There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been more significant. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to the best sports games of all time. From casual sports titles to those that crank the intensity to extreme levels, you have a lot of fun to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them!
Wii Sports Resort
Wii Sports Resort is a fantastic casual sports title that offers players a unique experience. With its intuitive motion controls and diverse range of activities, it provides gameplay that can be enjoyed by all age ranges.
The game’s controls provide players with a more immersive experience compared to other games in the genre. With the Wii Remote and Nunchuk accessory, you’ll feel like you’re actually getting involved in the action. Whether you’re swinging a golf club or thrusting your swords, the game accurately replicates the player’s movement. Moreover, many of the activities incorporated in the game allow for cooperative play like basketball and table tennis.
In addition to having more activities than its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort provides fans with the definitive Wii Sports experience.
NFL Street (Series)
Developed by EA Sports, the NFL Street series brings an exciting twist to American football. With its arcade-style gameplay, over-the-top moves, and glorious football experience, NFL Street will entice players to play through its content for long periods. That said, the game’s emphasis on flashy and exaggerated gameplay makes it a hit for many sports fanatics.
Unlike traditional football video games, NFL Street focuses on fast-paced, high-scoring games with exaggerated moves and abilities. Players can perform jaw-dropping stunts like flips and tackles to send opponents flying. The game’s arcade-style mechanics gives players a more relaxed and casual experience.
On top of having gorgeous urban locales and unique mechanics like “Gamebreaker,” NFL Street is a fantastic American Football game that’ll please you.
SSX Tricky
SSX Tricky is a fun snowboarding game with adrenaline-pumping gameplay, colorful characters, and innovative tricks. In it, players navigate through elaborate and fantastic courses, performing gravity-defying tricks and jumps. The game’s tight controls and responsive mechanics make it easy to pick up and play. However, the game provides some challenging tricks to master too.
Furthermore, SSX Tricky has a memorable line-up of characters. From the confident Max Fraser to the unpredictable Elise Riggs, players can select a character that suits their playstyle to enjoy the game from a different perspective.
In addition to having a fabulous “Tricky” system that gives players chances to perform special tricks, SSX Tricky is a fabulous snowboarding game worth playing.
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain
WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain is a fantastic wrestling-themed sports game that won many awards upon its release. Many praised this title for its great visuals, variety of modes, and excellent character customization features. Furthermore, the game has an excellent grappling system that made attacking wrestlers feel genuine and invigorating.
The game introduced other aspects like body damage displays, submission meters, and other key aspects to feel more advanced than its predecessor, WWE Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth. As one can expect the game included many iconic wrestlers of the era like Stone Cold Steve Austin and legends like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper to its roster.
On top of having fabulous match types like the Elimination Chamber thrown in the mix, WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain deserves its spot on this list.
NBA Street Vol. 2
NBA Street Vol. 2 is a fun sports title with an entertaining take on basketball. It’s a game that reeks style and creativity and allows players to perform jaw-dropping dunks, mesmerizing dribble moves, and mind-boggling alley-oops that defy the laws of physics. By performing moves successfully, players earn style points, which will fuel their drive to improve in the game.
Furthermore, the game has an immersive atmosphere. The game captures the essence of playground basketball, with vibrant urban environments, energetic soundtracks, and colorful streetball legends as playable characters. This game also provides players with modes involving tournaments, single-player campaigns, and head-to-head multiplayer battles.
With all that in mind, you’re in for a swell time with this one.
Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!
Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out! is a classic NES game. This game has you assume the role of Little Mac, a young boxer from the Bronx who must fight his way through numerous boxers to become the best. Many adore this boxing game for its focus on strategic gameplay. Unlike other titles, Punch-Out focuses heavily on timing, pattern recognition, and counter-punching.
Each opponent has a unique set of tactics and vulnerabilities. It’s up to you to carefully observe and exploit these patterns to win. This strategic element adds depth and longevity to the gameplay, enduring that each replay feels fresh and invigorating. Moreover, Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out excels in its character design and presentation. From Little Max to the dimwitted King Hippo, you’ll have a slew of characters to grow attached to in this game.
If you like sports games with a splendid difficulty curve and excellent cast, check this one out.
NBA 2K11
NBA 2K11 is a wonderful basketball game known for its realistic gameplay mechanics, sharp visuals, and innovative features. The game replicates the physicality and intricacies of basketball, offering players an immersive experience. Players can utilize signature moves and techniques displayed by real-life NBA stars to further enhance their immersion in the title.
From Michael Jordan’s iconic fadeaway jumper technique to Kobe Bryant’s lethal footwork, everything feels faithfully recreated here. Additionally, the game’s presentation sets it apart from others like it. From the pre-game introductions to the dynamic camera angles, every detail is well-crafted and players will find themselves immersed by its atmosphere.
On top of having fabulous game modes and a nice narrative, NBA 2K11 is a basketball game worth revisiting.
ESPN NFL 2K5
ESPN NFL 2K5 is widely regarded as one of the landmarks in football gaming. With its unparalleled attention to detail, deep gameplay, and engaging game modes, it stands as a shining example of what a sports game should be. For example, this game’s realistic imagery and fabulous attention to detail shouldn’t be overlooked. From the player animations to the realistic AI behaviors, every aspect of this game feels authentic.
For example, the game introduces the innovative “First Person Football” camera angle, which puts players directly into the helmet of their chosen athlete. This allows players to experience each game from their character’s viewpoint. Furthermore, the game includes realistic depictions of known commentators, adding more value to the title.
On top of having robust game modes and scenarios that’d take place on an actual field, ESPN NFL 2K5 is a fabulous sports game that’s worth picking up.
Madden NFL 2005
Madden NFL 2005 is one of the best entries in the long-running Madden NFL series. This football simulation game brings the sport to life with its realistic gameplay mechanics, fun game modes, and innovative features. The game features precise controls, realistic player animations, and strategic gameplay mechanics that replicate the sport’s complexities.
For instance, its implementation of the “hit stick” feature allows players to deliver bone-crushing tackles. This adds a layer of excitement and realism to the gameplay, allowing players to feel what it’s like to be in their avatar’s shoes. Furthermore, the game’s franchise and robust online multiplayer mode keep players glued to their screens.
From drafting and signing players to competing in intense head-to-head matches with others, Madden NFL 2005 had all it needed to be a great sports game in many gamers’ eyes.
NBA Jam
NBA Jam is a legendary sports game that’s stood the test of time. This arcade basketball game is known for its fast-paced, over-the-top gameplay, and addictive multiplayer experience. The game simplifies the rules of basketball and only allows players to compete with players per team.
What it loses in team management it makes up for with easy-to-pick-up controls. Many fans will adore relying on a few buttons to dunk, shoot, and pass the ball. The game’s iconic “on fire” feature, added more exciting elements to the gameplay. This allows players to become invincible and have unlimited turbo if they pull off a successful string of shots.
Furthermore, the game’s multiplayer was phenomenal thanks to the game’s insane speed leading to unpredictable outcomes too. On top of having a pleasing visual style and witty catchphrases, NBA Jam delivers a solid arcade-style basketball experience.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best sports video games through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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