So, the craze for driving games is back, and is it just catching up with a few hardcore gaming freaks? Perhaps not! Check out the following top list and see what’s hot in the driving/racing gamers’ community right now, especially if you own the PlayStation3 gaming console.

5. SEGA Rally Revo
How in the world, and I mean, how can we forget offroad racing? Getting dirty with cars has never been so much fun. Almost 16 out of 33 cars have to be unlocked, but that’s where the fun begins. But is that all? Well, we thought real hard to come up with a fake reason to put this game here on the list, but we found a good, genuine one – It reminds you of the good ol’ SEGA arcade days, and it’s just FUN.

4. Forumula One Championship Edition
Drive, Race, Simulate. Developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, this is yet another hot PS3-exclusive (Wasn’t that obvious? Duhh!) With an improved artificial intelligence system making the game more realistic than ever before and a progressive gameplay, Formula One Championship Edition is our new favorite.

3. Ridge Racer 7
Over two years old, yet so new, Ridge Racer 7 is exclusively available to PS3 owners. Choose a car from the wide range (around 40), land on one of the 22 courses, and drift your car around hairpin turns, feel the excitement and win the race. Wow, such excitement! Couple it with superb graphics, Dolby Digital audio and you’re bound to stick with it for months.

2. Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
Bikes, Mud Pluggers, Buggies, ATVs, Racing Trucks, Rally Cars, and… Monster Trucks! Besides, the game now moves from the brown worlds to a more colorful, island environment. 16 tracks and 51 vehicles from 8 vehicle classes will give you so much variety; you’ll want us to keep it at the Top 2 spot for some more time. Need we say more?

1. Burnout Paradise
Released in January 2008 for the PS3 and still topping this chart is Criterion Games’ biggest hit thus far. Published in association with Electronic Arts, Criterion’s Burnout Paradise has been a heavy hitter with the racing ‘jerks.’ Drive or ride, crash or speed by, follow the route or create your own – Burnout Paradise gives you over 250 miles of open world, known as “Paradise City.” But, what makes this one a winner? Turn to Criterion, and you’ll find that they’re working on giving you more of it, with over 7 packs out after the game’s initial launch.

Got any games of your choice to add to this list?

Forza Motorsport 2 exceeds all expectations where driving games are concerned. Like its Microsoft Xbox predecessor, this fun, simulation sequel is giving gamers a chance to race on some of the greatest tracks in the world—without leaving their seats! Even more casual Xbox 360 players are finding themselves giving driving simulation a try for the very first time. With over 300 cars to choose from, along with countless aftermarket parts, players can customize their very own dream cars and race them all around the world.

The choices include everything from sports cars to Volkswagens. Tracks such as Road Atlanta, New York Circuit, Tsukuba Circuit, and Nurburgring are brought to the players’ homes. The world’s top engineers, programmers, and professional race car drivers came together to help create Forza Motorsport 2, thus making it as realistic as possible.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Forza Motorsport 2 is the fan community. Players can sell their cars to others online. The customization features allow for the opportunity to create visually amazing cars. Even the decals are highly detailed. There are literally millions of decal and paint options, giving gamers the chance to be creative. They can show off their creativity by taking in-game screen captures of their cars and bringing the images to Xbox Live.

Online tournaments are held all the time, which gives players a chance to compete with each another. In-game credits can be earned through online competing. Top gamers from all around the world compete with one another regularly online, making the Forza Motorsport 2 community one of the most exciting as far as interactive gaming communities go. Those who prefer racing solo can complete other objectives and quests online in order to advance their in-game careers.

In summary, Forza Motorsport 2 is an amazing game with unparalleled features and visuals, so many in fact that players never have to worry about getting bored. The only thing better than this realistic, racing simulation game is actual, real life racing!