With intense action and an inherent sense of competition, sports make a near-perfect genre for gaming. As a result, sports games reportedly produce around $12 billion in revenue annually. This year has been a memorable year for sports games and we have seen many stunning titles released over the past twelve months. To that end, here is our list of must-play sports games from 2022.
Top Must-Play Sports Games From 2022
WWE 2K22
WWE 2K as a franchise went on a hiatus as a string of lackluster releases resulted in a purely disastrous launch and reception of WWE 2K20. However, the franchise returned this year with WWE 2K22. The return brought new presentation in both graphics and audio as well as enhanced gameplay. While many features were left out to much dismay, a lot of what is in the game was worth the asking price. Many reviews had varying opinions of the game, but the general consensus agrees the franchise is headed in the right direction, with many long-time fans looking forward to WWE 2K23.
Madden NFL 23
Named for the legendary coach and broadcaster, Madden NFL is a true representation of the thrills and drama of American football. The element of realism has maintained the popularity of a title that was first released in 1988 as John Madden Football. The release of Madden 23 continues with one of the game’s most popular features. The fantasy option allows football fans to build their ultimate dream team and who wouldn’t want to be in charge? The rating system also helps to keep it real. It’s similar to that used in sports betting where the underdogs are separated from the favorites. Shocks are rare as a result and gameplay remain faithful to the NFL.
FIFA 23
Anyone with a love of soccer games should start in one obvious place. FIFA 23 was the latest release in a franchise that dates back to the 1990s and it’s the best in its sport. Like all classic video games, the key to its success lies in realistic gameplay. Graphics are spot on to the point where a casual viewer might be fooled into thinking that they are watching a real-life soccer match. Selection and tactics are important while the thrills and drama are all here. FIFA 23 sold eight million copies in its first month and the popularity of the game continues to build under EA Sports. However, FIFA 23 marks the last of the FIFA games under the EA banner, with the company’s next game going by EA Sports FC.
Cursed to Golf
It’s rare for a video game to break through and offer something different. Cursed to Golf was first released this year and it’s based on an unlikely plot. A golfer is struck by lightning and meets a ghost known as the Scotsman. The character is now in golf purgatory and is playing for survival. If they successfully complete an 18-hole course, they are resurrected. If they take too many shots, they die again. The cartoon characters and the implausible storylines won’t suit everyone but Cursed to Golf has proved to be a hit. Early sales are positive and it’s a popular pick among those who want a more lighthearted title.
Cricket 2022
The wider appeal of cricket continues to grow with franchise leagues starting to appear all over the world. In 2023, Major League Cricket hits the United States and huge overseas investment means that the organizers are determined for it to succeed. As they wait for MLC, gamers can get acquainted with the rules via a host of cricket-themed titles. Popular opinion suggests that Cricket 2022 is the best of this year’s releases. It’s the latest in a franchise and it focuses on the Ashes, the oldest international competition in the sport.
It’s more cerebral than most sports titles. For those who want a little more fun, Big Bash Boom is recommended. It’s based on Australia’s faster, 20 over competition and comes packed with features. Reviews focus on those fun elements which include outrageous headgear, while players can even bowl a potato as opposed to a cricket ball.
MLB The Show 2022
In a first for the franchise, MLB The Show 22 is now available on the Nintendo Switch. That’s undoubtedly helped sales to rocket for one of the most realistic baseball games of all time. That gameplay remains the key to its success and the tweaks for the 2022 edition are minimal. New in-game commentators arrive in the shape of Chris Singleton and Jon Sciambi while a new, multi-season feature is the biggest change. MLB The Show 2022, has helped to make this the best year ever for sports games.
There’s been a wide and diverse set of titles, and gamers cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store.
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I haven’t played a MLB game in a long time, but “MLB The Show 22” looks fantastic. These kinds of games have come a long way since I was a kid in the 90s, playing with the NES.