Every video game enthusiast who also has a keen interest in sports has heard about FIFA, NHL or Madden NFL series – the undisputed kings in terms of revenue. But on the other hand, many of these gamers also are fed up with the package. The leaders of the market don’t change much in terms of gameplay, graphics or monetization. Think of the situation like this: even if you eat fancy cuisine, but the menu consists of the same couple of dishes every year, it can feel dreadfully dull with time.
It seems that some gamers are tired of the monotonous yearly releases and looking for the hidden gems, and although they aren’t an esports discipline and you can’t bet on them, these games are worth your time. Besides, as we said earlier, esports disciplines and monetized famous releases can lead to underaged gambling, and if you want to stay informed, read about safe gambling practices from professionals. Let’s jump to the games that don’t have microtransactions and are just pure fun.
When street sports meets the console
Imagine a football game where Ronaldo’s tap tricks meet breakdancing and you have “Urban Freestyle Soccer” from 2004. This game took football out of the stadium and into the backyards, where the rules were as flexible as a street acrobat’s spine. It was as if someone had given Red Bull to FIFA and sent it to a language school in Rio.
Golf with attitude
“Outlaw Golf” from 2002 proved that even the most level-headed sport could get a kick up the arse. With a composure system that made players as unstable as a golf ball in a storm, this game was for those who thought regular golf was as exciting as watching paint dry. Here, even the most Zen-like golf enthusiast could end up throwing the club further than the ball.
The cyclists’ answer to Dungeons & Dragons
The “Pro Cycling Manager” series is for those who think the Tour de France isn’t nerdy enough. With more numbers and statistics than there are doping tests in professional cycling, this game allows players to experience the thrill of planning a stage in detail – without the risk of saddle sores.
Table tennis: Not just for basement champions
Rockstar Games, known for their violent and controversial games, decided one day to make a game about… table tennis. 2006’s “Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis” was like someone had given Red Dead Redemption a ping pong bat. Suddenly, passing a little white ball back and forth across a net became as intense as a bank robbery in Grand Theft Auto.
Frisbee on steroids
If you’ve ever thought Frisbee was too casual, then “Windjammers” from 1994 has news for you. This arcade game took the peaceful beach activity and turned it into an intense combat sport. It was as if Captain America and Iron Man were competing to see who could throw their shield the hardest – only with more neon colours and less superhero spandex.
Why these games didn’t top the charts
So why don’t we see these games at the top of sales charts around the world? Well, sometimes genius just isn’t enough. Maybe the world wasn’t ready to see golf played with baseball bats, or maybe the marketing budget was as small as a ping pong ball.
These games were like the classic band that was “before their time” – only instead of playing in small, smoky clubs, they were played on dusty consoles in teenage bedrooms.
Influence on modern sports games
But fear not, the spirit of these games lives on. Just as a good athlete never really retires, the innovative ideas of these games have crept into modern titles. The arcade-like fun of “Freestyle Street Soccer” can be seen in “FIFA Street”, and the depth offered by “Football Manager” has inspired career modes in countless modern sports games.
Rediscovering the forgotten heroes
If you understand that you’re too tired from another “Top-10 best sports games” list, filled with well-known franchises, or when after one more disconnect in the first half of the match you were winning 3-0 you’ll decide to take a break just remember about these hidden gems. Maybe throwing frisbees or being a manager of a cycling team is what you were made for?
