Mario Kart Wii (Wii)

Judging by European sales of Mario Kart Wii in 2008, there are probably only around three people on the continent that haven't played Mario Kart Wii (and shame on you). To those three - you're missing out on something brilliant.
We've waxed lyrical a thousand times before (check our review!) but this is THE essential Mario Kart. Featuring all of our favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters alongside a veritable legion of newcomers, Mario kart Wii also houses some of the best courses seen in any racer. Past and present courses are all great fun and when you take Mario and chums online, the title comes alive all over again. Who can say no to epic battles and downloadable contests? And a free plastic wheel!

Wave Race 64 & Wave Race: Blue Storm (Virtual Console and GameCube Titles)

We know, one of these is housed on the Virtual Console and the other is a GameCube title, but if you haven't played either of then you're doing yourself a huge disservice. Both offer water effects so real that you'll be hard-pressed to find better alternatives. Yet the real deal breaker? The way in which the water affects the way you play.
Races are rarely the same - huge waves, calm lakes and choppy docks are all here with pulsing swells and environmental hazards aplenty. As the tide goes out you'll have to change your racing line or when a huge swell comes over a port to side-swipe you you'll have to accommodate with the tightest twitch of the controller. These changing water conditions coupled with beautiful graphics and the wonderfully tuned controls make both Wave Race 64 and Wave Race: Blue Storm gorgeous titles with literally no competition.

Excite Truck (Wii)

Remember when Wii was just a 'new' console and not the huge phenomenon it is now? Well Excite Truck came out then. Launching alongside classic titles like Twilight Princess and Wii Sports, the title was largely ignored. But for those who spent any amount of time with it, they knew how good it really was. Excite Truck does what it says on the box. It launches trucks about like no other title and therein the excitement really does lie!
The motion controlled steering worked brilliantly for a launch title and the graphics were a step up from a Gamecube title. Even better, the title let you play music from an SD card - something even today many titles lack the ability to do on Wii. Regardless, Excite Truck's brilliant graphics, perfectly judged learning curve and difficulty level alongside its mixture of eclectic tracks make it a standout racing title on Wii.

1080 and 1080: Avalanche (Virtual Console and GameCube Titles)

Back in 1998, 1080 was amazing. More amazing? It still holds up well today. Available on the Virtual Console, 1080 is a brilliant title that all racing fanatics should get their teeth into. With a learning curve which is pretty steep, the title certainly separated the men from the boys from the off. But the wonderful physics, realistic snow effects and hardcore racing element saw all those who played it fall in love.
1080 Avalanche, the GameCube sequel, can be found quite cheaply too. Although not as good as the original, the title still plays well and that steep learning curve is gone. Worth mentioning is its rocking soundtrack, plus its huge mountains and brilliant weather effects. 1080 Avalanche is an extreme snow boarding title which still stands up today. And yes, the avalanche moments are still adrenaline fuelled!

SSX3 (GameCube Title)

Although SSX Blur is a Wii title we couldn't stop thinking how much fun we had with the superior SSX 3 on the GameCube. Sporting more courses, more songs and literally more of everything, SSX3 was brilliant. The title had a superb tricks system which made all kinds of gameplay modes possible (and fun) and the graphics were some of the best on the ol' Cube. SSX 3 was the first title to wholly challenge 1080 (which was some feat at the time) and you can play it now (for cheap!) on your Wii. Hunt it down, you won't regret it.

And an honourable mention for the Wii Balance Board racers...

There was something refreshing about playing Wii Fit's Ski mode for the first time. Our sentiments were echoed when playing Family Ski and awesome Shaun White. Here's hoping developers don't forget about the Balance Board's potential in 2009!

Experienced a classic racer we've missed or just enjoyed the same titles? Let us know your via the comments section below!