These days, the line between computer gaming and real-life gaming is becoming more and more blurred all the time. As games get more realistic, and the skills on screen get closer and closer to the skills needed on the pitch or the court, sports gaming is becoming a sport in its own right. The Fortnite World Cup filled the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows with as many fans as the US Open tennis tournament. In basketball, many of the major teams have their own gaming teams competing in the virtual version of the game, the NBA2K League.
At the same time, for many people, live sports have become more like a computer game as they analyse the action and predict the outcomes using a sports betting app, making every goal, run or point feel like they’ve scored it themselves.
So, what are the top sports games to play, and where should you be spending your practice hours if you want to make it to the big-time? Here’s our top ten sports games available to play today:
NBA2K
The latest incarnation, NBA2K21 delivers a host of new improvements making the gameplay even smoother and more responsive. This realistic basketball game not only closely mimics the action on the court, but also follows the careers and lives of the players away from the game.
Madden NFL
The most popular of all the American football games with 130million copies sold since its rookie year in 1990. The game allows you to play all 32 of the NFL teams, as well as compiling your own ‘dream team’ from past and present superstars.
FIFA
Updated every year, FIFA is the biggest selling sports video game of all time, with over a 250million copies sold. With tie-ins to almost every major club on the planet (with the notable exception of Roma and Juventus) FIFA21 may be the best version yet, almost indistinguishable from live soccer action.
Gran Turisimo
The ultimate driving game, Gran Turisimo features amazing races with authentic cars backed by major manufacturers, fighting it out on tracks and rally circuits across the globe. PlayStation’s biggest seller, it has clocked up 80 million in sales since its launch in 1997.
PGA Tour
The biggest golf game of them all, the PGA Tour has been quiet for a few years but is teeing off with a new version, PGA Tour 2K21, which will update the courses and players to win over a whole new generation of players.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skate
A fond memory for many who whiled away their teen years in their mom’s basement, the Tony Hawk’s games may have been updated with the latest graphics technology, but they still have all the cheesy charm of the original skateboarding action and is one of those classic games still worth playing.
F1 2021
This is the official video game of the FIA Formula One series and it really shows. All the drivers and all the famous circuits are here as they fight for pole position, the chequered flag, and that Champagne moment on the podium.
Football Manager
Featuring football in the British sense, this soccer strategy game provides a great look behind the scenes at a football club, covering everything from buying and selling players to naming teams and formations for each game. Try to take your team from non-league to top of the English Premiership.
WWE 2K
WWE wrestling games may not be as popular as they once were, but WWE2K is still a must for all fans of the franchise, or of the in-ring antics of their favorite wrestlers. From career tracking to live online fights, the detail is matchless.
Fight Night Champion
If you prefer boxing to wrestling, you’ll find Fight Night Champion to be a knockout as you fight your way to the top in one bruising encounter after another. Seconds out, round one!
