The eighth-generation era of consoles gave gamers perhaps the most diverse library of racing projects in history. Owners of the Sony PlayStation 4 console can choose between hyper-realistic simulators that require learning the physics of wheel grip, and crazy arcade games where the laws of physics fade into the background. Choosing the right title depends entirely on what kind of driving experience you're looking for: a relaxing cruise through picturesque landscapes or an intense battle for milliseconds on a professional track.
It was on this platform that the gold standard for the interactive entertainment industry was formed, associated with car culture. The developers have learned to recreate not only the appearance of legendary models, but also the nature of their behavior on the road. In this article, we will analyze key projects that should be in the collection of every car enthusiast, and also discuss the technical features of implementing autophysics on PS4 hardware.
The evolution of graphics and physics on the PlayStation 4 console
The move to the x86 architecture allowed game creators to implement complex rendering systems such as global illumination and physically based rendering (PBR). This means that metallic on the car body reacts to light in the same way as in reality, and scratches and dirt are distributed dynamically over the surface. For enthusiasts who appreciate the visual component, this was a real breakthrough, allowing one to distinguish the textures of carbon fiber, interior leather and tread rubber from an arm's length away.
However, graphics are only half the equation. A real revolution took place in the area damage modeling and suspension behavior. If in early projects the deformation of the body was a pre-baked animation, then modern engines calculate the crushing of the metal in real time, based on the angle of impact and speed.
⚠️ Warning: Long periods of playing fast-paced racing games with high frame rates may cause motion sickness in some players. It is recommended to take breaks every 45-60 minutes and adjust the field of view (FOV) in the game options if such an option is available.
The technical limitations of the console still dictate their own rules, forcing developers to make compromises between resolution and stability of frames per second. Many projects offer a choice between a quality mode, where the picture looks photorealistic, and a performance mode that provides smooth control, which is critical in competitive disciplines.
Kings of the open world and freedom of movement
The open-world racing genre has given us projects where a car becomes not just a tool for winning a race, but a means of exploring vast digital worlds. The leader here is definitely the series Forza Horizon, which, despite being exclusive to Xbox, set the bar so high that other developers are still trying to catch up. However, PS4 has its own strong competitors that offer unique mechanics and atmospheres.
The key feature of such games is the absence of a rigid linear plot. You can take part in illegal races, look for secret locations, or just drive around the city listening to licensed radio stations. Freedom of action here it compensates for the lack of strict simulation physics, making the gameplay fun even for those who do not know how to hold a steering wheel in reality.
An important element is the progression system, which is often tied to collecting cars and improving their performance. They don't just give you a new car, you earn money, buy spare parts in Tuning store, install them and test the result. This creates a deep emotional attachment to the virtual garage.
- 🏎️ Need for Speed: the standard of street racing with a deep plot and police.
- 🌍 The Crew 2: the ability to control not only cars, but also airplanes throughout the United States.
- 🏁 Gran Turismo Sport: Although it is a track-based game, the open world mode is replaced with detailed tracks.
Hardcore simulators for lovers of realism
For those who consider arcades frivolous, there are simulators where every turn of the steering wheel requires concentration and understanding of the work transmissions. Projects like Gran Turismo Sport and Assetto Corsa require the player to respect the car. Here you can’t just hold down the gas and hope for the best: you need to monitor tire temperature, fuel level and brake disc wear.
The physics in such games is based on real telemetry data taken from real racing cars. The behavior of the car on wet asphalt, the effect of aquaplaning and loss of traction when driving onto a curb are simulated with frightening accuracy. Using a racing wheel with force feedback (feedback) turns the game into a full-fledged training tool.
⚠️ Attention: In simulators, it is better to disable the assistant settings (ABS, TCS) only after you have fully studied the behavior of the car with the safety systems turned on. Abruptly turning off the assistance can lead to uncontrolled drifts.
The online component of the simulators is often based on a rating system for safety and driving cleanliness. You may be disqualified for repeated collisions or cutting corners on the track. This creates a unique atmosphere sports rivalry, where traffic rules and racing etiquette are more important than speed.
Secrets of tuning suspension in simulators
In most simulators, spring stiffness affects how the car reacts over bumps. For smooth tracks (like in Japan), the springs are made stiffer for better directional stability, and for bumpy tracks (like the Nürburgring Nordschleife) they are made softer so that the wheels do not come off the asphalt on bumps.
Arcade racing and crazy tuning
While simulators require serious preparation, arcade games provide pure adrenaline. In games like Wreckfest or Burnout Paradise Remastered, the main thing is speed, spectacular accidents and crazy drift. The physics here are exaggerated: cars can jump hundreds of meters, crash into obstacles at full speed and continue the race.
A special place in this segment is occupied by the tuning system. Players have access to not just a color change, but a deep modernization engine, exhaust system and transmission. You can turn an old sedan into a 1,000 horsepower monster that will smoke tires at every traffic light.
The visual style of such games often gravitates towards bright colors, neon lighting and aggressive body kits. This is the digital embodiment of culture Import Tuner early 2000s, where each car was a unique work of art.
- 🔥 Wreckfest: The best destruction and collision physics on the market.
- 🚔 Need for Speed Heat: balance between daytime legal races and night illegal ones.
- 🏎️ Fast & Furious Crossroads: the opportunity to participate in the plot of a popular film franchise.
Rally and off-road disciplines
Projects dedicated to cross-country racing deserve special attention. DiRT Rally 2.0 and WRC series offer an experience radically different from circuit racing. There is no room for mistakes here: one wrong turn on a narrow forest path can cost you tens of seconds or lead to a breakdown pendants.
The main character here is not a pilot, but a navigator, whose commands must be carried out instantly. The track surface changes dynamically: the ruts become deeper, the dirt flies away, and the snow melts under the wheels. This creates an incredible sense of presence and danger.
Off-road simulators like SnowRunner (though it's more of a delivery simulator) are also popular among PS4 fans. It is not the speed that is important here, but the correct choice of gear, differential locks and winch. Going through a muddy swamp in a heavy truck is no less difficult a task than winning a grand prix.
To play rally simulators comfortably, be sure to use a steering wheel with pedals. Using a gamepad, it is very difficult to control the braking force on a slippery surface, which is critical for passing special stages.
Comparison of popular racing franchises on PS4
To help you choose the perfect project, we have prepared a comparison table of the key characteristics of top games. This takes into account parameters such as the number of cars, the variety of tracks and the availability of support. VR helmets.
| Game name | Physics type | Number of cars (approximately) | Open world | VR support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Turismo Sport | Simulator | 160+ | No | Yes (partially) |
| Need for Speed Heat | Arcade/Simulation | 120+ | Yes | No |
| DiRT Rally 2.0 | Hardcore simulator | 50+ | No (stages) | Yes |
| The Crew 2 | Arcade | 200+ | Yes (all USA) | No |
| Wreckfest | Arcade with physics | 40+ | No | No |
As you can see from the table, the choice is huge. If it is important to you online multiplayer and competitiveness, it's worth taking a closer look at GT Sport or DiRT. If you just want to relax after work and drive around the city at night, turning on your favorite music, then the Need for Speed line will be the best choice.
☑️ How to choose your first racing game
Technical advice and optimization of settings
To get the most out of your gaming experience on your PS4 Pro or Slim, it is recommended that you set your image output correctly. Go to Settings → Sound and screen → Video output settings and make sure the resolution is selected 1080p or 2160p (if you have a 4K TV) and HDR is enabled. Many modern racing simulators support high dynamic range, which makes the picture much more contrasty.
It is also worth paying attention to the control settings within the game itself. Often, various assistants are enabled by default, which can interfere with an experienced player. Shutdown anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Stability Program (ESP) will allow you to control skidding with gas and brake, which significantly speeds up cornering.
⚠️ Warning: When playing in VR mode (eg Gran Turismo Sport), make sure you have enough free space around you. Sudden turns of the head to inspect the apexes may result in collisions with furniture or other people.
Don't forget to update your games to the latest versions. Developers often release patches that fix physics bugs or add new cars. You can check for updates by highlighting the game on the main screen and pressing Options on the gamepad and selecting Check for updates.
Correctly calibrating your screen and adjusting the sensitivity of your gamepad's analog sticks can improve your lap times by up to 15%, making controls more predictable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need a steering wheel to play simulation games on PS4?
No, not required, but highly recommended. On the DualShock 4 gamepack, you can comfortably play even hardcore simulators if you adjust the trigger sensitivity and vibration. However, the steering wheel gives disproportionately more control and immersion, especially in rallies and circuit racing.
Do PS4 games work on the PlayStation 5 console?
Yes, the vast majority of PS4 racing titles are backwards compatible with PS5. Moreover, many of them receive improvements: higher resolution, stable 60 FPS and faster loading thanks to the SSD of the new console.
Are there Russian languages in car games?
Large projects from global publishers (EA, Codemasters, Polyphony Digital) usually have full Russian localization of the interface and subtitles. The voice acting most often remains original (English, Japanese), but in some games, such as Need for Speed, Russian dubbing may also occur.
Can I play online racing games without a PS Plus subscription?
In most cases, online racing on PS4 requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription. However, some projects with free online (Free-to-Play) or games with specific modes may be available without a subscription, but this is rather an exception for this genre.