I really love TM’s puzzle-as-a-time-attack-race system, as someone who played since 2004. A big problem with TM is the DRM. StarForce for the older versions. And it’s always online DRM for the latest Trackmania due to Ubisoft’s “live service” system. (There’s even a premium subscription fee if you want to customise your car fully, thumbs down)
Even the first TrackMania Nations (2006) has StarForce which refused to work with Windows 8.
I had a lot of fun memories with the bright color scheme for Burnout 3: Takedown. Plus the controls felt great, and weren’t compromised simply because I upgraded to a faster car.
Wreckfest (2018) is my most favorite recent game. It had a combination arcade and simulation feel, because the controls were simple and the graphics and driving experience felt exactly like driving an authentically frustratingly rusty old car ready to get crumpled again.