A huge summer of soccer continues with some mouth-watering competitions and fixtures on the horizon. The action began last month with the opening ceremony of Euro 2024. Europe’s 24 best teams arrived in Germany with high hopes of being crowned the best in the continent, joining big-name previous champions, including Spain, France, Portugal, and the host nation. The Spanish eliminated Germany at the quarter-final stage, but the show must go on.
Sunday heralds the final of Euro 2024 and you can predict the champion at leading online sportsbook BetNow. They offer generous odds on the outright champion as well as a long list of exciting specials. Call the winner or play the handicap, both teams to score, first goalscorer, half-time/full-time, and other favorites. Study the stats, find the best odds, and uncover a betting bonus to mark the occasion. Bet smart, and you could use your soccer knowledge to make a profit.
When the Euro 2024 action ends in Germany, soccer enthusiasts switch their attention to France for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The world’s most talented players will be in the French capital, aiming to fire their nation to a gold medal. And then, when the action ends in France and a champion is announced, players, coaches, and fans have a quick turnaround before the 2024/25 English Premier League season.
You can watch all the action from Germany, France, and England on television or the best live-streaming apps. Following the festival of soccer inspired us to get closer to the action, remembering some of the greatest soccer console titles. With that in mind, we take a break from watching soccer to publish our list of the five best soccer console games. Some of these titles are older than others, while some may even be considered retro. But they’re all classics and are guaranteed to help build excitement ahead of the next game live on TV.
FIFA 18
We’ll start at the top and go right in with our favorite soccer title available to console gamers. It’s the one we loved playing, and we’re confident you’ll enjoy it, even if you didn’t get the chance the first time around.
FIFA 18 is one of the most successful entries in the FIFA series, partly due to its comprehensive and immersive gameplay experience. It introduced significant improvements powered by the Frostbite engine, which enhanced the game’s graphics and animations, providing a more realistic and engaging experience. The cover star for FIFA 18 was Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most famous soccer players globally, which also helped boost the game’s popularity.
FIFA 18’s success can be attributed to its balance of depth and accessibility, catering to both casual gamers and hardcore soccer fans. Its realistic gameplay, coupled with the continued evolution of Ultimate Team, made it a must-have for soccer enthusiasts.
FIFA 21
FIFA 21 continued the franchise’s legacy of offering a comprehensive soccer simulation experience. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the game provided an important source of entertainment for millions of fans worldwide. It featured Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé as the cover athlete, highlighting the game’s focus on young, dynamic talent.
FIFA 21’s robust feature set and timely release during global lockdowns contributed significantly to its sales. The improvements in Career Mode and Ultimate Team were particularly well-received, maintaining the game’s position as a leader in sports simulation.
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
Pro Evolution Soccer 6, also known as PES 6, is often hailed as one of the best entries in the Pro Evolution Soccer series. It was lauded for its smooth and realistic gameplay, providing a stark contrast to the more arcade-like feel of its competitors at the time. The game featured iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry, further boosting its appeal.
PES 6’s realistic gameplay and deep Master League mode earned it a dedicated fanbase. Its success demonstrated that there was a strong market for a more simulation-focused soccer game, challenging FIFA’s dominance.
FIFA 17
FIFA 17 marked a significant turning point for the FIFA series, being the first to use the Frostbite engine, which greatly enhanced the game’s visuals and gameplay. The cover featured Marco Reus, a popular German footballer. FIFA 17 also introduced “The Journey,” a story mode that added a narrative depth previously unseen in soccer games.
The introduction of “The Journey” was a game-changer, adding an emotional and narrative layer to the game. Combined with the graphical improvements brought by the Frostbite engine, FIFA 17 set a new benchmark for soccer video games.
FIFA 19
FIFA 19 continued to build on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing new features and improvements. The game featured Cristiano Ronaldo on the cover. It was the first in the series to include the UEFA Champions League, adding a significant draw for fans of European club football.
The inclusion of the UEFA Champions League was a major selling point, fulfilling a long-standing demand from fans. FIFA 19’s refined gameplay mechanics, and new features ensured it remained at the forefront of soccer video games.
It’s your move
Many of the soccer console games mentioned in this article are available to purchase today. Some are even available to play online, giving gamers a chance to relive the glory days or try a game for the first time. A few of the titles will look and feel old by today’s standards and may not impress younger players.
It would be unfair to judge FIFA 18 alongside today’s games. These titles helped change the game and create a path for all future soccer console releases. We advise giving them a try and enjoying the games for what they are: a little piece of history.
A basic internet search should reveal the most affordable sites to purchase these games or a platform that allows gamers to stream the likes of FIFA 18 and Pro Evolution Soccer 6. Give it a try today and enjoy some of the best and most famous soccer titles. They’ll help you run down the clock until your favorite team is back in action or build excitement ahead of the next fixture.