Forza Horizon 6 Has Competition for 2026’s Best Racing Game in This 1995 Reboot

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Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios have announced that Forza Motorsport 6 will be released this year, featuring racing locations in Japan. While fans are thrilled about this latest installment – and the fact it’s also coming to PlayStation 5 – I’m even more excited about a different racing game. This other title deserves attention because it has the potential to be the best racing game of the year.

The original Screamer game launched on October 31, 1995, and was a huge hit, with many considering it one of the greatest racing games ever made. That’s why the upcoming revival in 2026 is generating so much excitement. This new version of Screamer is being created and released by Milstone S.r.l., the team known for the Ride and MotoGP games. Given Milstone’s history, fans of the original and racing fans in general have a promising arcade racer to anticipate.

Screamer Is Back and Gunning for First Place

It’s been over three decades since the original Screamer game was released, and it’s still remembered fondly. The first game was known for its fast pace, arcade-style controls, and impressive graphics for its time. Despite its strengths, it never became a huge hit, and its sequels didn’t achieve widespread popularity. However, the upcoming 2026 reboot aims to change that. The developer, Milestone S.r.l., is taking some bold chances, and based on what we’ve seen, I believe Screamer will be a major talking point within the racing game community.

This new version of the racing game brings back the classic, fast-paced arcade action of the original, appealing to longtime fans. However, it also feels fresh thanks to some major updates, most notably a vibrant anime art style that’s woven into the game’s story. Players can pick from different racing teams, each with their own motivations, and your choice of team actually impacts how you play the game.

Every racer has their own special abilities, and these work with the ‘Echo’ system, letting players choose to race aggressively or defensively. Echo lets you use boosts, attacks, and shields to pass opponents and leave them behind. The racing is incredibly fast and exciting, perfect for fans who love high-energy action. However, Screamer offers more than just a cool 90s anime style and story.

Arcade Racing Has Never Looked So Good

I really appreciate the anime-inspired visuals in Screamer, both in its cutscenes and character designs, and how well they complement the fast-paced gameplay. It looks amazing and offers a refreshing style compared to the often exaggerated or realistic graphics found in most racing games. I’m especially excited to play through the story mode, which seems to be a core part of the experience – something many racing games either lack or don’t fully develop. However, the developers haven’t forgotten about multiplayer fans either.

Arcade mode has lots of different ways to play, whether you’re online or offline. You can play Race mode by yourself, offline, and adjust the game settings to your liking. Team Race lets you compete with a group – either a pair or a trio – against other teams. The team’s score is based on how well all the players do, so working together is key.

Score Challenge captures the excitement of classic arcade racing games. You’ll compete in races, complete challenges, and battle bosses, all while striving for the highest score and leaderboard dominance. There’s also Overdrive Challenge, focused on maintaining a boosted state for as long as possible, and Checkpoints, which tests your speed and precision against the clock. Plus, you can race against others online or enjoy local 4-player split-screen action.

Screamer offers a game mode for all types of racing fans, and there’s potential for even more content to be added in the future. What really stands out is the option to race offline with friends – a feature that’s rare these days. With so much content and variety, Screamer definitely deserves the attention of racing game enthusiasts.

Screamer Knows Exactly What It Is Doing

What I find most exciting about Screamer is Milestone’s clear creative vision. The developers really understand who they’re making this game for. Instead of simply following what’s popular, Screamer boldly embraces classic, arcade-style racing. This is evident in everything from the diverse game modes to the wild character designs and visuals. While Forza Motorsport 6 looks fantastic, I’m drawn to the risks Screamer is taking. Turn 10 Studios has clearly delivered a polished racing game, but it feels a bit too cautious.

What makes Screamer stand out is its goal to offer a fun, replayable experience without becoming a ‘live service’ game that constantly demands more time and effort. It’s designed for players who want to quickly jump in, compete, and feel good about their driving skills, rather than being stuck in endless grinding. Personally, it captures the feeling of classic racing games that I really enjoyed.

I’m a big fan of racing games that are fast-paced, competitive, and give you a thrill when you successfully pass another racer at high speed. Seeing gameplay of Screamer reminded me of that feeling. It’s clear the developers are passionate about racing and know what makes the genre enjoyable. With Forza Horizon 6 already planned for 2026 and supported by a major gaming company, you might think the market is full. However, Screamer shows there’s still space for new and exciting racers.

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2026-01-27 00:42