With FIFA now no longer in the hands of EA Sports, fans of the series are curious to see what direction the franchise will take now. After all, after so many years under the hands of the same developer, there hasn't been much of a chance to see another team's take on it.
But FIFA isn't the only series that puts careful attention into its games. In fact, many series provide the same little touches to their game that help to create the same product that fans have come to love from EA.
NBA 2k: Announcers Pay Attention
While most video games don't tend to mind when players work late nights at the keyboard, NBA 2k isn't like most games. "I was playing a game of MyCareer, Lakers at Warriors, and there was a fourth-wall-breaking commentary about the stadium being loud and how it’s a basketball video game at 3 am," says Reddit user gavin_killed_you.
It's a pretty funny line, especially considering that most players would certainly never expect to hear it from the game. For players who may not necessarily even be aware that it's 3 am, it could also be a helpful reminder that it might just be time to get some sleep.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater: Taking Out Public Indecency
Some games aren't strangers to dropping fun secrets for fans to enjoy. But there's a lot in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater that many fans don't know they can do. One Reddit user, boyishparm, described his favorite Easter Egg as "Being able to kill the peeing guy in Canada on [Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3]."
The "peeing guy" is a man who stands on the edge of a ramp to relieve himself, and something many fans have enjoyed doing is running into him on a board. His reactions are always hilarious, and fans often try to find the best tricks they can accomplish as they hit him. It's a fun little detail that has excited countless fans.
FIFA: Birthday Celebrations
Some games thrive on realism, and FIFA has never shied from throwing in little easter eggs that can help establish that realism. And, sometimes, that realism can come from the most minor details that can actually be a lot of fun. Reddit user RE85 noticed that "If you play on a player's birthday, they will mention it."
Though EA can no longer make FIFA titles, it's likely that FIFA will remain a game that has elements like this for fans to enjoy. After all, it's something that doesn't take too much effort, but which provides a lot of goodwill from fans. It's careful attention to detail that helps to make games sound like they are really being run with professional announcers.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater: A Touching Tribute
Some fans noticed that in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2's demo, the opening area offers the chance for skaters to wallride. There, a special monkey sound plays as players cross over it. "It's an easter egg for a designer on the game, Leo Zuniga," says Reddit user JEEVESD2O. "There is graffiti that depicts his art."
Given that the designer often goes by "momoMonkeys", it's a clear tribute to him and actually a fairly touching move. After all, while most players won't recognize it, die-hard fans certainly will. Those die-hard fans will think of Zuniga every time they play that section of the game, which is always great for designers who are often underappreciated.
FIFA: Fourth Wall Break
FIFA seems to have a pretty sharp dedication to breaking the fourth wall. After all, there is another instance where the announcers remind players of reality as they compete. "The commentators acknowledge that they're part of a game before one of them (Martin Tyler, I think) reminds him that he's going off script," legoman1237 says on Reddit.
It's a pretty funny line, and it is nice to see announcers try to nip each other in the bud as they start moving too far into realism. Hopefully, the next company that claims FIFA's licensing will continue to add little jokes like this. After all, it provides some nice levity to the game.
Rocket League: It's Over 9,000!
Customization of the battle cars is a major part of what makes Rocket League fun. Some of the best cars in Rocket League are the best specifically because of how easily a battle car can be adapted to the player's liking. But some of the customization options provide a fun reference to other products.
One option even provides a reference to Dragon Ball Z. "The Mountaineer tires say the 'Max Over 9000' on the yellow sticker," says Redditor Krillin_Hides. It's a nice addition that is minor enough that non-fans won't recognize it, but anyone who's seen the anime will certainly understand the reference. That's always a fun touch.
Super Mega Baseball: Away vs Home
Many sports games like to use their announcers to provide the best easter eggs, and Super Mega Baseball is no exception. "I've always gotten a bit of a kick out of the way stadium announcers seem more excited when saying the names of the home team players," says Reddit user EastCoast_Hunter. "But Tiny DeGrande's name is even pronounced differently when he's away versus home! Away announcers just kind of mumble 'Tiny De Grand'. Home announcers are all hyped - 'TINY De GRAWN-Deyyyy.'"
Given that real commentators tend to have real differences like that, it shows close attention to detail that helps draw fans into the game. Any fan who enjoys real MLB games will get a real kick out of it. Even when they may not notice, it helps draw fans in with added realism that makes a considerable difference.
Tony Hawk's Underground: A Secret Ending
There's nothing more fun than replaying a game and discovering a new branching path that provides fresh and original content. Tony Hawk's Underground is a game that takes advantage of that fact by providing a secret ending for fans who decide to take another shot at the story.
"If you beat the story again using the same save file, you'll get a different ending," says Reddit user goody_fyre11. "When Eric challenges you to one final event, you'll knock him out and take the tape, skipping the event." It's a really fun detail that helps to highlight the growth in skill from one playthrough to the next.
NHL 22: 100 Goal Celebration
Few things bring more joy to a sports game player than hitting a major milestone in a single season. Be it winning a Superbowl, managing a triple-double, or scoring two home runs in a game, it's incredible to hit a major goal. That's why NHL 22 does its best to reward players for hitting a major point.
"Score 100 goals in a season and have broadcast animation on play-to-play," says Reddit user Curirusfish. It's a great detail for fans who might otherwise miss their milestone, and it also helps highlight the progress the player has made along the way. It doesn't take too much work for developers, but it's a great touch that can excite players.
MLB The Show: 20 Years Imprisonment for Phone Calls
In games, it isn't hard to tune out commentators when focused on making a play. After hundreds of hours on a single game, it's almost impossible not to. Yet, some games reward close attention. As one player noticed in MLB: The Show, "Apparently waving to your friends from behind home plate can get you up to no less than 20 years in prison," says Reddit user PCON36.
After all, the commentator remarks that fans waving to friends or hanging out on their cell phones could be punished with decades in prison. Most fans who tune that out may not hear it, but it's a really funny detail that never fails to draw a laugh from attentive players.