The summer of 2024 was a memorable and special time for sports, with the return of the European Championships in Germany and the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Followers also enjoyed championship boxing, MMA, the Wimbledon Championships, and other popular favorites. We may be speeding towards the end of summer and into fall, but there's still plenty going on. Fans can look ahead to the upcoming English Premier League campaign and the return of the National Football League.
The end of summer is a
critical time for sports bettors who know good work done now could enhance
their chances of making a profit at the end of the season. Gamblers study the
stats, research the latest transfers, listen to interviews, and check the
latest odds available at major sportsbooks, including MyBookie.
Find the teams and
players you wish to support this season, register at leading sportsbooks to
secure the welcome bonus, and wager on the results. You can play from the
comfort of your home or on the move using a modern smartphone betting app.
Get in the mood
After making
predictions, you must play the waiting game with the NFL 2024 regular season
beginning on Friday, 6th September, when the Baltimore Ravens play the Kansas
City Chiefs. You can follow the pick of week one live on television and the
best live-streaming apps. It promises to be an electric and unpredictable
weekend filled with drama and surprise results.
While awaiting the
return of live football and soccer, you may wish to set the scene and get in
the mood by gaming. There are countless sports-themed console and PC games
available today, allowing players to get closer to the action with a starring
role. But which game is best? There's no clear answer to that question, and
it's a matter of personal preference. Our team wanted to help readers find the
best sports games ahead of the new season and list our favorites on this page.
We've chosen a good mix
of modern games and what's now referred to as retro classics, although that may
make some readers feel a little old, as these titles are classics. Sit back,
read our article, pick your favorite, and prepare to reconnect with some great titles.
FIFA Series
The FIFA series by EA
Sports is arguably the most successful sports video game franchise in history.
Released annually, FIFA has dominated the market for soccer (football) games
for decades, with each installment selling millions of copies worldwide. The
best-selling title in the series, FIFA 18, stands out for several
reasons.
FIFA games are renowned
for their authenticity. They offer licenses for hundreds of teams, leagues, and
players worldwide. This realism, combined with the ability to play with or
against some of the most famous names in soccer, draws fans year after year.
With each iteration, EA
Sports has refined the gameplay, improving mechanics, graphics, and AI to
create a more immersive experience. FIFA 18 introduced new features like
"Real Player Motion Technology," enhancing the fluidity of player
movements.
Soccer is the most
popular sport globally, and FIFA's extensive reach mirrors that popularity. The
game attracts players from all corners of the world, making it a staple in
households far beyond traditional gaming demographics.
Madden NFL Series
The Madden NFL series,
also by EA Sports, is the premier American football video game franchise,
synonymous with the sport itself. Madden NFL 2009 is one of the most
successful installments, contributing to the series' legacy as a cornerstone of
sports gaming.
Madden NFL games are
praised for their realistic portrayal of American football, including complex
playbooks, strategic depth, and accurate player stats. Madden NFL 2009
introduced the "Madden IQ" feature, which adjusted the game's
difficulty based on the player's skill level, making it accessible to newcomers
and challenging for veterans.
The Madden series has
been around since 1988, building a loyal fanbase over the decades. The
consistency in quality and annual updates keep fans returning year after year.
Madden NFL has had a
significant cultural impact in the United States, to the point where being
featured on the cover of a Madden game is considered a high honor (despite the
so-called "Madden Curse"). The game has influenced football culture,
with players, coaches, and even NFL teams referencing it in real-life
scenarios.
Wii Sports
While many sports games
focus on realism and simulation, Wii Sports took a different approach,
offering a fun, accessible, and highly interactive experience. Released in 2006
as a launch title for the Nintendo Wii, the game has sold over 82 million
copies, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Wii Sports leveraged the Wii's motion-sensing controllers, allowing
players to physically mimic actions like swinging a tennis racket or bowling a
ball. This innovation made the game incredibly engaging and fun for all ages.
The simplicity and
accessibility of Wii Sports made it a hit with a wide audience, from
hardcore gamers to casual players and even non-gamers. It became a go-to party
game and was particularly popular among families.
Wii Sports was bundled with the Nintendo Wii console in many regions,
significantly boosting its sales. However, its popularity wasn't just due to
bundling—it was a game that defined the Wii experience.
NBA 2K Series
The NBA 2K series is the
leading basketball simulation game, offering an unparalleled basketball
experience. NBA 2K20 stands as the best-selling title in the franchise,
combining realistic gameplay with deep modes and features.
NBA 2K games are known
for their realistic portrayal of basketball, with accurate player models,
physics, and in-depth strategy. NBA 2K20 refined the gameplay with
improved AI and new animations, making the on-court action more lifelike than
ever.
The MyCareer mode, where
players create and develop their own basketball players, has been a significant
draw. NBA 2K20 expanded this mode with a cinematic storyline voiced by
famous actors and added depth to the player's journey from rookie to superstar.
NBA 2 K's online modes,
particularly MyTeam and The Neighborhood, offer a persistent, competitive
environment where players can build teams, compete in tournaments, and interact
with others, adding to the game's replay value.
