With the lack of live sports on our TV, people are turning to console games to get their fix of friendly sporting competition (and on the odd occasions, not so friendly).
From beginners up to pro level, the number of people playing sports games online has risen astronomically worldwide since we’ve been cooped up inside. Even our favourite sports stars have turned to playing on their consoles to fill the time.
We’ve rounded up the best sports games available across the three biggest console platforms – PS4, Xbox and PC.
All the games mentioned are also available to download online so there’s need to leave your house to purchase the game. Thank goodness for technology, right?
FIFA 20
If you’re a long-time football game fan, you probably remember the big decision of jumping ship from Pro Evolution Soccer to FIFA – and most likely haven’t looked back since. Although it seems Pro Evo is starting to turn more heads back, FIFA 20 still ranks ahead of its closest competitor.
In the latest version, favourite modes from earlier editions have returned, such as Pro Clubs and Career Mode and of course, Ultimate Team – which certain members of the Time Out team have admittedly invested too much time and money into.
New to this year’s game is Volta (which thanks to Google, we now know means ‘return’ in Portuguese), as FIFA 20 brings back a similar version to FIFA Street. It’s personally not our cup of tea, but that’s probably because we’re not down with the kids, innit?
Available on PS4, Xbox and PC.
F1 2019
Unlike taking part in a football game, the closest many of us will come to an F1 car is either watching the Formula One in Abu Dhabi or go-karting in Dubai’s Motor City (albeit 200km/h slower). Alternatively, you could give F1 2019 a go and see how you get on with all 21 official circuits on the F1 season.
If you’ve had a chance to play any of the other 10 games in the franchise, we’re sure you’ll notice the vast improvement in gameplay and overall much needed drama added to the F1 season mode. And don’t take our word for it – have a look at the ratings and awards it’s won over the past 12 months since its release.
If you’re an F1 fan, you can also watch some of your favourite racers battle it out online in the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series including drivers Lando Norris and Esteban Gutierrez, as well as special guests such as Sir Chris Hoy and golf star Ian Poulter – which is a perfect segue into the next game on our list.
Available on PS4, Xbox and PC.
The Golf Club 2019 featuring the PGA TOUR
In our eyes, the OG of golf games is, and always will be Tiger Woods PGA Tour. But since Tiger’s few public hiccups over the past 10 years, the changing of the series name to Rory McIlroy PGA Tour, and EA dropping the game all together, no game has lived up to our expectations since.
That being said, The Golf Club 2019 is a good enough substitute with better graphics and gameplay than its predecessors.
The Golf Club 2019 is a sequel to the highly rated The Golf Club 2, but with improved career mode, gamrplay and online options. The biggest plus in our eyes however is the PGA licensing, which allows you to play on some of the most famous courses around the world, such as TPC Boston and TPC Sawgrass. Give it a go and let us know how you get on with the dreaded 17th hole.
Available on PS4, Xbox and PC.
Madden 20
It’s safe to say, we don’t know much about American Football, from the rules to who won the 2020 Super Bowl (it was the Kansas City Chiefs if you were interested).
But everything that we have learnt about the popular American sport has come from playing earlier versions of Madden – from audibles to touchdowns, we have this game to thank.
Madden is the only American Football game that’s fully licensed and this year’s gameplay is slightly quicker, which was one of the main complaints from earlier editions. Other areas of improvement in the 2020 version include the updated story mode, control tweaks and new superstar player options.
Available on PS4, Xbox and PC.
AO Tennis 2
In homage to Wimbledon being cancelled this year, we thought it was only fair to include a tennis game in our round-up and we were quick to learn that there haven’t been that many releases over the past few years. Fortunately towards the beginning of 2020, the second instalment of Australia Open (AO) Tennis was released.
Although the game isn’t licensed to play on the centre court at Wimbledon, it does has plenty of other fun options for you to try.
We were particularly impressed with was the “create your own players” option, logos and stadium tools and share with the wider AO Tennis audience.
What they lack in licensed players and stadiums is made up in this department, with other players recreating replicas of your favourite tennis stars like Roger Federer and Serena Williams and world-famous courts. The gameplay is also the best that we’ve seen across all tennis games that are currently available.
Available on PS4, Xbox and PC.
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Looking for more games and other ways to keep busy home? We’re rounding up loads of top ways to spend Time In, here for Dubai, here for Abu Dhabi and here for Sharjah.
