It's the purest form of competition. It's something we've done our entire lives without rules or a need for explanation – an act so simple, even archaic, yet infinitely complex and beautiful, and thrilling from first gear to last lap. To race is to be human. And as humanity has changed, so have our races. These days, instead of strapping-in for a death-defying contest, the races that have brought us the most excitement and the greatest satisfaction are the ones that required buckling up in front of the television or in an arcade, pushing the limits of speed in the virtual realm. Racing video games have been mainstays of the personal gaming console era, but there are some more-legendary titles that have achieved a permanent place in our collective consciousness. These are the games that, no matter when you were born, you've found yourself playing at some point in time – some of which you'll always want to play. Here's a look back on the 10 racing games that have kept our feet firmly on the accelerator over the past quarter-century.

There you have it: 25-years-worth of racing greatness, covered in the blink of an eye. But soon, a new chapter will demand writing, because on the very near horizon is a racing experience that will change the way we talk about gaming history. It's just be a matter of days now. Soon, though, you'll understand.You'll understand what it's like to hear the excited whine of the world's finest engines, what it's like to feel your traction slipping from beneath you because the track is wet and you'll understand what it's like to know every bump and curve along the some of the world's finest race venues the same way you know the back of your hand.By the numbers, here's what the future looks like:1080p graphics at 60 frames per second. 460 of the world's most exciting cars, all with working cockpits. A 70-hour career mode set within 26 world-famous environments. Over 44 gigabytes of automotive fantasy ten years in the making.Forza Motorsport 6 is coming. And fast. For more information, and to pre-order your copy today, visit: http://www.forzamotorsport.net/en-US/games/fm6.