Although many sports games offer many of the same elements each release year, the formula behind them has been consistently popular. They all seem to possess a variety of different game modes, which allows the player to take on numerous different tasks in the process. It is definitely what allows these games to sell so well in the process, which is quite nice.
When it comes to this gaming market, it is clear that there are some games that are simply far better than their competition. This is even the case with certain sports games from the same developers, as it does kind of show that they spend more time on some than others. This can be honestly quite frustrating, as all these game series have so much potential to be stellar. Yet, there are vast differences in their overall quality at the end of the day.
Nonetheless though, they all have elements to them that are outstanding.
Backyard Baseball
The Backyard Baseball series has been over for quite some time now. However, even with this being the case, it warrants a spot on this list because of how stupendous its first few installments are. Yet, its completion makes sense, as later versions are just awful.
This is due to the fact that these games are no longer made by Humongous Entertainment later on. As a result of this, the changes to the graphics and gameplay are just atrocious, which is why it makes sense that it did not last very long after this bad move.
NBA Live
At one point in time, NBA Live was once at the top of basketball gaming. Yet, the emergence of the NBA 2K series would ultimately make these games obsolete. This is especially the case when it comes to its newer versions.
It is clear that this series simply does not work, so it makes sense that EA does not make them anymore. It ultimately is the right move, as these games just do not measure up to their far superior competitor.
WWE 2K
The WWE 2K series has taken a massive decline in quality. This is definitely the case when looking at how horrid the last installment is. It has become infamous for its galore of glitches. Players even received refunds for its poor quality, which certainly is enraging to WWE fans.
This series does have the potential to turn it around, but man, it will take a lot. The company even canceled 2K21 because of how much hate there is for last year's version. Here's to hoping the future versions will be good if they come to fruition.
Madden NFL
At one point in time, Madden NFL was at the top of sports gaming. Yet, it is clear that EA has become quite complacent with this series, as it fails to make any significant changes to it whatsoever.
It does not help that this year's release is rated severely poor by its critics. It truly has been a disappointing fall from graces as of late, but perhaps things can turn around with next year's edition. Its past success is what all it has going for it right now, though.
EA Sports UFC
EA Sports UFC is definitely a series that offers a lot of fun games. It may not be the most popular in terms of sales, but it does offer a ton of entertainment, while also displaying true realism with its fighting.
It seems to be improving with each release, so it makes sense that fans of UFC enjoy it significantly. Perhaps it will be able to grow in popularity in future years, as it seems to be heading in the right direction.
Pro Evolution Soccer
One can deem Pro Evolution Soccer as the most underrated sports gaming series out there. This is due to the fact that it is simply overshadowed by its number one rival, FIFA.
Yet, that does not mean these games are bad, as they do offer a lot of entertainment while also looking stupendous in the process. It is a shame that it only offers a season update for 2021, as it would have been nice to see what this series would produce next.
NHL
When it comes to the NHL series, it is clear that EA is bringing fun changes to it. Over the last two installments, the series has added fantastic new additions to Franchise Mode, while also creating a far better story for Be A Pro.
These changes alone are helping its popularity, while also enhancing the overall quality of it. The growth of these games are finally being seen, but it is clear that they are still not among the top-3 sports games, which honestly, is totally fine when seeing how much better it has gotten.
MLB The Show
MLB The Show is continuing to get better, which is great news for baseball fans. Although it may not have the prettiest of graphics, it does offer a lot of entertaining elements to its players. It also has a marvelous franchise mode that allows the player to feel like a true owner.
With this year's installment, there are changes to its hitting and pitching, as it looks far cleaner. This definitely helps its reception from its players. Overall, the future is still quite bright for this already popular series.
FIFA
It is clear that FIFA is still dominating the sports gaming world, as it is continuously making a plethora of sales. However, that does not mean that the series is immune to criticism, as this year's release is virtually identical to last year's.
However, even with this being the case, it is hard to argue this game's importance to the company. It has become the bread and butter of it, as it has interest from players all over the world. This is a fact that one simply cannot just ignore.
NBA 2K
It seems as though that NBA 2K is the most talked-about sports series at this said juncture. This is due to the fact that basketball's popularity is continuing to grow rapidly, as the NBA is marketed perfectly.
These games are also extremely fun, as they offer fantastic story modes, while also having great aspects to their gameplay. This is definitely a series that is continuing to make a lot of sales. However, it is also in need of some serious upgrades if it hopes to stay at the top.