The 10 best sports games to play during coronavirus shutdown
The coronavirus has knocked out just about all organised sport, but there are plenty of realistic sports games out there to keep us busy. Here’s 10 of the best.
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The coronavirus has knocked out just about all organised sport, leaving fans little to play or watch for the next few months.
Thankfully, there are plenty of realistic sports games out there to keep us busy.
Here’s 10 of the best.
FIFA 20
The standard-bearer when it comes to football games, any version of FIFA will provide plenty of hours of entertainment.
From story mode The Journey, to career modes and tournaments, there’s plenty to keep you busy in a single player environment.
The best aspect is taking it online and playing with and against mates in short seasons, ticking some social boxes while also quenching some competitive thirst.
FIFA gets the nod over Pro Evolution Soccer, but they’re both quality football games.
NHL 20
EA’s suite of games will get plenty of airtime given they create arguably the world’s best sports games.
NHL 20 is the latest in the ice hockey series, and the mechanics keep getting better.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new game - there’s not much ice hockey in Far North Queensland, let’s be real - gaming is near-on the best way.
Play by yourself locally or fire up some online contests.
MADDEN 20
The leading NFL game in the world, Madden’s history is just about unparalleled when it comes to sports games.
It’s revolutionised broadcasting and taught plenty of people about the game.
Similar to NHL - if you want to learn more about NFL and gridiron, fire up the console and bash out a few hours in the game.
Play by yourself locally or fire up some online contests.
NBA 2K20
The world’s leading basketball game, NBA 2K20 provides plenty of hours of entertainment.
Play through the story mode, My Career, with your own created player or take control of a franchise and build them into a dominant superteam who is always playing for a championship.
Take it online and prove to your mates you’re the best and settle arguments by taking control of all-time teams made up of basketball’s most famous names.
RUGBY LEAGUE LIVE 4
The latest in a run of rugby league games, this will whet the appetite for the new season.
Play through the NRL, run your team and try to create or recruit the superteam you’ve always dreamt of - as long as it’s under the cap.
You can knock over some state league competitions, England’s Super League and of course, bury those Blues in your own State of Origin series.
It’s not quite EA standard, but it’s the best opportunity we’ve got to take the field for a game of rugby league.
AFL EVOLUTION 2
The newest game on the list, the latest foray into the AFL could put you on course to win the flag.
Play through the grades or just take control of your favourite AFL team and take them to glory as we await the return of the real thing.
Again, it’s not quite EA-standard but it’s entertaining and can keep you occupied for hours.
FORMULA 1 2019
The first race of the new season was spectacularly abandoned at the 11th hour with fans ready to stream into Albert Park.
But there’s no coronavirus to worry about when you take control of Lewis Hamilton and drive your way to another championship.
The latest in the Formula One series, master the world’s best tracks in some of the most powerful cars on the planet or play through a career, starting at lower-end constructors and racing your way to the top.
MLB THE SHOW 20
The World Series is one of the most difficult titles to win in world sport and The Show puts you right on the mound or batter’s box to do so.
An in-depth career mode starts you out at the lowest rung and you’re forced to play and develop your way through the grades on your way to the MVP - if your player is good enough.
Alternatively, take control of your favourite team, build a championship winning roster from scratch or through slick roster moves and take them to the Fall Classic.
It’s one of the best sports games on the market - and exclusive to PS4.
UFC 3
Conor McGregor graces the cover of EA’s most recent entry to the UFC franchise.
Released in 2018, UFC 3 puts you in control of the largest rosters in EA Sports UFC games history with 234 fighters from 10 weight classes to choose from.
Pick your fighting style - knockout artist or submissions specialist - and manage your fatigue as you fight your way through the rankings.
EA has plenty of boxing titles in the back catalogue if you prefer the sport.
CRICKET 19
There’s a few more cricket titles on the market nowadays and thankfully they all play similarly.
Start your career at a local club and play your way through the competitions to eventually earn a spot in the Sheffield Shield or a national team.
Take on a World Cup, Ashes Series - or any Test match and see if you can roll the best.
Originally published as The 10 best sports games to play during coronavirus shutdown