With all the new sports game releases and updates coming out, I'm looking for some solid sports game recommendations. I play a bit of everything - basketball, football, soccer, racing, you name it.
What sports games are actually worth buying right now? I'm tired of the yearly releases that barely change anything. Looking for games with good gameplay mechanics, realistic physics, and decent career/franchise modes.
Also interested in any sports games that might have good game discounts and deals going on. I don't mind playing last year's version if it's significantly cheaper and still holds up well. What are you all playing and enjoying in the sports genre?
For sports game recommendations, F1 2023" is absolutely fantastic if you're into racing sims. The career mode is incredibly deep with driver transfers, team development, and even creating your own team from scratch. The driving physics feel great whether you're using a controller or a wheel.
What's nice is that it has extensive assists so you can make it as accessible or as realistic as you want. The online multiplayer games are solid too with ranked races and leagues. It goes on sale pretty regularly, especially around major racing events. Definitely worth picking up if you want a serious racing experience.
NBA 2K23" has actually made some improvements to the franchise mode that make it worth checking out if you're a basketball fan. The MyNBA Eras mode lets you start in different time periods (the 80s, 90s, etc.) with appropriate rules, players, and presentation. It's a really cool way to experience basketball history.
The gameplay is solid as always, though the microtransactions in the MyCareer mode are still frustrating. If you stick to franchise mode or play now with friends, it's a great basketball sim. Wait for a sale though - the price drops significantly a few months after release. The PC version sometimes has good game discounts and deals on third-party sites.
Football Manager 2023" is the ultimate sports management sim if you're into soccer. The depth is absolutely insane - you can control every aspect of a football club, from training and tactics to transfers and finances. The match engine has improved a lot over the years and actually looks decent now.
What's great is that you can make it as detailed or as hands-off as you want. Want to delegate training to your assistant? Go for it. Want to personally set every player's individual training focus? You can do that too. The community is massive with tons of mods and databases available. It's more of a spreadsheet simulator than an action game, but it's incredibly addictive.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2" remake is absolutely fantastic if you're looking for arcade sports action. The gameplay holds up perfectly, the controls are tight, and the level design from the original games is still some of the best in any sports game. Creating ridiculous combos and trying to beat your high scores is incredibly addictive.
The presentation is great too with updated graphics but the same classic soundtrack (plus some new tracks). It's the perfect game to pick up and play for 15 minutes or lose hours to. The multiplayer is fun too with competitive and cooperative modes. Definitely one of the best sports game recommendations for pure fun factor.
WWE 2K23" is actually a really good wrestling game if you're into that. They've fixed a lot of the issues from previous years and the gameplay is solid with a good balance between arcade fun and simulation. The MyGM mode is back and improved, letting you run your own wrestling show.
What's cool is the creation suite - you can create wrestlers, arenas, championships, and even entire shows. The community creations are insane with people making accurate versions of wrestlers from different eras and promotions. The story mode is decent too with branching paths. It's niche, but if you like wrestling it's probably the best it's been in years.
Riders Republic" is a great sports game if you want something different. It's an extreme sports game with biking, skiing, snowboarding, and wingsuit flying in a massive open world. The sense of speed and freedom is incredible, especially when you're racing down a mountain at 60+ mph.
The multiplayer is the highlight with mass races where 64 players compete simultaneously in chaotic events. There's also trick events and free roam where you can just explore the beautiful world. The progression system gives you new gear and outfits as you level up. It's more arcade than simulation, but it's pure fun. It's on Game Pass too if you have that.