5 Best-Selling Soccer Video Games That Are Worth Purchasing

Although some of the best-selling soccer video games are now hopelessly outdated, that may not necessarily make them any less fun to play, even for the modern gaming crowd. Of course, it bears consideration that many older games are out of print, and the consoles they run on are no longer produced or supported. But whether you have a hankering for an old-school, virtual game of futbol or you’re looking for the latest and greatest next-gen games to hit the market, here are a few gems that soccer fans will find well worth the purchase.

1. Sensible World of Soccer. Yes, this game was released in 1994 (although more recent iterations have been released) and you’ll need an Amiga computer to play it (ouch). But in the estimation of many gamers, this was the best soccer game of the time, and it certainly had an influence on the popular soccer games that followed. For the time the game was impressive, with 1,500 teams, individual player stats, and a manager mode in addition to gameplay (although the 2D, top-down model has been replaced with 3D, HD graphics these days). But if you’re looking for the game that virtually started it all, this is one you shouldn’t miss if by some miracle you land the right equipment.
2. Mario Strikers Charged. If we’re being honest, this game for the Wii is probably the least likely to impress actual soccer fans (it is after all, based on street soccer). But the fact that it’s not as realistic as, say, an official FIFA game doesn’t make it any less fun, especially with the inclusion of so many classic Nintendo characters and Mario tropes (think mushrooms, stars, and destructive shells). Although this game is basically a 5-on-5 shootout, the inclusion of multiple play modes, super abilities, mega strikes, and the chance to select characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong (amongst others) as your team captain all make for a game that is almost too fun to put down. Not sold? Three words: Koopa Troopa sidekick. Enough said.
3. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2014. With a name like that you can understand why players and pundits alike simply refer to the game as WE2014. Available on Sony platforms, this game wows thanks to the use of photorealistic gameplay and mechanics innovations like the Trueball Technology that makes the ball independent from the players moving it, as well as the Motion Animation Stability System (or MASS) that regulates player interactions on the field.
4. 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. It’s been four long years since 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa hit the market, but it’s time to put away the vuvuzela and play a new game. The 2014 World Cup is only a few shorts months away, and you can get your fix until then with FIFA World Cup Brazil (due out next month for the Xbox 360 and PS3 – no next-gen consoles as they haven’t quite taken off yet in other countries, namely Brazil). Although this game has yet to become a best seller, the popularity of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is probably a good indicator of things to come.
5. FIFA 14. The penultimate game for most soccer fanatics is the annual release of EA’s FIFA game, and this year is no exception. As soccer video games go, it’s pretty comprehensive thanks to both gameplay and management options. And of course, the graphics are made to amaze. But what you’ll no doubt love about the most recent iteration is the inclusion of legendary players, allowing you to build a dream team that spans the ages. And if you need FIFA ultimate team coins and you’re not keen to wait, you can always trade and buy online in order to speed things up.