You know, here at office pool stop, we tend to focus on NFL or American football rather than soccer, but we’re going to make an exception for this piece! If football season is over, or there’s not a game on that evening, or it’s half time – how are you going to get your football fix? For us, it’s football video games. From quick play titles to long form classics, football video games have been a staple of the gaming industry for decades. Here’s a look at some of the best football video games ever created, each offering its unique take on the sport.
EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA)
It would be unthinkable to start with any series other than this one. It debuted in 1993 and since then has been consistently setting the standard for football video games. It’s delivered unmatched realism, licensed teams, and a gameplay experience that appeals to both casual gamers and hardcore football fans. The annual updates are the hallmark of a game that takes itself seriously, refining gameplay mechanics, updating rosters, and even tweaking graphics.
With every new release, it continues to innovate. They’ve introduced world-first features like advanced ball physics, tactical AI, and super immersive career modes. If something has been at the top for two decades, there’s a good chance they’re doing it right. That’s exactly the case here.
Pro Evolution Soccer (PES)
Arguably FIFA’s biggest platformer rival, Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series (recently rebranded as eFootball) also offers realistic gameplay. Sure, they don’t have the same licensing rights as FIFA but you can’t deny the fluidity of the controls, the depth of tactics and the beauty of the graphics.The series is beloved by fans who prefer a more authentic football experience, with matches that feel true to life.
Master League mode is PES’s ‘Ace up the Sleeve’. This mode allows players to manage a club, make transfers, and guide their team to glory. People have spent years honing their teams and though the perhaps misguided rebrand to eFootball hasn’t gone down consistently well, they’re still at the top of the table for us.
Champions Cup
While traditional football video games offer immersive gameplay experiences, sometimes you might be in the mood for something quick and exciting that still ties into your love for the sport. Enter Champions Cup, a favorite video slot at www.wildz.com featuring wild overlays, free spins, and a bonus game. When it comes to quick play gaming, slots are always a firm favorite, so enjoying one with a brilliant football theme is a solid choice.
Football Manager
Some of us love strategy more than anything else and for those people, there’s one choice and one choice only. Football Manager. This game is the ultimate experience. Unlike traditional football games, Football Manager focuses on the managerial aspects of the sport, putting you in the shoes of a club manager. You can control every tiny little aspect of your team, from tactics and transfers to training and player development.
There are few games that have the level of depth that Football Manager does. Some people even use it to inform their real life football bets! The game’s complex simulation engine provides a challenging, but ultimately rewarding experience. Your decisions directly impact your team’s success on and off the pitch. With each new iteration, Football Manager adds more layers of authenticity, making it a must-play for fans who enjoy the intricacies of the beautiful game.
Rocket League
Finally, let’s end on a silly one. Ever thought about mixing up football and racing cars? No?! Well, the team behind Rocket League did. The gameplay is (as you might expect) frenetic and fast paced. The cars aren’t just super cars, they’re powered by rockets, meaning you can take on flips, spins, and other aerial acrobatics, while trying to get the ball into the goal. It’s easy to pick up but challenging to master, hence its success on the eSports scene.
