Sports games are among the industry’s most popular genres, accounting for a massive percentage of sales and playtime year after year for many development studios. While graphics are not always the most important element when it comes to making a good game, the often yearly releases of certain sports franchises enable developers to always keep up to date withthe latest cutting-edge technologywhen it comes to graphical fidelity.
Whether it’s car racing or basketball, almost every mainstream sport has its own accompanying game series. In some cases, several franchisescompete at once to obtain official licensing. For fans, this presents a plethora of options, but some studios have gone the extra mile to ensure that each and every detail of their chosen sport is showcased to the fullest extent, in its full array of glamour and theater.
Although theFIFAseries (now rebranded asEA FC)may have the edge in terms of sales, thePESseries (noweFootball)has always held the bragging rights when it comes to graphical fidelity.eFootball 2023continues this trend for another year. Because the series doesn’t have the same licensing coverage that EA is able to afford, many teams and stadiums are given alternate placeholder names. However, the visual quality and the gameplay itself are noticeably superior, and enables fans of the sport to become fully immersed in their own soccer story.
With realistic player models, ball physics, and weather effects, it’s not hard to see why so many players are making the switch fromFIFAto Konami’s soccer franchise. Though some of the player animations are not quite as fluid, andthe game generally still leaves a little to be desired,eFootballis heading in all the right directions to one day surpassEA FCas the number one soccer video game on the market.
TheNBA 2Kseries managed to successfully oust EA from the basketball video game genre, but unfortunately, this has led to something ofa stagnation in terms of gameplayimprovement in the last few installments. Nonetheless,2Kled the market for several years in terms of graphical fidelity, initially boasting a considerably better-looking game than any of their competitors for several years in a row.
WhileNBA 2K24offers no dramatic graphical improvements upon its predecessor, it is still a very good-looking game. The title features accurate player models, cloth physics, and realistic court surface reflections, all of which help to createa very immersive experiencefor players.
Ubisoft’sSteepfirst made waves in 2016 when it was released as a unique concept of an open-world extreme sports game. Players canski, snowboard, basejump, and paraglidetheir way around several vast open maps, competing in races and challenges at different locations throughout the world. Several expansions, including X Games and Winter Olympics DLC, help to make the game feel authentic. But for the more casual players, there is still plenty of fun and silliness to be had.
The game offers significantly more content than other snowsport games, and the competitive multiplayer interactions ensure that the game has an active community with an extra incentive to unlock cool gear. Following the success ofSteep, Ubisoft then went on to developRiders Republic,which pivots the focus to BMX and mountain biking.
EA’sNHLseries has always been anexcellent showcase for their graphical capabilitiesin a sporting setting. Whether it’s the crisp reflection and real-time skate-marks left on the ice, or simply the theatrics and broadcasting of a hockey event, theNHLseries nails the atmosphere. The game captures ice hockey’s most prestigious league from the grand details right down to the miniscule. The game features all the official teams and rosters of the 23-24 season, and gamers can even create their own player to step into the game themselves.
From massive hits into the wall down to technical puck placement,NHL 24players have plenty of skills to master and are sure to enjoy the spectacle as they do so. It’s worth noting that the gameplay has lacked innovation for several installments now, instead opting for aFIFA-style card system with special abilities and Ultimate Team game modes. However, it never misses a beat when it comes to keeping up with graphical quality.
EA’sF1series tooka number of steps forwardin its 2023 entry, including improved graphics that help showcase the cars and tracks in their full glory. As the official licensed game, theF1series features all the authentic teams with accurate liveries and life-like renditions of every circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. In addition to the popular Career Mode, the game features a range of scenarios and a story mode titled “Braking Point.”
F1 23has full VR support, enabling players to become more immersed than ever before inthe cockpit of a racing car. A range of weather effects and racing incidents keep the game dynamic and versatile, with red flags and interactive pit stops finally being reintroduced to the series again.
