5 Star Racing

Released in 2003, long after the PlayStation 2 had already taken over the market, 5 Star Racing is a budget-tier title that stands as one of the very last racing games released for the original PSX. Developed by SG Diffusion (sometimes credited as Kung Fu Games) and published by Phoenix Games, it is a straightforward arcade racer that prioritizes accessibility over complex simulation. The game is essentially a compilation of five distinct racing styles—ranging from street tuners and classic muscle cars to off-road rally vehicles—all bundled into one low-cost package. While it doesn't boast the technical polish of Gran Turismo or Ridge Racer, its late-era release and diverse vehicle types make it a curious piece of "swan song" software for the platform.