The only way to play sports - in a comfy chair.
Well, this is a challenge. How does one pick the top 10 best sports games for PC, where they're never really made for PC? Let's face it, most of these were designed with the vision of a guy sitting in a comfy chair, a few meters away from a 32" TV screen with a wireless gamepad and a bowl of chips. Still, we got some games ported, from companies that saw a point in it. Then there's also the indie titles made on PC, so we got that.
Another problem is the selection. Unlike other genres, where there's a clearly defined line of which are better, in sport based games it's all about preference. You are going to love the game if you love the sport and vice-versa. No matter how incredibly well the physics, graphics or sound is done in a cricket game, a weak version FIFA would win over if you prefer soccer (or football, depending on where you live).
All of this had to be taken into account, but I put a higher priority on entertainment value in general. After all, if we're playing sports games on a PC, then there should be a good reason why we're not outside playing them for real, right? I mean besides being physically impaired or lazy.
10. Cabela's Big Game Hunter Pro Hunts
That looks like it hurts...
First, let me say that this is high quality release. Despite the fact that it's at the bottom of the list, it's still very stable, flows nicely with decent graphics and nice sound. The problem is looking at it from a game's perspective. Usually, if you're a fan of guns and shooting, you're going to play a FPS before you pick up a hunting simulation.
Of course, if you're into hunting specifically, and there are those of you out there who enjoy this kind of game, you will love it. Apart from what I've already listed, it has a sense of progress in the form of unlocking more areas and there's a really cool x-ray effect that lets you see exactly how the bullet strikes the animal and kills it...if you're into that sort of thing.
9. Frozen Cortex
When it comes to sports game, there are generally two directions they go: action and strategy. This game is all about strategy. It's a sci-fi take on American football with turn based movement and...drum roll...robots! Yes, robots and the sport is every bit as violent (more so) than its inspiration.
Downside? The game itself is a bit simplistic and limited, so it could get old really fast. It's saving grace is that a single match isn't too long. So, if you're not particularly good, you won't find yourself losing for an hour before getting another chance.
8. Blood Bowl Chaos Edition
Blood Bowl is a similar game to Frozen Cortex, only much older and it was based on a board game. That's exactly how it plays, so we have another strategy based sport. Like Frozen Cortex it's American football, only in a fantasy setting and with a nice selection of unique teams. Each team is a different race (orc, elf, etc.) which gives this title greater variety and depth, putting it a step above the more generalized sci-fi attempt.
7. Don Bradman Cricket 14
Let's take a step away from strategy based sports with Don Bradman's Cricket 14. Again, this is another high quality title and considered the best cricket game out there. The problem? It's a cricket game! Not a lot of people know the sport exists and even less care to play it. However, this game could just make you love it.
The biggest plus is something that no other game really thinks to do - it adds technique. Sports games are usually about timing button presses and running around in confusing circles. Big Ant Studios took it a step further and gave you control of the bat and the ball. Meaning, it's up to you how the bat is swung and how the ball is thrown. Better practice!
6. Out of the Park Baseball 16
So...many...numbers...getting...dizzy...
Baseball fans, eat your heart out as you try to lead a team to victory in this information cluttered simulation. Sports Interactive decided to forgo fancy graphics in favor of more content. It really paid off! Though it looks more like a collection of charts, or one of those old text-based games...actually that's just it - management is a whole bunch of charts and text. Players, this is as real as it gets when you have to manage a team, so put your cap on and get to work!
5. FIFA 15
It's FIFA. What is there to say about it? It's soccer in video game form and anyone who is interested remotely in sports (or video games for that matter) knows what this is. You pick a team and you play championships, single matches, head to head etc. Pretty basic stuff. 15 is just the latest installment and next year you can swap it out for 16 and so on.
4. Pro Evolution Soccer 2015
Same as FIFA, except here I can say something. Pro Evolution Soccer (or PES) and FIFA are pretty much the same thing. Of course they have their own take on physics and realism, but every year there is less and less difference in quality. Which of these two is better is completely up to personal preference. I could've just as well swapped their places, but I still find more people to prefer PES slightly over FIFA.
3. Football Manager 2015
Well, if soccer (or football) fans are disappointed with FIFA and PES, then it's Football Manager to the rescue! This is more of a strategy based sports game than action, but it is the game for fans. The strategy aspect complements the slower pace of the sport and turns into a superior video game. "Pick a team and lead them to victory" is the basic premise and it gives much more satisfaction than when we score a goal ourselves.
Besides, everyone always blames the player they control when they fail an attack in FIFA, here it's actually true!
2. NBA 2k15
Management is all fine and dandy, but this is still sports. So, action is the way to go! Those two soccer games up there are evenly matched, but unless you hate basketball, this is a better game. Honestly though, basketball titles always had an edge over soccer from what I've seen. Probably since there's more action, it's a faster sport and that translates better into a video game. Plus, you can't dunk in a goal.
1. Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball
Well, this probably gives you huge question marks, since you've most likely never heard of the game (and those who have might call it a FPS), but let me explain. First off, it's dodgeball. It's a sport and Steam agrees with me. Why do I consider this the best sports game? Because it gives you that same adrenaline rush as when you play an actual sport.
It's a one-hit kill first person experience in a tiny arena with a lot of jumping, dodging, trick shots and neon lights. You get more points based on the trick shots and it's very easy to "die". This game will have you on the edge of your seat, looking around paranoid that a stray ball might hit you, while you're trying to hit someone else at the same time. Multiplayer can get especially crazy! So, if you want that same rush you get from actual outdoor sports on your PC, then this is a real workout.
Well, there's a list of titles to try, but I think we can all agree that there just isn't enough love going around for sports on PC. Don't you agree? Maybe it's time we turn more to the indie developers who are actually trying to give us something in the genre.
