It’s a bit odd that I’m writing this review, but I guess that’s just because I’ve listened to Joe go on about how terrible modern football games are for the umpteenth time. He does have a point, though – they’re bloated with unnecessary features and complex control systems that don’t really add to the overall experience. But at the same time, I think he forgets that there’s been a lot of improvement since then. So…
Yes. So, there’s a lot Tim needs to stop yelling about how Madden was always overrated (we get it, buddy!), and instead look at what Visual Concepts did with NFL 2K. There’s no way this is just nostalgia; this is about a game that laid out what sports sim games could be when you’re not bound by an annual franchise obligation or the fear of messing with established designs. NFL 2K came out on Sept.…
Joe here, and I’m prepared to start another argument with my team: NBA Jam is the best arcade basketball game ever made, and the best sports game, bar none. I know Tim’s gonna try to throw some FIFA nonsense at me, while Sam tosses out some frame data about how Street Fighter is the better competitive experience. But NBA Jam took what every simulation-focused sports game was aspiring to do in 1993 and said “screw…
A few things before the regulars begin debating whose game showcased the N64 hardware best. Sure, Super Mario 64 was a groundbreaking 3D platformer, and Pilotwings 64 was a technical marvel, but Wave Race 64 accomplished something that is still mind-blowing to this day – it made water feel like water. While we were all distracted by Mario’s stretched-out face on the title screen, Nintendo EAD was quietly delivering the most convincing water simulation in…
OK, fair warning, I’m going to sort of step off the Amiga soapbox for a second to defend a game that actually worked on crap. “Listen to this guy whining, why not stick to bloody Sensible Soccer and leave the console reviews to guys that understand them, eh?!” Well, here’s the deal. I grew up in the age of computer gaming then watched the slow slide into console dominance, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2…
Marcus here. While the rest of the crew argues about whether FIFA 98 or FIFA 99 was the peak of EA’s early PlayStation efforts, I’m over here marvelling at the engineering achievement that was ISS Pro Evolution. Released on May 11, 1999 (Brainly Infogalactic) in Europe, this was the game that made Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo (Brainly Infogalactic) a genuine threat to EA’s football dominance. Before PES became a household name, before Winning Eleven conquered…
Look, if you grew up in the early 90s and owned an Amiga or Genesis, you already know why Speedball 2 matters. It’s one of those games that absolutely everybody had an opinion on, whether they loved the brutal future sports concept or thought it was too violent for its own good. Tim keeps insisting modern Rocket League captures the same energy, but he’s missing the point entirely. Speedball 2 wasn’t just about futuristic sports,…
Elena here, and I need to tell you about something most gaming historians completely overlook when discussing Sega’s final console. Everyone fixates on Shenmue’s ambition or Jet Set Radio’s style, but they miss what actually demonstrated the Dreamcast’s arcade-perfect philosophy: Virtua Tennis. This wasn’t just another sports game thrown onto a console. This was Sega proving they could translate arcade precision into home gaming without compromise, creating what remains the most satisfying tennis experience ever…
Right, I’ll tell you straight up why Mario Kart 64 is the best kart racer ever made, and it’s got nothing to do with nostalgia. I’ve been running these cabinets for years, watched thousands of people play it, and the thing still draws crowds like nothing else. David here, and while the lads argue constantly about which Mario Kart deserves the crown, I’m settling this once and for all. Released in Japan on December 14,…
Elena here, and I need to address something that’s been bothering me for years. When people discuss racing game history, they focus on arcade racers or PC sims, completely ignoring how Gran Turismo 2 fundamentally changed what console racing could be. This wasn’t just another sequel, it was the moment PlayStation proved it could deliver serious automotive simulation alongside its flashier exclusives. Released in Japan on December 11, 1999 (MobyGames), followed by North America on…