Best Sports Games
Who doesn’t love playing sports-themed video games? OK, maybe non-sports fans won’t, but they don’t know what they are missing.
Many of the most successful sports game series have been around for over two decades, highlighting their enduring popularity with gamers worldwide.
Some have crossed seamlessly into eSports, helping to create one of the most lucrative emerging industries on the planet. Let’s look at some of the best sports games you can play.
Madden NFL
If you love gaming and are an American Football fan, you will likely own at least one copy of the wonderfully immersive Madden series.
Initially released for the Apple II in June 1988, the game has since evolved into one of the most successful recurring sports titles in the industry.
NFL 22 was a triumph for developers EA Sports, with an enhanced Franchise mode adding much more depth to the iconic gridiron game.
This will be upgraded again for NFL 23, with players able to manage staff, undertake weekly game-planning, scout players and more.
FIFA
No sports-themed video game series has sold more copies worldwide than FIFA, with sales of more than 330 million units highlighting its enduring popularity.
First launched in the 1990s, FIFA has seen off the challenge from games such as Pro Evolution Soccer to become the go-to game for fans of the sport.
FIFA’s authenticity is what makes it so popular, with the gameplay and features closely mimicking the real-life version of soccer.
The annual September release of FIFA still causes huge excitement amongst gamers and should continue to do so for many years to come.
FIFA Street 2
We stick with the FIFA series for our next offering but head back in time with the brilliant FIFA Street.
When the first edition of the game was released in 2005 it was a little bit ‘style over substance’, with the gameplay promising much but ultimately proving to be a little underwhelming.
EA Sports rectified matters with FIFA Street 2, providing players with intuitive gaming based on the panache of street football.
The Rule the Street mode offers plenty of longevity and probably still outstrips the Volta Mode that is featured in the latest editions of FIFA.
NBA 2K
Our fourth recommendation takes us back to North America and an encounter with the giant superstars who strut their stuff in the NBA.
Developed by Visual Concepts, the online version of the game is often criticised as too many players use unscrupulous methods to beat their opponents.
Playing offline more than makes up for this, ensuring that NBA 2K remains ahead of the competition in the basketball video game category.
You can even pitch some of the greatest teams in history against modern-day greats. Michael Jordan versus LeBron James – what’s not to like?
Super Mega Baseball
While not enjoying the same level of global success as some of the previous titles we have mentioned, Super Mega Baseball is a fun series to play.
Super Mega Baseball 3 refines the formula slightly by adding more simulation elements into the mix but still retains its arcade-style feel.
Players can enjoy comprehensive online and offline play, including Franchise mode and the newly added Online Leagues mode, and vastly improved graphics.
With 14 richly detailed ballparks, each featuring unique day, night and alternate lighting conditions, Super Mega Baseball 3 will keep you occupied for ages.
F1 Manager 2022
F1 Manager 2022 is not due to be released until August 2022, but we have seen demo versions of the game and it looks superb.
You can become the boss of your chosen constructor such as Mercedes and Ferrari, and pick from a roster of 2022 drivers and staff.
Guide your team to glory throughout the official 2022 races by beginning your journey at the back of the grid or taking your place in pole position.
F1 Manager 2022 allows you to manage every element of your team. Think you can do a better job than Christian Horner? Now’s your chance.
Grid
We remain with motorsports for our next suggestion, and you may be surprised to find that it isn’t the Gran Turismo series.
Sure, the GT series looks realistic, but it often feels a little too nerdy to be classified as a genuine high-octane racing game.
By contrast, each game in the Grid series delivers authentic racing thrills that its rivals can only dream about.
The fifth instalment of the series – Grid Legends – is arguably the pick of the bunch and demonstrates that developers Codemasters are still the kings of the track.
Football Manager
When brothers Paul and Oliver Collyer conceived the first Championship Manager game in 1992, they could not have envisaged where it would end up.
Rebranded as Football Manager after they split with the developers in 2003, the series has since become a global phenomenon.
In terms of sports management simulations, there is no more accurate game on the market than Football Manager.
Whether you want to manage a little club and take them to the top or take charge of one of the big guns, the FM series has the power to keep you engaged like no other.
Forza Motorsport
The eighth entry in this fantastic racing series is currently in development at Turn 10 Studios and will fully demonstrate what the Xbox Series X console can do.
Forza Motorsport is scheduled to arrive in spring 2023 and will be a massive generational leap over previous editions of the game.
The game engine will refresh at 360 cycles per second (360Hz), representing a 48x fidelity jump for a single tyre collision.
Fully utilising ray-tracing and new dynamic time features, Forza Motorsport promises to be the most realistic racing game ever released.
