As a sports video game fan, I will try nearly any sports game, and I usually like what I see. I have played many sports video games on various consoles and mobile devices. Granted, I have not yet tried the newest edition of every series, but I plan to. Here are my five favorite sports video games from 2011- 2012.
# 5 — Madden NFL 13 for Xbox
Madden NFL 13 came out on August 27, 2012. The Xbox 360 version is the best football game I have ever played. In addition to incredible graphics, sounds, and announcing, Madden NFL 13 has the look and feel of a real football game. I like the choice of controlling the plays myself or letting the computer do so while I learn them. When I first played it, my wife walked in and asked what game I was watching and could not believe I was playing a video game. The Xbox 360 version currently sells for $59.99.
#4 — Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 for iPad
With most golf games, I can drive well but have trouble with approaches; I am also a terrible putter. That changes with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12. The shot and putting controls are much easier, but the courses are still very challenging. I can play as Tiger or a number of other pros (male and female), but I created my own golfer so I could build a career from scratch and work my way up to the professional ranks. The latest update came out on November 10, 2012, and costs only $0.99.
#3 — NASCAR The Game 2011 for Wii
NASCAR The Game 2011 came out on May 23, 2011. I recommend the Wii version on a large-screen television with stereo or surround sound for maximum effect. I use the Wii’s steering wheel accessory and actual driver’s view for the most realistic feel. I can race as one of many NASCAR pros or create a racer and begin a career from scratch. A full season uses all 23 NASCAR tracks and 36 races. My son likes practice mode so he can crash the cars and see how much damage he can do. NASCAR The Game 11 is currently available for under $30 at many stores.
#2 – NBA 2K 12 for Wii
NBA 2K12 came out on October 3, 2011. My son and I still play it today even though we have tried the 2013 edition. NBA 2K12 lets us play as any current NBA team and some of the greatest teams from the past. The overheard camera shots look very close to an actual NBA broadcast, and the close-ups show the players’ detailed facial expressions of joy over a great shot or the disbelief in the official’s blown calls. My son created a superstar team that rivals the best in the NBA. He made himself a Hall-of-Fame caliber player and has beaten Michael Jordan 1-on-1 street style. The 2012 Wii edition currently sells for under $20 in many venues.
#1 — MLB 11 The Show for PlayStation
MLB 11 The Show made its debut on March 7, 2011. I like this game even more than the 2012 edition. MLB 11 The Show has the most incredible graphics that I have seen in a video game. The players move very fluently, and the announcing is as realistic as it gets. I once played it on one television while watching a real game on another. I left my chair, and when I came back, I honestly forgot which television had which game on. MLB 11 The Show is currently available for under $20 at many stores. I will keep playing the 2011 edition, but I will jump at my first opportunity to play MLB 13 The Show.
I truly love sports video games. As new editions become available, prices for previous editions will continue to decrease. I find this a great way to test a series. I will continue to play these five games, and I look forward to the newer editions as they become available.
More from this contributor:
FIFA Soccer 13 for Wii — Very Good Soccer: A Sports Video Game Review
NFL Pro 2013 for IPad — Good Mobile Football but Limited: A Sports Video Game Review
Summer Stars 2012 for Wii — Bronze Medal at Best: A Sports Video Game Review
9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2013 — Acceptable but Not My Favorite: A Sports Video Game Review
Big Win Hockey for IPad — Patience Let the Game Grow on Me: A Sports Video Game Review
