When Distance released in 2018 it felt like a big deal. It's a grimy sci-fi arcade racer blending the nightmarish vibes of Thumper with the cheerful w69 time-attack moreishness of Trackmania. It's both zen-like and quietly disturbing. It's blisteringly fast, but it has a strange tranquilizing effect. I adore it, and I don't know why people don't talk about it more often.
In addition to a long campaign that manages to blend psychedelic set pieces with precision-oriented racing, there's dozens of arcade tracks ranging from seamless high-speed sprints through to elaborate freeform trick arenas. It also has Steam Workshop support, so there are thousands of user-made tracks to download and play. Not all of them are Mario Kart remakes and vaporwave tributes either (don't worry: there are a lot of those if you want 'em). There's online and splitscreen multiplayer too, though after years of playing Distance I've never touched either.
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1. Best overall:
Xbox Wireless Controller
2. Best budget:
GameSir Nova Lite
3. Best premium:
Xbox Elite Series 2
4. Best customizable:
Scuf Instinct Pro
5. Best haptics:
Sony DualSense
6. Best Hall effect:
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro