Whether you’re a serious car aficionado or simply want a temporary escape from today’s troubling headlines, racing games can serve as a highly gratifying virtual getaway.

Regardless of your skill level and desired platform, today’s racers amp up the immersion with near photorealistic graphics and sound effects, optional accessories to grip the action, and multiplayer maps to vie for the finish line with or against friends online.

From lighthearted arcade racers to detailed simulations, here are a few good driving games that let you (safely) live out your driving fantasies.

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Gran Turismo 7 ($59 for PS4; $69 for PS5)

Not including the 2017 offshoot (Gran Turismo Sport), PlayStation gamers have been waiting for this long-awaited sequel for nine years.

Developed by Japan’s Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, "Gran Turismo 7" once again lets you engage in white-knuckle races across several of the world’s most respected racing tracks – from Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in Brazil to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County, California. (and several fictitious courses, too).

Climb into more than 420 authentically recreated supercars, each with unique handling, with several modes including GT Campaign, Arcade and Driving School, or the deeper GT Simulation Mode, which lets you buy, tune, race and sell your way through a rewarding single-player campaign (as you unlock new cars and challenges).

The multiplayer GT Sport Mode (PS+ account required) challenges you to take on other human opponents from around the world.

With support for 4K resolution and 60 frames per second smoothness, the PS5 version offers better graphics and faster frame rates over the PS4, along with amazing haptics on the DualSense controllers that add more immersion and realism.

Forza Horizon 5 ($59; for Xbox One/Series X/S, Windows PC)