Surprise, surprise. We've all got to stay home for another month. With PM Lee's announcement on the extension of the circuit breaker from 4 May to 1 June, as well as stricter restrictions on the movement of Singaporeans, drivers are forced to live like hermits while their cars rust in the cold, dark world left behind by the COVID-19 pandemic. What do we do, then? How will we maintain our sanity while our beloved rides are left abandoned and unloved?
The answer, my friend, lies in the virtual world. If you've got a PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch or a PC, read on to find a driving game or racing simulator that can help you rip up the tarmac in the comfort of your own home.
PS: These are all available for digital download so you won't have to wait for games shops to reopen. Just plug (purchase) and play.
1. Assetto Corsa Competizione
Assetto Corsa Competizione is a GT-racing simulator that's a spin-off from the original Assetto Corsa. It is also the official video game for the Blancpain GT Series, which features official drivers, teams, cars and circuits.
Why should I get it?
The draw of Assetto Corsa Competizione lies in the realistic racing conditions of its Sprint, Endurance and 24 Hours of SPA races. It also boasts impressive levels of accuracy in the sights and sounds of its GT3 cars, which include marques such as Ferrari, McLaren and Lamborghini; to name a few.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
2. Need for Speed Heat
Race through the streets of Palm City, take part in high-speed chases, and customise your ride in Need for Speed Heat - an open-world arcade-style racing game. Earn money through officially sanctioned races in the day and reputation through illegal night races or getting chased by the cops.
Why should I get it?
Unlike in other racing games, you can choose to race either in the day or at night. This gives you the option of earning money or reputation, both of which give you access to different car upgrades. Another welcome part of the game is that there are no micro transactions so no player can pay with real money to get ahead. They'll just have to grind it out like everyone else.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
3. F1 2019
From realistic racing conditions and driver changes to R&D and practice programmes, F1 2019 brings the modern motorsport to life in true F1 fashion. It features the official racing teams, drivers and all 21 circuits from the 2019 season, as well as a new F2 mode and career story.
Why should I get it?
Although it received minor updates from the previous iteration, F1 2019 is still the best in its class when it comes to authentic motorsport racing games. That, and the inclusion of F2, makes this game one of the best buys to date.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
4. Forza Motorsport 7
With over 700 cars, 30 racing environments and over 200 ribbons, Forza Motorsport 7 caters to both casual and experienced players. What sets it apart from other racing sims, however, is its stunning graphics that make for a truly immersive driving experience.
Why should I get it?
Forza Motorsport 7's seemingly never ending list of cars and even longer list of tracks to choose from, displayed on beautiful graphics, make Forza Motorsport 7 something worth checking out.
Available on: Xbox One, PC
5. DiRT Rally 2.0
DiRT Rally 2.0 is the official game for the FIA World Rallycross Championship. It features more than 50 off-road cars and six racing locations that makes for a challenging experience not for the faint of heart.
Why should I get it?
There are plenty of off-road cars to drive, including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 and Citroen C3 R5. DiRT Rally 2.0 also lets you race in locations such as New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, Poland, Australia and the US.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
6. Project CARS 2
Project CARS 2 is a highly demanding racing sim that boasts a tonne of content catered to more experienced players. The game features 180 cars hailing from the world's top marques, 9 motorsport disciplines and 29 motorsport series that can keep you engaged for days on end.
Why should I get it?
Project CARS 2's weather effects provide an unrivalled level of realism that can otherwise only be found out in the real world. And with myriad options to choose from, across various disciplines and cars, there's something in there for everyone.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
7. Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 is the open-world, more casual cousin of Forza Motorsports 7. Where its counterpart is focused on racing, this game is based on seasons, hourly events and daily challenges that reward drivers upon their completion.
Why should I get it?
With over 450 cars, plenty of customisation options, constantly changing seasons, new challenges and myriad rewards, Forza Horizon 4 delivers endless hours of content that will not disappoint.
Available on: Xbox One, PC
8. iRacing
iRacing initially started off as a tool for professional driving, but has since lowered its entry point for the less hardcore enthusiast. Don't get the wrong idea, though. It still is highly demanding and has a pretty steep learning curve. But if you're looking for real tarmac-ripping action, this is it.
Why should I get it?
It is the closest you'll ever get to actual racing, with its own sanctioning body - FIRST - a safety rating and penalty system, as well as a level of realism that makes it incredibly difficult. You should get it if you're up for the challenge. And if you don't mind the price.
Available on: PC
9. Wreckfest
Wreckfest isn't quite the typical racing action you'd expect as with the other games in this list. It's a full-blown destruction-esque game that has damage dynamics that actually make sense, unlike other games that let your car keep going even with a wheel missing.
Why should I get it?
It's nice to know you can crash into another car every once in a while without having to worry about the consequences. Add to that the realistic dynamics of how a damaged car operates, and you've got a game that promises a smashing good time.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC
10. My Summer Car
Now, this is definitely not a driving game, but it's worth mentioning all the same. My Summer Car is a survival game where you'll have to put a mess of car parts together, feed yourself and clean yourself, among other things. The cars you'll drive in-game are nowhere near track-worthy, but there's a sense of liberation in how realistic the game is.
Why you should get it?
There are no tutorials or guides, you'll have to figure out everything on your own. This can be both really frustrating but surprisingly rewarding, if you're willing to stick it out.
Available on: PC
11. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the expanded version of Mario Kart 8 on Wii U. Since making the switch, the game brings with it a whole lot of new content that is playable across multiple mediums, thanks to, well, the Switch. There are 48 different race tracks and 42 playable characters right out of the box. There's a new Battle mode as well, which comprises five objective-based modes and eight arenas to choose from.
Why should I get it?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds on to the already well-loved Mario Kart 8 with loads of new content such as its Battle mode, 48 tracks and 42 characters. It's easy to pick up for beginners and can be played across different mediums on the Nintendo Switch. Multiplayer mode also allows up to eight players locally and up to 12 players if you're playing online.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
12. Gear.Club Unlimited 2
Gear.Club Unlimited 2 is probably the most realistic racing game you can find on the Nintendo Switch right now. The big draw is in its career mode, which comes complete with its own storyline. The game also features 50 officially-licenced cars, 250 races and more than 2,900km of track.
Why should I get it?
While not without its faults, such as input lag, there's much to be liked about this game. The number of cars, customisation options and race tracks alone would be enough to occupy you till the end of the circuit breaker.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
There you have it, 12 games to help keep your driving withdrawal symptoms at bay while we all wait for this nightmare to end, and we can go back to our normal (who's to say what's normal any more?) lives.
