Football sims represent one of the least competitive sectors. Primarily due to FIFA and PES dominating the league. But that hasn’t stopped attempts over the years to knock them out of the Premier League of pro football games. Let’s look at the top 6 challengers.
#1 Sensible Soccer
Launched in 1992, Sensible Soccer was FIFAs sensible grandma. In the 90’s the birds eye view and innovative gameplay shot it to the top of the football gamers Christmas list. Sensible Soccer revolutionised the game with playing and manager mode, versatility across systems and its sequel- the World of Sensible Soccer. Despite the offering of 1500 teams and 27,000 players, Sensible Soccer was relegated to bench position by the year 2000 and never got ranked back up.
#2 Actua Soccer
In 1995, Actua Soccer blew through with its 3D motion capture game, using mapped movements of Premiership players to provide an immersive gaming experience not seen before. It became a best seller in the UK and it was hoped the release of Actua Soccer 3 would keep it there. Unfortunately, Actua Soccer fell victim to FIFAs popularity and gamers dislike of the one in-game track- “Let me Entertain You” by Robbie Williams.
#3 David Beckham Soccer
Rage Software Limited teamed up with a 26-year-old David Beckham to bring to life a game to satisfy the Beckham following. With his motion-captured kicks, a Train With Beckham mode and a bright eyed Beckham on the cover, DB Soccer was pure fan fodder. Even 200 international and domestic teams couldn’t save Beckham. The lack of AI and game music spelled the end before it have even begun.
#4 Super Mario Strikers
Who would’ve thought that the Mario Bros gang could compete with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo?! Well, in 2005 that’s exactly what they tried to do. Super Mario Strikers brought the Nintendo characters to the pitch in an exciting game, with no referee and less stringent rules on contact. While it was never a true rival and had a real money pokies feel, it offered a light-hearted alternative for football game and Nintendo fans globally.
#5 ISS Pro Evolution 2
Pro Evo is the only game that has ever represented any real challenge to FIFA. ISS Pro Evolution 2 was the 4th game of the ISS Pro series and created the building blocks for the game you see today. Pro Evo 2 featured the legendary Master League, along with big teams and household names. Since Konami launched as PES, it has been a battle between them and FIFA to achieve the perfect football sim.
#6 Red Card 2003
Red Card 2003 took a different approach. Instead of focussing on clever tactics, they focussed instead on the dirtiest tactics that could get you sent off. Most of the rules of the game were the same, but players could also challenge the opposition with questionable moves that would make it even the roughest players shake their heads in disapproval. Despite its attempts at competition with FIFA through some flouting of the rules, Red Card was never able to take FIFA out of the running.
#7 New Star Soccer
Officially released in 2012, New Soccer Star allows you to choose a player, get him signed, take part in extra curricular activities such as shopping and extra training, to level up, make more money and become famous. This game has actually been around for about 12 years, but only gained recognition in 2012. Despite being free to download, the old school pixelated style and limit of 5 game plays per day has seen it fade into the distance.
#8 International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
Incorrectly assumed to be the precursor to ISS Pro and PES, ISS Deluxe was actually produced by Konami Osaka not Konami Tokyo. Released in 1995 with 16 different formations, 8 strategies, 36 national sides, ISS Deluxe represents a good effort. Due to a lack of official licensing, all players have fictitious names, goalie controls are difficult and lagging graphics present challenges to keeping up with the ball. All of this puts ISS Deluxe on the sidelines when compared to FIFA.
#9 LMA Manager
LMA Manager by Codemasters, was released 3 years before Football Manager. It featured a 3D match engine, post-match analysis by Alan Hansen, the ability to save your team to a memory card and shout orders from the side lines. Unfortunately, Football Manager blew it out of the water. And given the focus on team management and not play, it was never a real challenger to FIFA.
Let the battle continue…
Into 2022 and beyond! The release date of FIFA 23 has already been announced. Now we wait for PES…