The Most Realistic Sports Games, Ranked

Since the dawn of time, various forms of sports have served as the main source of entertainment for humanity. From the thrilling chariot races in Ancient Rome to the exciting atmosphere of the modern Super Bowl, humans have always found sports to be a way to have fun and pass the time.

In video games, this passion is similarly reflected. From the earliest consoles, developers have strived to faithfully recreate the world's major sports digitally. While balancing realism and fun is challenging, many games, both old and modern, manage to achieve satisfactory levels, winning over a legion of passionate fans.

10 UFC Undisputed 3

An Excellent Martial Arts Simulator

Widely regarded as one of the most realistic MMA simulations, UFC Undisputed 3 impresses with its attention to detail. Modes like Title Mode, Title Defense, and Ultimate Fights offer both familiarity and new options for players. Additionally, the inclusion of Pride Mode, Bantamweight, and Featherweight divisions, and a simplified career mode add depth to the game.

The game allows for authentic fight conclusions, featuring referee interventions, technical knockouts, and a variety of new submissions. With smoother transitions between clinches and takedowns and immersive ring entrances, UFC Undisputed 3 provides a highly satisfying experience for MMA fans, despite a few minor issues.

9 Madden 15

One Of EA's Best Football Games

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360
• Developers: EA Tiburon
• Released: August 26, 2014
• Genre: Sports

Madden NFL 15 represented a true evolution in EA Sports' franchise, especially compared to its predecessors. The gameplay was refined, providing a more realistic and immersive experience. The AI of the players was significantly improved, making the matches more challenging and strategic, something not always noted in previous releases of the series.

In the "Connected Franchise" mode, players can act as a player, coach, or team owner, each with unique mechanics. New cameras and angles increased immersion, providing an authentic view of the field. The graphics were polished, and the animations were smoother, although physical simulation, such as snow during games, could still improve. These innovations highlighted Madden NFL 15 compared to its predecessors, elevating the overall gaming experience.

8 MLB The Show 24

Realistic Graphics For Baseball Fans

In recent years, Sony San Diego Studio's MLB The Show franchise has consistently evolved. In MLB The Show 24, the fidelity to the sport remains impressive, with refined and accessible gameplay. Various control and difficulty options allow for personalized experiences, ensuring both new players and veterans can enjoy the game.

One of the most notable additions is the Impact Plays system, highlighting the importance of defense in baseball. These spectacular moments, like dives and challenging throws, bring additional excitement to the game, especially in the Road to The Show mode. Authenticity is maintained with the inclusion of recent MLB rules, such as larger bases and new pitcher animations.

7 NBA 2K22

Gameplay On The Basketball Courts

The recent entries in the NBA 2K franchise, including NBA 2K22, have faced significant criticism for aggressive monetization and high prices. However, in terms of gameplay, the title stands out by offering incredibly realistic basketball matches.

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Adjusting certain sliders can further enhance the offline gameplay, allowing customization of various aspects such as opponent difficulty, shot accuracy, and defensive play intensity. These adjustments enable players to tailor the game to their personal preferences, making each match unique and more satisfying. Despite the monetization issues, NBA 2K22 excels in providing a realistic basketball simulation.

6 Pro Evolution Soccer 21

The Last Great Release Of The Franchise

Despite losing market share to competitors, Pro Evolution Soccer 21 represented one of the last great releases in the PES franchise. It offered players a realistic and engaging gameplay experience, with excellent compatibility for mods. These mods allowed players to create diverse leagues and add real clubs, enhancing immersion despite the lack of official licenses.

Even four years after its release, the community keeps the game alive through constant updates. The realistic gameplay and modding community make Pro Evolution Soccer 21 a notable entry in the realm of sports simulations.

5 F1 2020

A Great Racing Simulator

There are many excellent options when it comes to racing simulators, with Assetto Corsa and Automobilista 2 being the big names in the genre. However, F1 2020 by Codemasters stands out for its consistent simulation of the world's premier car competition. The game offers decent mechanics that satisfy racing enthusiasts, even if it doesn't match the hardcore simulation of other titles.

The official licenses and competition rules are well-implemented, providing an extra dose of realism. F1 2020 offers a refined and accessible racing simulation that appeals to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

4 FIFA 16

A Dose Of Nostalgia For Players

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC and Mobile
• Developers: EA Sports
• Released: September 8, 2015
• Genre: Sports

The latest entries in EA FC are not widely acclaimed among players, with complaints about gameplay and excessive game monetization. However, despite not being as polished in terms of features and quality of life as more modern games, FIFA 16 offers unique gameplay within the franchise. Besides having fluid gameplay closer to realism compared to more recent games, FIFA 16 also has a nostalgic factor that makes the experience more incredible.

Football fans might fondly remember the Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo duels during the peak of the Spanish El Clasicos or how difficult Robben was to mark. The fluid gameplay and memorable moments make FIFA 16 a cherished entry in the series, despite its age and some missing modern features.

3 ESPN NFL 2K5

A Grand Farewell Before Ea's Exclusivity

• Plataforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox
• Developers: Visual Concepts
• Released: June 20, 2004
• Genre: Sports

Though now better known for its basketball games, in the early 2000s, 2K also produced games in other sports genres, including football, through the Visual Concepts studio. Even though the game's release was over 20 years ago, many players still praise it for its realism.

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For its time, the experience, especially in Franchise mode, was comprehensive, allowing players to have significant control over what happened with the team throughout the season. The gameplay was fluid and fun, and to this day, an entire community of players strives to keep it alive through mods, with updated rosters and minor graphical improvements.

2 Out Of The Park Baseball 24

Baseball Total Control Off The Field

Out of the Park Baseball offers a team management experience without the need to control the players on the field. The complexity of baseball is captured remarkably, allowing players to make strategic and tactical decisions that directly influence team performance, similar to what is seen in Football Manager.

The game stands out for its depth in mechanics, from player development in the minor leagues to detailed statistical analysis. Decisions range from signings to training management, providing a rich and immersive baseball simulation. With realistic rules and dynamics, Out of the Park Baseball establishes itself as a reference in sports simulation games.

1 Football Manager 2024

Control The Team Off The Field

For many players, the appeal of soccer lies in controlling player movements on the field and choosing the best options for attack or defense during the match. However, Football Manager 2024 shows that it's possible to achieve high doses of realism in sports games without necessarily controlling the athletes.

Here, players take on the role of the team's manager, responsible for most off-field actions such as formation and tactical instruction, new signings, and even managing training. The game's database is also complex, with a vast number of leagues and players to explore, and rules that are practically identical to real life.

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