gaming Racing Games: Closed Circuit or Open World?

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,770]

With racing games, there are two main archetypes they seem to fall under: Closed circuit and open world. Closed Circuit of course because racing games that revolved around actual tracks that loop, AKA most in-world racing that we know of. Games like Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo fall into this category. The other is open world racing, which is at it sounds. Driving and racing in a large environment with many shortcuts and paths to discover. Games like this are Forza Horizon and Need for Speed, well, most modern Need for Speed games that is.

 

With these two pretty drastically different racing types, people are bound to be fans of one over the other. So that is the question here: Which do you prefer: Closed circuit or open world racing games?

 

I personally highly prefer closed circuit racers. If this was, say, 8 years ago I would be saying open world, but thanks to the Forza Motorsport series, I have fallen in love with the more sim-like closed circuit games. Driving on real world tracks that are immensely detailed and learning that track is a very fun and rewarding experience for me. Nurburgring for the win! :3

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

If I had to choose, I think I would definitely favor closed-circuit games as that has been my bread and butter for racing games since the Sega Genesis. It's just what I am most used to and have the most fun with. Like you, Forza Motosport is the standout series for me, but the older Need for Speed games also stand out for me.

 

That said I can enjoy open-world racers as long as the execution is something I can enjoy. Forza Horizon is a GREAT example of this, but other games have been hit or miss with me. Burnout Paradise was, for me, boring and others just never appealed enough for me to buy them.

[Kaneki 1,073]

Depends. If you can do other actions in the open world games, then I may like that. However, if it's just open world just because it's open world, then that just doesn't make sense to me and I don't care for that. So, usually closed-circuit.

[Megas 27,780]

Closed Circuit, but that's because the only open world racing game I've played was Midnight Club 3, which even though I love it, F-Zero inches it out a bit more

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,091]

Closed-circuit. I grew up playing Wipeout, Extreme G3, Lego Racers, Mario Kart, Sonic R, and others. That's what I love.

[Kamii 595]

Most of the racing games I know are closed-circuit, so I guess I prefer that type of racer.

I don't really like the "realistic" kind of racer, I'd rather play something fun like Mario Kart or Crash Team Racing. There's also F-Zero that I've never played (but wish I could). It's extremely fast and I bet is a lot of fun too. I remember playing some game of the Need for Speed series and I liked it fine too.

[Luminance 2,186]

I like a bit of both. The closed circuit is serious and all about lap times while the open-world feels more laid back and fun. I'll take Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon for example, as the two has different styles of racing. The Forza Horizon games feels relaxing, free and really fun by exploring the roads but Forza Motorsports have a totally different level of concentration. Somedays, I feel like going to the Nurburgring to do hot laps with my builds and others times, I just like to go and chill and travel. 

[Corgis 574]

Either.  In open world games I like to drive around like a civilian just for fun.  I love it when a cop freaks out for no reason or another car rams me out of no were it's so funny.  Closed circuit is also nice though since there are no other cars to crash into.

[EpicEnergy 23,224]

I prefer open world racing games, the idea of being free to do what I want is more fun than being restricted to only racing tracks.

[Fluttershyfan94 5,742]

Track racing is a type of racing that often times relies more on split seconds decision and certain tactics. Whereas open world racing is more about reacting quickly to a dramatically unpredictable track. Therefore both are great for their different reasons but I personally prefer open world racing.

[Jon the VGNerd 887]

I'm fine with both as long as developers delivery them well.

[Megas 27,780]

Upon reflection, the racing games I've enjoyed the most were open world like Midnight Club 3, Need For Speed Hot Pursuit and Most Wanted, and Burnout Paradise, s opposed to Closed Circuit which was mainly F-Zero, Wipeout and Mario Kart

[DixonTheAdversary 1,632]

Closed circuit with multiple paths. I hate having to plan a route for the race, just give me arrows and tell me where to go. Motorstorm did this best, with a track that is a closed circuit, but offers many different paths for whatever vehicle class you're driving.

[Clawdeen 15,487]

Open world. Not just because I love not having a specific route. But if there are normal cars and pedestrians on the the road I can hit them

But I also find them more challenging for me personally.

[ExplosionMare 18,086]

I like anything as long as there are not a ton of cliffs

[ZiggWheelsManning 11,058]

Open world, traveling to many cities  

[Cash In 22,518]

Closed circuit for sure. I liked the open world design in some of the NFS games, but I generally prefer the more linear structure. I feel like it has more focus.

Edited February 25, 2022 by Cash_In