Board Game Arena

I'm aware of Heat, Rallyman GT, Downforce, and the new Formula D, and I've played the first two. There are probably others I don't know of. It doesn't necessarily have to be car racing, but I'm not talking about everything under the "Race" filter for Mechanism on the Games tab. They include Chinese Checkers under that filter.

Which ones do you prefer and why? Between Heat and Rallyman GT I prefer Rallyman GT, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I guess I'm not always in the mood for the hand management aspect of Heat while others really like that part.

Meeplelowda wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 01:48 I'm not talking about everything under the "Race" filter for Mechanism on the Games tab. They include Chinese Checkers under that filter.

I understand the BGA definition of a race game as this: The first one to reach a specific goal wins the game. Following this definition, Chinese Checkers fits in that category.

Since you don't agree: What would your definition of a race game be then?

cigma wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 15:15
Since you don't agree: What would your definition of a race game be then?

I assume they are interested in racing themed games

Rune__b wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 15:22

cigma wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 15:15
Since you don't agree: What would your definition of a race game be then?

I assume they are interested in racing themed games

Yes, this would be a good way to put it.

Meeplelowda wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 17:42

Rune__b wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 15:22 I assume they are interested in racing themed games

Yes, this would be a good way to put it.

Like racing to the moon? (looking at your avatar)
Sorry, I am not very familiar with racing themed games, so I guess I can't help you.

Meeplelowda wrote: ↑02 January 2026, 01:48 I'm aware of Heat, Rallyman GT, Downforce, and the new Formula D, and I've played the first two. There are probably others I don't know of. It doesn't necessarily have to be car racing, but I'm not talking about everything under the "Race" filter for Mechanism on the Games tab. They include Chinese Checkers under that filter.

Which ones do you prefer and why? Between Heat and Rallyman GT I prefer Rallyman GT, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I guess I'm not always in the mood for the hand management aspect of Heat while others really like that part.

I'm not a fan of deck-building in general, so that's my problem with Heat. And you have no control over how your car maneuvers. Kind of feels like the board is just a glorified scoring track.

Downforce is good - Wolfgang Kramer game - but you could argue it's primarily a betting game. Certainly not a racing sim. A lot of horse racing games do that.

Formula D seems like it would be a lot better at the table for real with more hootin' and hollerin' at every dice roll.

BTW: filter by 'Theme: Sport' as well and you'll get something more like you want. There aren't many.

Strode wrote: ↑03 January 2026, 17:39 BTW: filter by 'Theme: Sport' as well and you'll get something more like you want. There aren't many.

Thanks for the tip.

While I am not sure about best, there is a bicycle racing game called mind cycling.