Guide to the Best Soccer Video Games for Football Fans

When it comes to soccer video games, FIFA 18 and PES 18 are the two titles on that most players talk about. Both of these titles are great soccer games and offer some great gameplay, but which one is the best and do they make the list of best soccer games ever? On this page of our site, we are discussing everything to do with soccer video games including Xbox soccer and of course sportsbetting.

Best Soccer Video Games - FIFA 18 and PES 18 Gameplay Explored

Both FIFA 18 and PES 18 have improved on the gameplay and FIFA 18 is significantly better than FIFA 17. PES 2018 has improved on the dribbling mechanics in their football game so players have more control over the ball. The maker Konami has also added improved physicality between players trying to get possession of the ball. The simple controls allow players to the footballers pushing and shoving against each other as they fight for control of the ball. FIFA 18 offers players multiple ways to shield the ball from a defender. PES 18 can be a little more difficult and it seems like the strongest man always wins. PES lets players score from anywhere and that's always a plus.

FIFA 18 feels like it has had a complete overhaul and with the unlocked animations, it plays as fast and fluidly as any of its rivals. It also has improved crossing mechanics and better dribbling and ball control. Shielding the ball is an effective skill and you don't have to use fancy skills to get around a tricky defender anymore. If you haven't tried FIFA 18 yet you can try it out for free with the EA demo version for some great Xbox soccer gaming. Will either of these soccer video games make it into the best soccer games ever list?

Ten Best Soccer Games Ever

Below you'll find our ten best soccer games ever. This includes established names to soccer video games you might have forgotten. These games are in no particular order.

FIFA International Soccer: This soccer video game was released in 1993 for the Sega Mega Drive. It came with a rather isometric viewpoint that was very simple compared to the video games we have today. It made it into our list because at the time it was a triumph.
Football Manager: This 1982 classic soccer game was huge. It was the first time gamers were given the chance to buy and sell players, set tactics, and trigger highlight of matches with just a few button clicks. It began life on the Spectrum but was later produced for every computer available at the time.
Kick Off 2: This 1990 hit soccer video game made the top-down view and end-to-end popular. This was the perfect soccer game for goal happy fans and a huge hit at the time. The modern sequel didn't fare so well though.
Actua Soccer: This game was a big hit back in the day and was topping the charts alongside FIFA and Sensi. It included great TV-style commentary and was a huge success. Later versions of the game added more football teams but they weren't as successful.
Football Manager 2017: This is the most comprehensive management simulation ever created and some fans may find that there's actually too much to handle in this game. You would need to spend a few hours getting your head around everything which includes press conferences, transfer options, and 3D matches to really get into the game and you could spend a lot more time than you wanted on this soccer video game.
International Superstar Soccer Deluxe: This game was released all the way back in 1996 on the SNES. It used fake names but players recognized them immediately. The game came with crazy dribbles, huge goals, and great commentary. It was an arcade style classic that no list of best soccer games ever would be complete without.
FIFA 15: Most of the last FIFA soccer video games have been great but we've chosen FIFA 15 because it introduced the Premier League license. This meant that players now had real stadiums, kits, and faces for every English top side.
Pro Evolution Soccer 6: Any of the previous Pro Evolution Soccer games could have made our list but we chose the 2006 version. This soccer video game allowed gamers to feel like they were in control of real players who all had strengths and flaws. PES 18 is another fantastic addition to the series.
Championship Manager 01/02: In this soccer video game, we had text-based commentary, a speedy engine, and virtual legends that gamers loved.
Sensible Soccer: There were a number of versions of this soccer video game. Some gamers love the 1992 Sega Mega Drive version while others prefer the Amiga's version from 1995/96. It doesn't matter which one though, as they were both great. Gamers got to enjoy a birds-eye view of all the action which was packed with flying headers, crazy tackles, and impossible goals.

Soccer Video Games Sportsbetting

If you'd like to wager real money on your favourite soccer video games, you can and it comes in the form of eSports. You can bet on FIFA 18 and more. Esports is competitive video gaming and there are tournaments taking place all the time. You can play real money wagers on the team you think will win and to help with this we recommend you check out our sportsbetting section where you will find the best sportsbooks, free bet bonuses, and more.