing styles, moves, and mistakes. While this adds some challenge that may be appreciated by serious race fans, more casual drivers won't like being retaliated against. This further stands out when the game penalizes players if they mistakenly drive off the track or break other rules. Also, while the controls are good, they're slightly less smooth than similar racing games. Similarly, while this has plenty of cars, tracks, and event types, other games have more. All of which is why the 2019 version of Grid isn't in the pole position, but it's still in the race.