So, a pretty good portion of my childhood is playing video games. My joy of video games spans just about every genre. This may seem kind of odd since people who play RPGs generally don't play sports games. In all honesty, I probably wouldn't even play sports games if it wasn't for the fact I enjoy sports... a lot. Especially football. As long as I don't have to work, my Sundays are devoted to watching football all day long (well, during the season anyways).
Also, you can make a pretty good argument that sports games have RPG elements. After the year 2000, more and more of the new sports games would have a season or franchise mode which would involve player management and each player would have a number rating on each individual skill, similar to that of an RPG. The difference is the stat categories being rated would be strength or throwing accuracy, for example, instead of the traditional magic power or attack power attributes in a standard RPG.
Before we start, I would like to make a disclaimer about this list. You might notice that I wouldn't include a certain game over another game that should obviously be in a top ten list (such as NBA jam). Well, the reason is simple: if I haven't played it, it's not on this list. This is a favorite games list, not a greatest of all time list. I recognize that Madden '13 has the best graphics and physics and that it is probably the best Madden to date. However, I have not played the game. I have only played the demo so I cannot make a fair assessment about the game itself.
Oh, and also, I will use a pretty loose definition of the word "sport." This list is not limited to football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. This list may also include extreme sports, (like skateboarding or snowboarding). However, it will NOT include racing games (since there are so many really good racing games out there). But, I will probably make a separate top ten of my favorite racing games at some point.
With all of that out of the way, onto the list.
Number 10: Snowboarding
The game is as simple as the title. Pick race or trick mode and hit the slopes! The controls are easy to grasp and it's pretty fun too. Just simple fun.
Number 9: MVP Baseball 2004
Ironically, the batting in this game was really hard and the pitching was easy. So the actual gameplay was pretty mediocre. The franchise mode was incredibly in-depth though and way more advanced than other sports games at the time. If a player is unhappy with their contract or their team performance, their own performance would suffer as well. Some games throughout the season were more important than others because of rivalries and whatnot. Winning and losing these games affects team chemistry which ultimately affects team performance. Overall, Franchise mode was way ahead of its time but the basic gameplay mechanics needed serious work. The soundtrack is also somewhat notable.
Number 8: Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip
This game has basic controls but a lot of complex maneuvers can be pulled off with the basic controls. It's very well designed. The characters are goofy and the story is silly. In game, you can hit stuff off of the court and cause comical things to happen like a remote control helicopter to crash or someone watching to fall into the water. It's a straightforward game but a lot of fun. If you have a PSP, I would definitely encourage you to check it out.
Number 7: NFL Blitz/Blitz 2000
I know putting these two games in the same slot is kinda cheating but, in my defense, they are almost exactly the same game. The only differences are that in Blitz 2000, there's an added three and four player mode so you can smack talk two other friends of yours. NFL Blitz was originally an arcade game and it feels like it too. The controls are simple and easy to pick up and it's a lot of fun. Have football, but take all the penalties out and jack eveeryone up on immense amounts of testosterone. Now that's a football game! Tackle the receiver before the ball comes and body slam the shit out of him after the whistle!
Number 6: Madden '06
Madden is quite a franchise that's been around about as long as I have been alive. When Madden 2006 came out, it was completely different from the other Maddens that had come out that decade. They revamped the quarterback controls so that you increase your accuracy by looking in the direction of the receiver before throwing. The hitstick/truckstick feature was also pretty awesome. The Career mode was also pretty innovative. You make a player (or import one from your NCAA game) and play an NFL career. You sign a contract and go. The only drawback in this mode is that you can play everyone on the team. Not just your career player which was a real drawback for me thinking I was playing career mode. This isn't NFL team of your player's career mode! The Franchise mode was pretty awesome and innovative for its time. Not only do you manage the players but you also have much more control over financial aspects like ticket prices, merchandise, and upgrades to the stadium. You could also change cities and redesign your own uniform which I also thought was pretty cool. Overall, Madden '06 was a pretty great game but they keep getting better and better. You really can't go wrong with any of the Madden games if you want a good football game.
Number 5: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
A classic game that started a classic franchise. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater was the shit when it came out! The levels were cool, the selection of pro skateboarders was awesome, this game kicked the ass of any skateboarding games to come out before it. It's only drawback is that it is a relatively easy game to beat. However, this is an issue that would definitely be addressed by Activision in the later games of the series.
Overall, it's just good fun. You won't regret playing this one
Number 4: MLB '07: The Show
Like Madden '06 and MVP Baseball 2004, this game further improved the management elements in the Franchise mode. This game also had a career mode that was somewhat similar to Madden '06 but one big improvement was made. In career mode, you only played your character. This makes way more sense!!! When playing through the schedule, you were only allowed to play the at-bats when your character was at the plate, running the bases, or when your player had to make a fielding play. Similarly, if you made a pitcher, you could only play when he was pitching, at the plate, or running the bases. It was a very fun game mode and, really, wouldn't change a thing. The hitting and pitching was vastly improved from that of MVP Baseball 2004. The hitting was a reasonable difficulty where you could actually know where you're aiming your bat and the x button was used as a swing command. Way better hitting controls! The pitching difficulty was also upped compared to MVP baseball 2004. Your pitcher doesn't always through a perfect pitch in this one. Even if you do everything right, sometimes he doesn't throw it in the exact right place. Also, even if you put it in the corner of the strike zone, the batter would hit a homerun anyways. MLB '07: The Show is pretty awesome and is the reason why we don't see the baseball games like MVP Baseball from EA Sports anymore. The MLB: The Show games are pretty great and will probably remain on top for the forseeable future in the world of video game baseball.
Number 3: NFL Blitz: The League
For those of you that thought the early Blitz games were outrageous, just try this one on for size! NFL Blitz: The League is the only sports game I've ever played that has gotten an 'M' rating from ESRB. Boy does it earn that 'M' rating too! When your unleash bar is full, make sure that you do the correct button combo to tear the quarterback's arm off! Your receiver's arm fractured from that dirty hit he took? No problem!!! Just give him some weird concoction in a needle and he's good to go for the next play! Oh, and don't forget about season mode! Have your players improve by hitting the gym or, if you think you won't get caught, have them all juice instead!!! Also, this is the only football game I've ever played that has fighting! Everyone goes around and tackles one another like crazy and whichever team has more tackles at the end winsthe fight! The controls and play choice is similar to the older games which gives a familiar feeling to the older games but, everything else is much more obnoxious and dirty than it's predecessors. Give this one a go! You won't be disappointed!
Number 2: Tony Hawk's Underground 2
So far, this game is the best Tony Hawk game that I've ever played. Everything in this game is done right. You can get off of your board, walk around, and graffiti the walls. The levels are awesome and the missions are awesome too! Many of the missions involve silly shenanigans that would be similar to those you would find on Jackass. Of course, this is because half of the Jackass cast is in the game. The game also has a kickass soundtrack which includes, but is certainly not limited to, The Ramones, The Doors, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Eat World, and Rancid. Insanely fun game! This game is a must play. Especially if you love skateboarding.
Number 1: NHL 2001
Man, no way does EA Sports make a game filled with as much shenanigans as NHL 2001 anymore. Not by a long shot. This game is not only fun, but it's hilarious too! The commentators are constantly making wisecracks about the stuff that happens on the ice and the players mouthing off at the refs is just comical. After you score a goal, pressing and holding the triangle button will allow you to taunt until the next face off starts. Of course, the fighting is fucking hilarious. Especially if someone really gets their ass kicked! When your guys get sent to the penalty box, they show them doing all sorts of things like banging on the glass like they're in a jail cell or throwing shit around. The best part is the hitting. If you get a big hitter to square up against another guy, you can just level the shit out of them! I mean, you hit them so hard that they do a double back flip, not even kidding! Even injuries in this game are fucking hilarious. The injured player rolls around on the ground in such an odd way that he looks like he has no bones in his body.
I still put in this game every now and then and fuck some shit up! If you're playing the newest NHL game, you're wasting your time. Sure, that game may be more realistic but NHL 2001 brings all the stuff that you gotta love about hockey. The hitting, the fighting, the obnoxious behavior... it's a blast! You need to buy this game now! You can probably get it for like two bucks at a retro gaming store since no one wants to buy the old EA Sports games. It will be the best two dollars you've ever spent. I guarantee it.
I second that, best two dollars by far
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