Ever dreamed of becoming an NFL Champ?
This may be an impossible dream for most of us, but the next best thing is gunning for glory in a football-themed video game where you can put your wits against the computer or friends.
There are many football games out there for you to choose from: the key is finding the best ones to play.
Join us as we explore five action-packed gaming options for you to check out when you get a spare hour or two.
1. Madden NFL 2024
Madden NFL 24 is a solid football game that consistently delivers a decent performance, much like your standard pro baller.
The gameplay has seen noticeable improvements. Player models look more realistic, tackles feel more impactful, and the AI involved has become more sophisticated. The running game is particularly satisfying, with improved offensive line play and more realistic animations.
However, the game just falls short of greatness thanks to a couple of downsides. Pass protection still has room for improvement, and the occasional glitches and inconsistencies can disrupt the flow of the game.
There are also few groundbreaking innovations that could truly elevate the franchise. The off-field modes and features feel somewhat stale, and Madden Ultimate Team continues its monetization, making it difficult for casual players to build competitive teams without spending real money.
That said, if you’re a dedicated Madden fan, you’ll likely find satisfaction in the on-field improvements, and like all Madden games, it’s definitely worth anyone’s time trying it out.
2. NFL 2K5
Time for a dip into the past now, or 20 years ago to be precise.
ESPN NFL 2K5 delivers a wondrous football experience, offering realistic gameplay, stunning graphics (for its time), and deep franchise mode.
This game was the one of the first of its kind to offer such enhanced gameplay, which made you feel like you were actually on the field. The player models are realistic, with detailed animations, and one of the first-ever in-depth Franchise Modes lets you really geek out on player development and team management.
ESPN NFL 2K5 really is an all-time classic that will keep you coming back for more, even two decades down the line.
3. NFL-themed slots
This may not be an obvious choice but with the ever-improving graphics of slot games, many gamers are enjoying them.
Quarterback Fields of Glory is an American Football-themed slot game complete with voice-overs from a real US sportscaster. It has football-related symbols on its reels which you can spin to land bonus features.
The downside to these games, however, is that they typically demand money for you to play them, which can lead to problems. To get round this, some websites now let you play a wide range of online casino games for free, so that you can enjoy their features without dipping into your pocket.
4. NFL Street 2
NFL Street 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor with more exciting mini-games, and a focus on fun over realism.
The game added improved controls and new tricks to the Streets repertoire, and it was the first time you could really try them out in different mini-game environments, including Crush the Carrier, 4-on-4, and Jump Ball Battle.
Then there were the customized options where you could create your own player and build your team, while it even had over-the-top features that made this game truly stand out.
NFL Street 2 may lack the depth of many modern games, but it excels as an arcade-style game. If you’re looking for a fun and fast-paced football experience, it’s a fantastic choice.
5. Tecmo Super Bowl
Tecmo Super Bowl is a legendary football game that has captured the hearts of gamers for decades.
It combines simple yet addictive gameplay with an iconic roster of NFL players and teams, so you get to make quick passes, strategic plays, and intense defensive battles with your favorite stars, including legends like Bo Jackson and Joe Montana.
The game’s strategic depth is also impressive, allowing you to outsmart your opponents with clever play calling and defensive maneuvers.
If you’re a fan of retro gaming or simply looking for something fun to pass an hour or two, then Tecmo Super Bowl is a great shout.
