But what of the other future, A.K.A. that good future? I’ve seen it, and it lives in games such as Monaco Grand Prix Racing 2, Dirt Track Racing, and NASCAR Heat.  The good future consists of racing simulations that eschew either the tried and true NASCAR/Formula One series or present it in a unique manner, or both. 

NASCAR Heat

Yes, Monaco Grand Prix Racing 2 is another Formula One game, but it includes more options than a neophyte long-distance phone company. At the top of the list are the game’s scenarios. Why practice, qualify, and race when you can hop into the seat and drive a scripted scenario? These mini-races run the gamut, from helping a teammate win a championship to fighting off the competition on the final lap. They’re new, creative, and most of all, fun. Similarly, NASCAR Heat offers not only its Beat the Heat challenge scenarios, but Race the Pro, which allows gamers to pit their skills against actual hot laps laid down by Winston Cup drivers. On the flip side of the coin, Dirt Track Racing’s strength is its subject matter. Where else can you get the luscious feel of sliding sideways through the dirt at darn near 1000 miles per hour?

Unfortunately, we won’t see many unique racing venues from major publishers in the coming years. There isn’t a fan base to support it. What we can hope to see is a new face on the simulations we buy. A face that includes scenarios, laps against real pros, and other as of yet thought of innovations. The days of slapping 200 new pixels, a slightly enhanced physics engine, and the latest tracks into a box and calling it new are drawing to a close. Lets merge racing simulations bright future with its good future and make a great future for gamers and publishers alike.  

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Also: Read Mark Walker's History of Racing Games at Electric Playground