Top 10 racing games for Android

You know what mobile needs? More racing games.

Seriously - have a think about how many platforming games, puzzle games, and endless runners there are on mobile, then compare that to the number of racers you own.

It's rather strange, given that mobile is the perfect platform for racing games, whether it's touch-enabled top-down racers, or tilt-controlled driving games.

Fortunately, there are a gaggle of great racing games on Android - you just need to know where to find them. That's where Pocket Gamer steps in to help you out, of course.

Here's our favourite racing games currently available for Android, racing from blistering speeders to more quirky racing styles.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted
By EA - buy on Android

The console version of Need for Speed: Most Wanted was sublime, so it was only fair that mobile got its own share of the glory too.

With Need for Speed: Most Wanted, the Google Play store finally received a street racer that it can be truly proud of, thanks to the oodles of polish and presentation that seeps from its gamey loins.

Sure, the lack of multiplayer is a bit of a bummer, but given the size and scope of the single-player content available, it's really rather difficult to complain.

Asphalt 7: Heat
By Gameloft - buy on Android

The Asphalt racing series is an odd one. With each new revision, the series barely ever changes - yet the slight differences that are put in place keep that excitement intact.

With number seven, subtitled Heat, Gameloft offers both single-player and online multiplayer modes, as well as over 150 events to blast your way through.

As with Most Wanted, Asphalt 7 really excels when it comes to the sheer amount of spit and polish. This is a gorgeous-looking game, make no mistake.

Real Racing 3
By EA - buy on Android

OK, so the in-app purchases available in Real Racing 3 have caused quite a stir online, with many suggesting that they undermine the core gameplay of the brilliant Real Racing series.

But here's the thing: Real Racing 3 is still one of the best racers on Android, despite what you might think of its free-to-play model.

It's huge, it's stunning, it's a real hardcore racer.

Reckless Racing 2
By Polarbit - buy on Android

Let's break away from traditional racers, to bring you a more Micro Machines-oriented take on the racing genre.

With its superb handling and fast-paced action, this "from above" racer feels gloriously tight and well designed. Rarely does a racing game handle drifting so remarkably.

And with a huge career mode to plug your way through, plus online multiplayer that is as smooth as it is playable, this is an Android racer you really should own.

Pocket Racing
By Measured Software - buy on Android

Pocket Racing takes it even further than Reckless Racing, providing true top-down races that are based around perfectly tuned handling and a great online component.

Not only can you race against your own ghost, but you're also able to select any time from the online leaderboards, and choose to race against that - essentially any other player in the world.

Note that the game doesn't always work on tablets, so it's worth reading up on whether it'll look okay on your Android slate before grabbing it.

Riptide GP
By Vector Unit - buy on Android

Now for something completely different. Riptide GP ditches the cars in favor of jet skis, and does so in serious style.

It isn't just Riptide's backdrops, vehicles, and character models that look lovely - the ever-shifting water beneath your jet ski is wonderful too.

It's no wonder that Riptide GP is so playable, given that it's from the dev who created the original Hydro Thunder Hurricane.

Racing Micro GP
By Razmobi - buy on Android

Racing Micro GP may appear amateurish in its design, but don't let visuals put you off - the controls are easily tight enough to compensate for the looks.

Unlike the other racers in this list, Racing Micro GP is focused around the art of Formula 1, with the KERS boost system to consider, and tricky corners to attend to.

You also don't particularly want to go crashing off the course, as per real-life Formula 1. Trust me - it's a very bad idea.

Turbo Racing League
By Pikpok - buy on Android

You know some mornings when you wake up and think, "Hey, I'd really like to race some snails today?" Here's Turbo Racing League to help fill that gaping void in your life.

This is a vibrant, simple-to-play game of powersliding to collect tomatoes dotted around the purpose-built tracks, with challenges to unlock and beat.

Turbo Racing League won't offer racing veterans much of a challenge, but for those looking for an easier, more casual racing experience, you won't find much better.

Ricky Carmichael's Motocross Matchup Pro
By 2XL Games - buy on Android

The thing about motocross video games is that you're not just attempting to beat the other players around the track - you're also wrestling with the bike in a bid to stay in the saddle.

Ricky Carmichael's Motocross Matchup Pro may have a ridiculously long name, but that doesn't take anything away from its glorious combination of trials and racing.

Plus, the online multiplayer really turns it up a notch, as this is where the real tension mounts.

Carmageddon
By Stainless Games - buy on Android

Those who originally played Carmageddon back in the '90s will know exactly why every Android owner should pick up a copy of this fantastic, mental racer.

You can choose to bomb around the city, following checkpoints and making sure to reach the finish before everyone else.

Or you can go full psychopath and crash into the other racers, eventually rendering them dead, and yourself the winner by default. Clearly, the second option is the best.