5 Classic Sports Video Games to Try Before You Hang Up the Control Pad

 

Where would we be without the world of sport? From the diehard fans in the stadiums to the millions watching on TV and on to sports bettors assessing the Premier League odds at the top betting sites – sport is a big deal in the entertainment industry. And, of course, the long arm of sport touches video gaming.

 

In 2024, the FC25 wave of hype has swept away many gamers. There’s nothing wrong with that, but sports games have been around much longer than the latest instalment in the leading football series. Here, we look back at five games that are simply too good to be lost to the sands of time.

 

  1. “Tecmo Super Bowl” (1991)

 

Platforms: NES

 

Released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Tecmo Super Bowl is often hailed as one of the greatest football video games of all time. While the game is based on American football, its simplistic yet addictive gameplay drew in casual games and hardcore gridiron fans. It was the first game to feature both the NFL and the NFL Players Association licenses, meaning it had real teams and real player names—something groundbreaking for its time.

 

Tecmo Super Bowl allowed players to control every aspect of the game, from offence to defence and featured a full season mode with stats and playoffs. Despite its relatively simple controls, the game was praised for its strategic depth, allowing players to choose plays and manage team tactics with remarkable accuracy. Its pixelated graphics and retro sound effects give it a nostalgic charm that still holds up, especially for fans of classic football games. The game is so beloved that it still has a thriving fan base today, with some enthusiasts even updating it annually with current rosters.

 

  1. “NBA Jam” (1993)

 

Platforms: Arcade, SNES, Sega Genesis

 

NBA Jam is one for basketball fans with a taste for the over-the-top excitement of arcade-style gameplay. Released initially in arcades and later on home consoles like the SNES and Sega Genesis, this 2-on-2 basketball game was known for its fast-paced, exaggerated action. Players could pull off impossible dunks, perform gravity-defying jumps, and even set the ball on fire after consecutive baskets, thanks to the iconic “He’s on fire!” line.

 

Unlike simulation basketball games, NBA Jam focused on fun rather than realism, which made it wildly popular among a wide audience. It featured real NBA teams and players, although the physics-defying gameplay was anything but realistic. Special codes allowed for hidden characters, including mascots and even Bill Clinton! With its memorable catchphrases and exhilarating gameplay, NBA Jam remains one of the most iconic basketball video games ever made.

 

  1. “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” (2000)

 

Platforms: PlayStation, Dreamcast, PC, N64

 

Skateboarding was never more popular in video game form than with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, and the second instalment, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, is often regarded as the pinnacle of the franchise. Released in 2000, the game combined smooth controls, incredible level design, and an unforgettable soundtrack, creating a game that appealed to skateboarding fans and the broader gaming community.

 

Players could control professional skateboarders like Tony Hawk and perform tricks, from basic ollies to more complicated moves like the McTwist. The game also introduced the manual mechanic, which allowed players to string together tricks into long combos for high scores. Additionally, the career mode was expanded with new goals and customization options, making it a rewarding and replayable experience. Whether you loved skateboarding or not, the game’s thrilling pace, combined with its tight controls, made it a joy to play.

 

  1. “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” (1987)

 

Platforms: NES

 

One of the most memorable boxing games of all time, the unique gameplay and unforgettable characters made Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! an instant classic. Released in 1987 for the NES, the game features Little Mac, a young boxer, as he climbs the ranks to fight Mike Tyson himself in the ultimate challenge. The game combined pattern recognition, fast reflexes, and timing, making each fight a puzzle players had to solve to progress.

 

Each opponent had a distinctive fighting style and “tell”—a specific movement indicating their next move—forcing players to learn and adapt. From the flamboyant King Hippo to the lightning-fast Piston Honda, the roster of opponents was as colourful as it was challenging. The final fight against Mike Tyson was notoriously difficult, cementing the game’s reputation as a true test of gaming skill. The game’s difficulty and quirky charm have helped it endure as a classic.

 

  1. “FIFA: Road to World Cup 98” (1997)

 

Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC

 

FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 is a landmark game in the FIFA series, released in 1997. It introduced many features that became staples of the franchise, such as real player names, enhanced AI, and an immersive commentary system. The game focused on the qualifying rounds for the 1998 World Cup, giving players a wide selection of national teams from which to select.

 

While the gameplay was relatively straightforward compared to later titles, it marked a significant improvement in terms of graphics and realism at the time. Its soundtrack, featuring songs like Blur’s “Song 2,” was iconic, and the game’s atmosphere captured the excitement of international football tournaments. This game laid the foundation for the FIFA series’ continued dominance in the soccer genre.