Sports games haven’t ever received the credit they deserve. Since the dawn of gaming there have been some incredible sports based games that many have love and played for years after release.
Some of the best titles in gaming are sports games, and this list will go through some of the most fun and memorable sports games that we had the pleasure of playing – and that you should play if you haven’t already.
Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out
Punch-Out is not only a classic sports game, but a classic video game in general. Released all the way back in 1987, you take control of an unknown boxer named Little Mac, as he fights his way through the ranks to become champion.
You take on a number of fictional opponents, before facing Iron Mike, the man you need to beat for the title. The game is simple, hard to master, and the end boss fight is one of the most famous in gaming.
SSX Tricky
Released back in 2001, SSX Tricky was the first detailed extreme sports game of sorts. You can take control of any one of a number of snowboarders, with the point being to score points in one of the four modes.
There is a ‘freeride mode’ for you to do what you want, ‘practice mode’, ‘single-event mode’ where you can also play against a friend, and the World Circuit, which is basically the ‘story mode’.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater
Released in 1999 for the Playstation 1, Pro Skater is still regarded as one of the best skating games – and the game that that developers, even to this day, use as a blueprint when creating their own skating games.
You take control of a skater in third-person and skate in competitions to score points. There are multiple maps, many things to collect and unlock, and new tricks to learn. There is a ‘career mode’ and a ‘multiplayer mode’ if you can hook up another controller.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2
The graphics and movement was improved, there was more to unlock, more stages, and more to do. It is also still the highest rated video game ever made – being rated with 9s and high 90s across most rating systems. It is arguably the pinnacle of skating games.
FIFA Street
FIFA Street, released in 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, was a reboot of the FIFA Street franchise. FIFA is already the most popular football franchise on the planet, and Street really added another level to the fun.
The game had realistic graphics, had a lot of focus on movement and tricks, and allowed players to enjoy modes such as 1-on-1, 5-on-5, 6-on-6, and other game modes based on panna and futsal. You could do incredible tricks and there were many cool ways to score goals. It was typical FIFA, but a far more acrobatic and skill-based version.
NFL Blitz
While the Madden series has been fairly popular for a few years now, back in the day, NFL Blitz was the go-to American football game. There were seven players on the field, player roles were flexible, there was no such thing as pass interference or late tackles, and there was non-stop action from start to finish.
Blitz took all the rules of American football and either threw them out the window, or adjusted them to ensure constant action and chaos, it was seriously the supercharged version of football – and it was incredible.
WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain
Wrestling games haven’t been great to say the least, but rewind to 2003 and you will find the gem that is Here Comes the Pain. It featured a more advanced grappling system, body damage meters, legends of the wrestling world and tons of match types for you to choose from.
There was a ‘career mode’ that you could do with any of the wrestlers, there were multiple storylines, and you could also choose dialogue and action options that would change what happens. It is ranked by many as the best wrestling game ever, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Tecmo Super Bowl
Released in 1991, Tecmo Super Bowl was an American football game that introduced players to the full 1991 NFL season, including the Super Bowl, of course, and the postseason Pro Bowl.
It was an arcade style football game that put players in control of their favorite teams and players of the time, and as a game, it probably paved the way for the likes of the Madden series. It is very detailed and has a lot of depth, especially for a game of that time.
These are only a few of the most memorable sports games ever made, but they are definitely some of the best. If you haven’t already, give them a try. Find a copy, and sit back and see why some of these games are still regarded as the best ever!