This list is a supplement to my almighty list of the 29 Best Sports Video Games of All Time.
These 14 games scored a “B” in my reviews. To avoid mind-numbing redundancy, I’m only counting one game per series in a given console generation. This list doesn’t include series that cracked the top 29.
43. RedCard 2003
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Released in 2002 by Midway
It’s Midway’s only attempt at a soccer game, playing more like basic video soccer than you might expect, and begging for a sequel that never came, but pretty fun nonetheless. Full review: RedCard 2003
42. Sega Soccer Slam
PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Released in 2002 by Sega
As long as you don’t mind playing with weird made-up characters, this 3-on-3 soccer game is good for some reckless, fast-paced fun. Full review: Sega Soccer Slam
41. NHL FaceOff
PlayStation 1
Released in 1995 by Sony
Before “polygons” muddied up 32-bit sports, the first FaceOff game struck a nice balance between sim and arcade hockey action using 2D sprites in a 3D world. Full review: NHL FaceOff
40. NBA Street Vol. 2
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Released in 2003 by EA Sports BIG
The NBA Street series is all about gimmicky moves and an inventive scoring system. I was never a huge fan, but it’s undeniably inviting and stylish. Full review: NBA Street Vol. 2
39. Madden NFL 2001
PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64
Released in 2000 by EA Sports
Madden didn’t really get great until it moved into the PS2/Xbox generation, but it achieved a high level of sophistication and playability late in the 32-bit era, despite ugly graphics. Full review: Madden NFL 2001
38. NBA Live 96
Sega Genesis
Released in 1995 by EA Sports
Live’s simple formula for wide-open, fast-paced basketball is a bit overrated, but it’s still kind of fun. Take any edition of Live from 95 to 98, or Coach K’s College Basketball. Full review: NBA Live 96
37. International Superstar Soccer 98
Nintendo 64
Released in 1998 by Konami
The N64 stretch of Konami’s soccer series was critically acclaimed in its day, giving a peek into the realistic, more advanced soccer gaming that would come later. It grew into the Pro Evolution series that’s still going today. Full review: International Superstar Soccer 98
36. World Series Baseball ’98
Sega Saturn
Released in 1997 by Sega
WSB 98 was a baseball purist’s dream come true, offering simulation baseball that was advanced for its time. It tends to wind up on a higher pedestal than it deserves, even today, but it’s good. Full review: World Series Baseball ’98
35. High Heat Major League Baseball 2004
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Released in 2003 by 3DO
It’s a rare instance of a very limited baseball sim that’s fun anyway. The quick pace and user-friendly gameplay makes up for the lack of detail. Full review: High Heat Major League Baseball 2004
34. Madden NFL Arcade
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (Download Only)
Released in 2009 by EA Sports
This wacky, stripped-down-to-almost-nothing football game is strangely fun, a rare arcade sports game that inherits realistic physics from its simulation counterpart. Full review: Madden NFL Arcade
33. International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
Super Nintendo
Released in 1995 by Konami
Konami took soccer and the entire sports game genre to an advanced stage with their two SNES soccer games. This game has intense gameplay, impressive depth, fantastic presentation, and tons of options. Full review: International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
32. College Football USA 97
Sega Genesis
Released in 1996 by EA Sports
EA’s college series generally offered sloppier versions of Madden, but they’re at least distinct enough to appeal to college fans. I like the 97 version the best, but the ultra-simple Bill Walsh College Football 95 gets more praise. Full review: College Football USA 97
31. NFL Blitz 2012
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (Download Only)
Released in 2012 by EA Sports
I never had the same soft spot for Blitz as everyone else, but it’s undeniably solid arcade football that’s easy to pick up and enjoy. I like the last one for its sweet graphics and EA’s decision NOT to include late hits after every play, which were a key element of the early editions but became repetitive in no time. Full review: NFL Blitz 2012
30. NHL Open Ice: 2-on-2 Challenge
PlayStation 1
Released in 1995 by Midway
This blazing fast take on arcade hockey is wild fun despite moronic game logic and second-tier presentation. Full review: NHL Open Ice: 2-on-2 Challenge
Published May 11, 2020
Updated July 22, 2022
Don’t stop now! Life isn’t complete until you check out games #29 to #1!