Ride The Wind
Sometimes, video game developers hit the nail on the head when it comes to vehicle design, creating a memorable car that will be loved several years down the road. Other times… they really miss the mark. The craziest part is that both types of vehicles can exist in the same game, leaving us to question “what happened?”
1. Sweet Tooth
This dangerous ice cream truck appears across all games in the Twisted Metal series, usually driven by Needles Kane. The car is usually an unlockable vehicle, and its combination of durability, special weapons, and thick armor makes it a great playable vehicle.
2. Warthog
This tactical ground vehicle is used throughout the Halo series and is praised for its high mobility, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and manual transmission. The vehicle also usually has a rear-mounted weapon turret, and many of its variants have shelter, surveillance, and utility capabilities.
3. Rhino
This tank is found in several spots in GTA: San Andreas. You can usually unlock it by 100%-ing the game or breaking into Area 69 and stealing it. For a game that requires plenty of driving, what’s more fun than hauling a tank around the LA-inspired streets?
4. Escudo
This is considered one of the most iconic cars in the Gran Turismo series. It’s praised for both speed and handling, and is considered one of the best cars to complete the Le Mans races.
5. Batmobile
Our favorite multi-millionaire superhero vehicle is a staple in the Arkham Knight game. It has good fighting mechanics, can transform into a battle mode, and gives Batman decent momentum to fly high across Gotham’s streets.
6. BMW M3 GTR
This Need For Speed car is usually driven by the game’s antagonist, Clarence Callahan. It’s a gorgeous car, with great power and great speed, leaving a lasting effect on pop culture. BMW even made a real-life version of the car, which will be on display at BMW Welt München in the near future.
Rafal Gerent-Pocian on Unsplash
7. Ferrari Testarossa
This car has deep associations with the game Outrun. The game’s creator was inspired when he saw the car on a trip to Monaco, and its ‘80s retro vibe has cemented it in pop culture as a symbol of that time frame.
8. Octane
This car appears in the game Rocket League, and is one of the three unlockable vehicles you can get at the beginning of the game. The car is incredibly popular with high-ranking players and is most often used by players participating in the Championship Series.
9. Deuce
Also known as “The Druid Plow,” this hot rod is a part of the Brutal Legend game. It’s summoned via guitar solo and is considered a gift from the Titans. The car has been praised for its speed, handbrake abilities, and countless upgrades.
10. Anything With Yoshi
Many serious Mario Kart players spend a lot of their time figuring out the best character and kart combination. The combos differ from game to game, tracks, and personal playstyle. In Mario Kart 8, for instance, your best all-around character would be Yoshi, the Teddy Buggy, Roller Wheels, and the Paper or Cloud Glider.
1. ATVs
These small vehicles are available for fast travel within the Far Cry 4 game. While useful for travel, many players have criticized the difficulty with handling on certain terrain. This is especially difficult when certain missions require pretty precise driving.
2. X80 Proto
This two-door hypercar appears in Grand Theft Auto Online, and is well-liked for its visual appeal. However, the car has suffered a few bugs that have led to it having inconsistent handling and poor performance. Thanks to new vehicles being added to the game, the car is also not as competitive as it once was.
3. The War Machine
These mechanical devices were created by Leonardo da Vinci in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Unfortunately, players who are looking for 100% the game struggle with the tank mission, and the glider that you can use is sadly poorly executed.
4. Thorton Galina G240
This simple blue vehicle appears in the game Cyberpunk 2077. The in-game lore suggests that this car first appeared in 2031 as an affordable option for Americans after a pretty nasty recession. As this is one of the first vehicles you can purchase in the game, it makes sense that it’s not super powerful or flashy-looking.
5. M35 Mako
This infantry fighting vehicle is deployable on any world in the game Mass Effect, and features a turreted 155mm mass accelerator cannon, as well as a machine gun. Unfortunately, the vehicle is not made for exploration, and many players dislike using it outside of battles.
Alex from Calgary, Canada on Wikimedia
6. Eagle Talon ESi'97
This vehicle appears in several Gran Turismo games as a part of the Diamond-Star Motors partnership. It was advertised as an easy ride, with a focus on garnering interest from female drivers. Sadly, this also meant that the car had a less powerful front-wheel drive, resulting in a lack of performance.
7. Swoop Bike
This speeder-esque vehicle appears in the Star Wars game Shadows of the Empire, and is a popular choice for racing on several different planets. Unfortunately, the bikes are incredibly fast, and it’s not uncommon to hit walls or barriers time and time again.
8. Volkswagen Golf GTI
This hatchback is available in The Crew games. The car has quite a few restrictions within the game, and many people dislike the car for its poor performance, odd handling, and poor in-game sound.
9. Chariots Of Fire
Technically, horses aren’t cars, but we’re including them anyway. This vehicle appears in Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, as you try to race your way back to the city of Babylon. The racing element is said to be quite frustrating, as you have to restart the whole race if you lose.
10. Red Baron
This red plane appears in both GTA San Andreas and Vice City, and is available after mission completion. The mission in San Andreas is notoriously difficult, and the plane has been criticized for poor handling and weak weapons.
