9 Best Sports Games With A Story Mode

by

Engaging in Sporting Events offers an ideal arena for dedicated sports enthusiasts. Here, one can immerse oneself in a lifelike scenario, embodying the skills of a veteran athlete. With this newfound ability, you can excel and make an impact in any sport that catches your interest.

Typically, these games often include a ‘career’ or ‘story’ mode that offers a flexible structure for players to build their unique narratives.

In some sports games, they daringly construct a narrative where you start as an underdog, yearning to become a hero.

OR

In certain sports games, the creators bravely weave a storyline in which you begin as a nobody, striving to be a hero.

Occasionally, you’ll come across unique sports-themed narratives that are not common in this genre. If you’re seeking games with engaging sports-focused stories, then take a look at these fantastic picks.

To ensure we’re on the same page, let me clarify that we won’t feature racing games since they already have a separate list. Moreover, we’ll focus on authentic story modes and exclude regular career modes from our selection.

9. Ring Fit Adventure

A Ringing Endorsement

In plain terms: This item isn’t high on the priority list because it’s mainly about sports and the athlete is physically active while playing. However, it does have a simple narrative. Since we’re a bit limited in alternatives, I decided to include it.

Ring Fit Adventure is a unique game exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch. Instead of using traditional controllers, you’ll need a special Pilates-like accessory for gameplay. This innovative setup lets you run, stretch, jump, and even sweat as you advance through an unparalleled role-playing game (RPG) adventure.

Essentially, it’s a development or upgrade from the Wii Fit, where players are asked to perform various physical activities, and their performance in each activity is graded or evaluated.

Luckily for me, unlike the Wii Fit, it won’t categorize a 120lb teenager as obese, potentially causing lasting emotional distress. Instead, it seems designed to be a fun, enjoyable gaming experience for all.

This tale delves as deeply as one might anticipate from an action game that primarily focuses on shooting, yet if you’re seeking a physically engaging gaming experience outside of VR, this could be your ideal choice.

8. FIFA 17

It’s About The Journey…

In essence, this content covers FIFA games from 2017 to 2019, as Alex Hunter’s narrative spans three years within the FIFA series. However, it was FIFA 2017 that marked the start of his journey as a promising young player rising through the ranks at Manchester United as an academy graduate.

Although the narrative follows a straightforward path, it’s an intriguing tale that adds an enjoyable twist to a plot structure that has become predictable and repetitive over time.

This situation gave you the opportunity to take crucial actions that significantly contributed to Hunter’s ascent, and it’s important to note that you would have to make equally significant decisions away from the field as well.

The development of the game’s Be A Pro mode was a logical progression, though it didn’t achieve massive popularity, it’s an intriguing aspect that hardcore FIFA fans ought to explore.

7. F1 2023

Konnersport Butler’s Finest

If you enjoyed the narrative of Alex Hunter in FIFA, you might find the F1 series’ comparable mode, titled Braking Point, appealing as well. This mode lets you experience the journeys of characters Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler instead.

This sees you take Aiden Jackson from Formula 2 racing all the way to the glitz and glam of F1.

You’ll find it’s very much similar to a hands-on, decision-making edition of the popular show Drive to Survive on Netflix, except this time, you’re not just watching; you’re in the driver’s seat, shaping Aiden’s professional journey.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m pumped about Formula One 23 bringing back Braking Point. Even though I haven’t seen any hints of its return in the future F1 sim series, I can still dive deep into the thrilling worlds of Braking Point 1 and 2 right now. These games are packed with content that keeps me hooked!

So, get on the grid now, and when the lights go out, get going!

6. Fight Night Champion

If you haven’t observed yet, Electronic Arts (EA) appears frequently on this list because during the 2010s, they were persistently aiming to incorporate storylines into their numerous yearly sports games, and Fight Night Champion was among the pioneers in this endeavor.

In this tougher version of the boxing video game series, there’s a narrative mode called Champion Mode. Here, you play as Andre Bishop, a character who finds himself behind bars. Your mission is to navigate through numerous challenges and hardships, ultimately aiming to reach the pinnacle of the boxing world.

This game exceptionally portrays the gritty aspects of the boxing realm, boasting a rich array of compelling, skillfully crafted characters. It’s not only a meticulously designed boxing game but also offers a raw, intense depiction of violence.

This experience blends the dramatic flair of a classic Hollywood tale with the engaging gameplay mechanics of a top-notch boxing simulation. If you have a fondness for boxing or enjoy getting involved in the action, then you definitely shouldn’t miss out on playing this game.

5. Golf Story

Do You Love Me Now, Dad!

Despite not being a fan of Nintendo in general, which left my Mario and Zelda enthusiast friends baffled, it was the unique Nintendo Switch exclusive, Golf Story, that ultimately convinced me to buy a console I hadn’t considered before.

In simple terms, “Golf Story” is a role-playing game where you control a character who strives to improve their golf skills, with the ultimate goal of impressing their father.

If you share my view that golf can be dull, don’t worry! This game focuses more on its role-playing game (RPG) elements, humorous writing, and abundant side activities, which will keep you engaged without pushing you towards being a professional golfer.

Fortunately, when golf becomes the main event, playing it is enjoyable, intricate, and incredibly rewarding as you make a Birdie.

4. Beastieball

Pikachu, Use Spike!

Although at the moment, this game is still in its early development phase, I strongly believe it’s worthy of inclusion on our list due to being created by the same developers as Chicory: A Colorful Tale.

Essentially, Beastieball combines elements of Pokémon with the gameplay of Volleyball. Players can recruit creatures for their teams, engage them in combat, and strive to become the most dominant squad across the entire realm.

As a devoted fan, I find that the volleyball component of this game resembles a strategic, turn-based battle system. In between my turns, I wander about, exploring just like in a classic role-playing game (RPG), engaging with non-player characters (NPCs) and embarking on various quests.

The project is currently being baked in the oven (cooking), but if you’d like to back the developer early, trust me – if you’re a fan of old-school Pokemon, you won’t be let down.

3. WWE 2K24

Finish The Story!

I found myself yearning to delve into the depths of history and retrieve an ancient THQ WWE game, all because of nostalgia. Yet, as a seasoned fan eager for the revival of the attitude era, I can acknowledge that WWE 2K24 offers the ultimate gaming experience when it comes to WWE video games.

I felt a strong urge to explore history and find an old THQ WWE game because of nostalgia. However, even as someone who misses the attitude era and is longing for its return, I can admit that WWE 2K24 is the best way to experience WWE video games.

As a gamer, I’m blown away by this game’s unique MryRise narratives, like the Unleashed and Undisputed journeys. These stories let me craft and rise up a superstar, aiming for the pinnacle of the gaming world.

Additionally, for those who desire more, the game offers a chance to revisit history through its WrestleMania-centric Story mode and complete the narrative as Cody Rhodes.

2K25 appears poised to surpass its predecessor from the previous year, thanks to fresh, innovative features such as The Island. However, it’s worth noting that, at the moment I’m speaking, the title of excellence belongs to 2K24.

2. Pyre

Another Supergiant Masterclass

Being an avid admirer of everything Supergiant Games creates, I confidently say their surprise move into sports game development is equally impressive as their renowned Hack-n-Slash series.

Pyre is similar to a fast-paced, strategic team sport set in a medieval fantasy world, where the excitement of gameplay intertwines with significant choices and events.

In this game, you need to balance spontaneous actions, strategic thinking, and adaptability since you can control just one character at a time. It’s also similar to being an NFL coach, constantly reviewing your playbook as you have a diverse range of character skills and roles to choose from.

The gameplay is enjoyable, yet it achieves its success primarily through an engaging plot, well-developed characters, and high tension surrounding each installment. In essence, it’s a top-notch game, and given that it comes from the talented team at Supergiant, this shouldn’t surprise us too much.

1. Tony Hawks Underground

New Jersey Born & Raised

As a gamer, it wasn’t an easy choice to single out just one Tony Hawk’s game for this list, given the numerous memorable experiences I’ve had throughout the series. For instance, Underground 2 took me on quite the Jackass-esque adventure, while American Wasteland had me living the punk-rock life to the fullest.

Eventually, it became apparent who emerged victorious, and that was largely due to the suspense, striking incidents, and the captivating rags-to-wealth tale found within THUG.

It’s wonderful to witness the extraordinary journey of the protagonist along with their longtime friend Eric. The unfolding of tension, envy, deceit, and ultimately, retribution, makes for an engaging spectacle.

The growth of the main character together with his childhood companion Eric is captivating, and the emergence of conflict, rivalry, treachery, and eventual justice that ensues is quite a show.

Of course, let me add that the maps are fantastic, the gameplay is smooth and polished like an arcade game, and you can even perform a McTwist over a helicopter! If this doesn’t excite you, I’m not sure what will.

Read More

2025-02-08 23:09