When it comes to soccer games, EA Sport's FIFA releases have dominatedthe market for years. The series currently holds a Guinness world record for being the best-selling sports video game franchise ever. EA Sports have also tried their hand at similar titles, including FIFA Street and 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
FIFA 23 was released just months ago, but because EA and FIFA's contract has come to an end, the latest title is set to be the final game in the series. However, there have been other game developers that have challenged the industry leader. FIFA 23 is likely to remain one of the most popular sports titles for awhile, but there are other alternatives for soccer fans while they wait for its successor, EA Sports FC.
10 Pro Evolution Soccer/eFootball Is FIFA's Main Competitor
The first game in the Pro Evolution Soccer series came out in 2001. Since then, the soccer franchise has maintained a steady stream of releases, and most fans consider it to be FIFA's main competitor. In recent years, Konami rebranded the soccer franchise to adapt to the changes in the market.
The series is now called eFootball and is a free-to-play title. Season 2 was made available in November 2022, and the game currently has three main modes: Trial Match, Event, and Dream Team. While it's still in its early days, and the title is somewhat finding its feet, there are high expectations for the game going forward.
9 Rocket League Is An Addictive Gaming Experience
Rocket League was developed by Psyonix and has been around for over six years. Instead of humans, each player operates a car fitted with rockets. The most popular game mode is 3v3, and each team member must tactically defend and attack at the right moment. There are no different kick types, such as pass, lob, or shoot, but combining double jumps with speed can result in some accurate touches.
The cars themselves cannot be upgraded, nor do they have any stat-changing customization options, but gamers can change their vehicle's appearance and player anthem, which makes scoring goals all the more fun. While the concept is simple, the free-to-play title is an addictive game.
8 World Championship Soccer Was An Early Title On The Sega Genesis
World Championship Soccer was one of the first titles to be released on the Sega Genesis. At the time, the console was popular around the world, and consequently, the title became a global hit. Young soccer fans racked up hours of playtime, and the game created nostalgic memories for many.
World Championship Soccer is referred to as Sega Soccer in Europe. The game lets players choose from a range of national teams, and two players can compete against each other locally. Gamers view the match from directly above and which makes the soccer experience 2D. Although it doesn't live up to today's standards, it's considered by many to be the best soccer game of its time.
7 Football Manager Has Many In-Depth Features
Sports Interactive has been developing soccer management simulation games for decades. The series' original titles went by the name Championship Manager, and in 2005, the first Football Manager game hit the shelves. The releases are adored by soccer fans and those who enjoy simulation games.
Rather than controlling the athletes, Football Manager titles famously allow gamers to manage the club with in-depth features. From buying and selling players to managing sponsorships, the gameplay goes far beyond FIFA's career mode as a manager. There's also a popular mobile version, Football Manager Handheld, for soccer fans on the go.
6 World Soccer League Is Recommended By Many Fans
World Soccer League is available for Android and iOS, and it's one of a few games that allow gamers to control soccer athletes with accuracy. Players can dribble through defenders using the touchscreen joystick and watch their shots back with the replay feature.
World Soccer League has three modes: Exhibition, Cup League, and Training. It has decent graphics, all the controls players need, and more than 2,000 players. The game currently has more than one billion downloads on the Google Play store, and many users highly recommend it.
5 Mario Strikers: Battle League Features Classic Mario Items
The iconic characters from the Super Mario franchise have been featured in more than one soccer game. The latest is Mario Strikers: Battle League, which came out in 2022 for the Nintendo Switch. Like its predecessors, the game abandons the normal rules of soccer and incorporates typical Nintendo-like traits.
Players can use classic Mario items, such as banana peels and turtles, and tackle opponents with brute force. Each stadium and character can be customized, and their gear will have an effect on the athlete's speed, strength, or technique. They also have their own unique hyper strike, or finishing shot, which, when scored, grants the team 2 goals. It's not quite soccer as fans know it, but the Mario sports game is a fantastic alternative for Nintendo Switch gamers.
4 Nintendo Switch Sports - Soccer Is An Enjoyable Alternative To FIFA
On Nintendo Switch Sports, one of the options is football. The gaming experience is described as a Rocket League replica without the cars. Instead, gamers can play with their chosen Mii. Rather than boosting around the enclosed pitch, each player has a stamina bar to exert energy when necessary. The motion sensory allows gamers to accurately hit the ball and kick it in almost any direction.
The Nintendo Switch may not rock the industry as much as Wii Sports did with its unique controller, but it's definitely a fresher update with better gameplay. Although the game has received a mixed reception thus far, most people find the soccer side of things to be fun, especially the diving header. While it's not as elaborate as titles in the FIFA series, Nintendo Switch Sports is the best Nintendo soccer game and isn't too difficult to grasp.
3 Soccer Manager Is A Club Management Game In Your Pocket
The free-to-play mobile game Soccer Manager has attracted new players year-on-year. The series is known as a cheaper alternative to other soccer simulation titles, and so far, each game has been better than its predecessor. Soccer Manager 2023 features stunning graphics, an effective transfer market, and thousands of famous FIFPRO-licensed players.
Gamers can create their own club and develop their stadium and facilities. The release allows gamers to manage players at the training ground and on the pitch, and managers in the making can analyze their team's performance with accurate statistics. It's been described as "a club in your pocket" and gives soccer fans complete control over all of the important decisions.
2 Virtua Striker 4 Was Ahead Of Its Time
Virtua Striker 4 is the final title to be released in the soccer game series. It came out in 2004 as an arcade game, with an updated version released two years later. The game became very popular, especially in Japan, and was ahead of its time in some ways.
Unlike earlier soccer titles, Virtua Striker 4 has a side view of the field, so gamers have more vision and can plan their attacks using nearby players. The fluid gameplay makes it one of the most successful sports arcade games published by Sega.
1 Dream League Soccer Has Impressive Gameplay
Dream League Soccer is a mobile game with impressive gameplay. The series has been around since 2011, and it was originally known as Football Touch Soccer. The fun and competitive game has multiplayer and offline modes and allows players to build their dream team with an abundance of real players to choose from.
Gamers can improve their stadium and training and medical facilities and customize their team's characters, kits, and logos. It's not FIFA, but Dream League Soccer has been described as one of the closest soccer games to reality on iOS and Android.