The PS1 was a true game changer when it came to providing a whole new dimension of gaming, namely, in 3D. These updated graphical stylings made many game genres feel more immersive and realistic. The new power offered by the PS1 really helped racing games thrive on the system. Where many racing games prior to the system focused on more arcade-focused, cartoony gameplay and visuals, the PS1 brought a whole new benchmark in the form of the myriad simulation racing games.
Simulation racing games certainly aren't everybody's cup of tea given the more challenging and realistic take on the experience. While many sim racing fans are keenly aware of the likes of Gran Turismo and Ridge Racer, what about the forgotten and overlooked racing sims on the PS1? While the platform doesn't provide ample examples of this sub-genre, there are still a handful that time has simply forgotten...until now.
6 Colin McRae Rally
Colin McRae Rally is a 1998 rally simulation game that was created by genre veterans Codemasters. Eschewing traditional tracks and tarmac in favor of dirt, mud, and nature, rally games tend to lean into the simulation aspects of the genre. Traditional rally racing comes down to getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible, with a series of checkpoints along the racing route. In the case of Colin McRae Rally, PS1 sim fans have a lot to enjoy.
The focus of this game is the 1998 World Rally Championship stages which can be raced on with real-world rally cars of the time. Colin McRae himself has always been a legend in the sport so it certainly makes sense his name would be attached to the long-running franchise. From New Zealand to the United States to Sweden, with plenty of other locations to choose from, this rally racing sim provides intensive dirt-laden fun for those up to the challenge.
5 Ford Racing
Ford Racing, if the name doesn't give it away, is a simulation racing game centered on a host of Ford vehicles that can be used across a plethora of diverse tracks. Players are able to drive eleven different Ford vehicles that were popular at the time. The game starts players out with just a couple of vehicles but more can be obtained through successful racing and podium finishes.
The bulk of this racing sim's gameplay comes from the meaty career mode where budding racers must progress through races while earning prize money. This prize money can then be used to upgrade each Ford vehicle to make it more robust and efficient on the tracks. Interestingly, the game also had a simple but enjoyable multiplayer mode.
4 Formula 1
This first iteration in the Formula 1 series on PS1 was developed by Bizarre Creations, yes, the same team that made the beloved Project Gotham Racing games on the original Xbox. Having been released in 1996, Formula 1 is all about enjoying the sim-focused experience of the 1995 Formula One World Championship. Players could take part in a career-type mode that features unique drivers not a part of the 1995 championship.
Additionally, the game offered players solo racers with various Formula 1 cars and tracks that could be experienced against other computer opponents or with a friend or family member. Blending real-life aspects of the Formula 1 sport with some fictitious elements such as a few of the locations, Forumla 1 for PS1 gave players a lot to sink their teeth into.
3 Sports Car GT
This Electronic Arts simulation racing game from 1999 is packed with content for fans of this sub-genre. The gameplay is broken up into multiple modes including season mode, arcade mode, time trials, and multiplayer. What makes this game stand out from similar PS1 sim racers is the number of vehicle brands to choose from such as BMW, Porsche, McLaren, and more.
Most players will likely spend their time in the robust season mode. In order to progress in this mode, racers need to place in the top three in order to be awarded cash to upgrade their roster of powerful vehicles. Plus, being able to enjoy the plethora of cars and tracks in multiplayer really makes Sports Car GT shine.
2 Gallop Racer
For something completely different, the equestrian-themed simulation racer Gallop Racer might just fit the bill. This forgotten PS1 game might not appeal to many people, however, it unequivocally provides a highly unique sim racing experience. This Tecmo-created game allows players to obtain horses, train them, breed them, and, of course, race with them. Players are able to pick out specific horses in categories such as frontrunner, midrunner, and closer, with each one providing a different feel during races.
In order to progress in Gallop Racer, players had to work hard to move through various race classes and grades, with the difficulty shifting depending on the status. Most popular horses and jockeys were unfortunately not included in this unique game because of the confusing licensing issues of the time.
1 Sea-Doo Hydrocross
Another unique and forgotten PS1 sim racing gem is the aquatic-themed Sea-Doo Hydrocross. The game is actually broken up into two distinct modes: the simulation mode and the simplified arcade mode. Fans of the sim racing sub-genre could enjoy a good number of Sea-Doo watercraft that could be driven across eight different watery tracks.
Sea-Doo Hydrocross was likely overlooked due to its comparison to the Nintendo-exclusive jetski juggernaut Wave Race 64. However, what sets Sea-Doo Hyrdrocross apart is its inclusion of real-world watercraft and more realistic track locations from around the globe.