Need for Speed: Most Wanted

GTA wishes it could be as fun and insane to mess with the cops as this game.

Need for Speed games have always been amazing and at their strongest when they have a distinct attitude and personality, and this game is easily the most bold and distinct the series ever got. Nothing compares to this game's soundtrack, car roster, artstyle, UI, presentation and cop chases. I still have such a thrilling and exhilerating time revisiting this game no matter the system because of those cop chases, I'm still desperately holding out for another game to come along with the goal of taking what Most Wanted did and perfecting it. When that game comes along I will be the first one there, but until then I'll keep holding out and praying it happens at all.

I get that the car customisation isn't even on the same level as Underground 1 or 2, and that the racing is kinda stale at times, and the early game doesn't feel the best because of the underpowered cars, but this game was so massively influential on my tastes as a kid and I am better for it.

One of the best driving/racing games ever made.