Racing games usually make you think of Formula 1, NASCAR, or street racing. But there’s a strange underworld of racing games that breaks all the rules.
Ever wanted to race as a vacuum cleaner? How about a coffin on wheels? These games exist. And they’re glorious.
Let’s dive into the bizarre world of racing games that time forgot.
What Makes a Racing Game “Weird”?
It’s not just unusual vehicles. Weird racing games often feature:
- Bizarre concepts that make you ask “how did anyone approve this?”
- Strange physics that defy reality
- Unexpected gameplay mechanics
- Visual styles that range from trippy to nightmare-inducing
- Stories that make absolutely no sense
These games aren’t technical showcases. They’re passion projects. Beautiful, strange passion projects.
#5: Motor Rock
Release Date: 2013
Platform: PC
Gameplay Features
Motor Rock looks like a standard motorcycle racing game at first glance. You drive a bike. You race against opponents. Normal stuff.
Then the giant robot attacks appear.
While racing, you suddenly have to dodge massive metal monsters trying to crush you. The game shifts from racing to survival without warning.
The track designs make no logical sense. One moment you’re on a desert highway, and the next you’re riding through what appears to be someone’s digestive system.
Controls feel like you’re driving on ice while wearing oven mitts. This isn’t a bug. It’s a feature.
Why It’s Weird
Motor Rock was so “inspired” by Rock n’ Roll Racing that it was removed from Steam shortly after release due to copyright concerns.
But the developers didn’t just copy that classic. They added their own bizarre twists, like:
- Nightmare fuel boss battles mid-race
- Tracks that physically transform as you race
- A soundtrack that sounds like metal bands performing underwater
- Cut scenes that tell a story about motorcycle-riding resistance fighters battling alien robots
It’s like someone described Rock n’ Roll Racing to an AI that was having a fever dream.
