After compiling your votes, the Traxion.GG community has decided that Forza Horizon 5 is the best new racing game released in 2021.
We knew it to be popular, we praised it in our review and included it in our list of best games released in 2021. But, we wanted to know what you, the reader, thought too.
Your verdict was largely unanimous – Forza Horizon 5 is definitively the best racing game realised in the past 12 months. The only game to surpass 1,000 votes, Playground Games and Microsoft’s open-world Mexican expedition has captivated gamers, while the Car Pass and Festival Playlist mean there’s always something new to try out post-release.
From the entire Traxion.GG team – social media, YouTube, Twitch and website – we wish a hearty congratulations to everyone involved in the creation of Forza Horizon 5, here’s to a happy festive period and a prosperous 2022.
F1 2021 – the runner up
In the early stages of the voting, F1 2021 was shaping up to be the winner. As the days rolls on, it dropped back into second place.
There’s a segment of players who would like to see a more ‘hard-core’ Formula 1 experience, but the community has spoken. Like us, you enjoyed the Braking Point story, the deep My team mode and the new tracks.
Where the series heads in 2022 could be a pivotal moment for the gaming series, with brand new rules on the way in the real world. For now, congratulations to Codemasters and EA for another engrossing release.
“Even the players you might consider as ‘hardcore’ sometimes want to sit back and have a bit of fun as well, something a little more chilled. That’s where something like Braking Point comes in,” explained Senior Creative Director at EA, Lee Mather, on the Traxion.GG podcast earlier this year.
Circuit Superstars – on the podium
A surprise entry at number three for your best racing game released in 2021 s stylised simulator Circuit Superstars.
Developed by the small team at Original Fire Games, once you adjust to the steep difficulty curve, there’s a depth to the physics that keeps you coming back for more, trying to beat those leaderboard times.
With the addition of stock cars on ovals in December, a PlayStation version launching in January and further support promised in 2022, many will be enjoying this sim into the new year too.
Honourable mentions
Hot Wheels Unleashed led the ‘best of the rest’ in our community voting – just 40 votes behind Circuit Superstars, following its recent sales success – with Rush Rally Origins and Cruis’n Blast following just behind.
You could always write in your favourite new game released in 2021, with several votes being cast for WRC 10 and MotoGP 21, leading the votes for games not on the original list.
To the person who wrote in ‘Forza Horizon 5 and Hot Wheels Unleashed’ – we share your opinion, but there can only be one winner. To the voter who thought Live for Speed was the best new racing game released in 2021, you’re sadly 19 years too late.
Thank you to everyone who voted in our poll, the number of votes was truly humbling. If you thought 2021 was a good year for racing releases, our 2022 preview will be published on 1st January and it’s set to be a corker.
