Football video games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers and football enthusiasts. From the nostalgic moments of playing old video games to the continuous enjoyment of the latest FIFA series, these games have become a mainstay in our gaming collections.
While personal preferences may vary, I have tried my best to present an objective list of the top 10 most amazing football video games of all time. Popularity, content, and gameplay are the primary criteria considered in these rankings. So, let’s take a look at the games that have made it to this prestigious list and imagine the joy of playing them all over again.
Kick Off 2, 1990
Kick Off 2 got the world ready for Sensible Soccer. It brought in a completely different perspective to the industry, offering a unique top down view. The design was impressive back then, as developers treated the player and ball as separate entities.
It could be frustrating at times, but it also offered a stunning approach. The game was a must for anyone who had an Amiga. Besides, a virtual World Cup is still played on a yearly basis, bringing people from all over the world together.
Actua Soccer, 1995
Actua Soccer is one of the first solid football games ever made. It’s often considered the father of FIFA and an innovation in this field. At the end of the day, it brought in the first 3D match system available on consoles, offering extraordinary movements and a realistic approach.
Back in the day, Actua Soccer was just something else. Today, some would say it was before its time. The features it brought in weren’t fully appreciated and understood nearly three decades ago. Furthermore, the game used real players for the motion capture, which was another top aspect.
International Superstar Soccer Deluxe, 1996
Despite being older than many football players these days, International Superstar Soccer Deluxe is the direct precursor to many leading football games from today’s generations. It marked the impressive evolution of football games throughout the 1990s, offering a realistic and smooth experience.
The side scrolling game was incredibly speedy, keeping players hooked up for hours, with no time to chill. The commentary stood out as well, while players and their skills were based on popular figures of those times, with Ravanelli and Valderrama dominating the game.
FIFA 98: Road to World Cup, 1997
If you think the new versions are more realistic than ever, perhaps you should consider going back to the origins and see what football truly meant in the 1990s. This game was not about perfection, but about innovation.
FIFA 98 has a music theme that every fan will remember. It featured amazing 3D graphics that upped the game a little, not to mention the freedom to do everything you wanted. Upset with a goalkeeper saving your shot? Side tackle him, but get ready to face a red card. Still fun though!
Other solid features included indoor football tournaments, as well as the possibility to play any country, edit players, teams and even kits. What else can you ask for?
Pro Evolution Soccer 5, 2005
Pro Evolution Soccer experienced a golden era from 2002 to 2005, where it achieved unmatched heights in the gaming world. During this period, it reached a level of popularity that seemed impossible to maintain, but it did.
What made these years so remarkable? It was everything. The Master League evolved into a comprehensive four-division system with promotions, relegations, and an equivalent to the Champions League. The players in the game also had their real names, which made it more realistic.
The gameplay was smooth and enjoyable, with a balance between fast-paced action and strategic play. You could score amazing goals from far away or simple ones in chaotic goalmouth scrambles.
FIFA 10, 2009
It may not be the newest FIFA game, but it’s definitely one of the most iconic releases in the series. Some would say it’s the best EA game ever made. It caused a hype when it first came out and it still has an impressive fanbase today.
Everything was nearly perfect. The soundtrack? Stunning! Ambiance? Gameplay? Presentation? Everything was polished to turn FIFA 10 into a legendary game. The pace was incredibly fast, while the gameplay and technique options encouraged improvisation.
It’s not just about playing a good game, but also about being alert all the time, without even feeling the hours go by.
Pro Evolution Soccer 6, 2006
Pro Evolution Soccer 6 can be seen as the ultimate result of constant improvements over a decade. It feels like the developer took ages to make everything perfect and every new release took the game closer to perfection.
This version ensured there was nothing to complain about. Passing was accurate and more realistic than ever. Shooting was smooth and felt like a lifelike move. Deeper nuances weren’t overlooked either. Off the ball moves were normal, while each player had a unique running style.
Extras included quick free kicks and a unique commentary, making the game feel like real football.
Sensible World of Soccer, 1992
Sensible World of Soccer is one of the most iconic releases ever. More than three decades since it came out, it still has an incredible community keeping it alive, organizing tournaments and updating it with all sorts of patches.
Even for today’s standards, graphics would be considered decent. Imagine what this game felt like in the 1990s. Tackles and saves defied the laws of physics. Shots went in like bullets. It wasn’t the most realistic approach, but it was definitely spectacular.
When it launched, the game packed in around 24,000 players and more than 1,500 teams.
FIFA 12, 2011
FIFA 12 swiftly became the fastest-selling sports game ever, selling over 3.3 million copies within its first week. People loved it because it had a cool feature called the Impact Engine, which made the players in the game collide with each other more realistically.
Notably, its popularity extended beyond consoles, as it debuted as a launch title for the PlayStation Vita, delivering a next-generation sports experience on the handheld device. The game was known for being difficult, especially in the Ultimate Team mode, but gamers enjoyed the challenge and found it really fun to play.
FIFA 14, 2013
This was the first FIFA game to make it to seventh generation consoles. Like other FIFA games, it tried to push everything further. But compared to previous releases, it actually managed to stand out with the visual and mechanical improvements.
Further updates made the game feel completely new. Both new and experienced players felt like trying something different. All these improvements turned FIFA 14 into one of the highest rated games of the franchise, not to mention the financial revenue.
In conclusion, these top 10 most amazing football video games of all time have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and the hearts of gamers worldwide. These games have defined eras, captured the essence of football, and continue to be beloved by fans old and new.
