As far as sports-based games go, no franchise comes close to FIFA. The series has kept things at a very high level for the most part, which is remarkable considering the longevity of this franchise. This has allowed it to be among the best IPs owned by EA Games, a trend that continues to this day.
Still, there have been a few unmemorable FIFA entries that haven’t been well received. These have suffered from a range of issues, such as a shoddy presentation or repetitive elements. Then again, the high points of the series most certainly deserve special mention, so here are the best and worst FIFA games ever.
Updated December 22nd by Jack Pursey: Thankfully, the series’ yearly releases mean that there will always be a wide selection of licensed games to choose from if in the future EA have to use the old approach of Pro Evolution Soccer and change player names like Neil Lennon and Paul Ince to Neil Lemon and Paul Once. For this reason, and because FIFA 21 has recently released which (spoiler alert) will definitely be appearing in this list, we have decided to add more excellent FIFA games to play, and more that you should avoid.
15 Best: FIFA 94
Although nostalgia does play a part in this pick, it’s certainly not the only reason for its inclusion. As would be expected, the game feels very bare-bones today, but the simplistic gameplay is still as addictive as it was back when the game was released in late 1993.
Furthermore, the infamous gameplay mechanic of being able to run away from the referee when he’s trying to book a player is still bizarre and oddly enjoyable today.
14 Worst: FIFA 2004
Although many people believe that the last handful of lackluster FIFA entries could dethrone EA’s series from the top of the soccer gaming pyramid, it’s still highly unlikely to happen as Football Manager appeals to a different market and Pro Evolution Soccer is still a good distance behind in terms of sales. In late 2003, however, it was looking as though Pro Evolution Soccer was going to topple its licensed competitor.
Pro Evolution Soccer 3, also known by the equally convoluted title World Soccer Winning Eleven 7, released at the same time and scored a whopping 93 on Metacritic. Suffice to say that EA’s bland FIFA 2004 only helped the rise of Konami’s unlicensed series.
13 Best: FIFA 2001
The first game to release on the PlayStation 2 did exactly what fans worldwide were hoping for, it used the next-generation hardware to create the most realistic sports simulator yet.
FIFA 2001 is one of a handful of key games in the series that drastically improved upon its predecessor and made significant changes to the gameplay.
12 Worst: FIFA 21
The ever-growing complaints about how stale the FIFA series has become became very vocal in October 2020 when FIFA 21 was released with very little improvements from the previous year’s entry.
FIFA 21‘s Nintendo Switch iteration was particularly bad as despite being released on the console at full price, it had no gameplay updates for the second year running.
11 Best: FIFA 14
The first game to appear on the Xbox One and PS4 is also one of the highest-rated FIFA games on Metacritic, with an excellent score of 88 on Xbox One.
EA wasted little time in reinventing FIFA 14 on the consoles, as they changed the gameplay engine from the Impact Engine to the Ignite Engine; offering a completely new feel to the game.
10 Worst: FIFA 16
Around the time of this title’s release, its rival was making bigger strides. Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 is consistently compared to FIFA 16, and for good reason. That’s because FIFA 16 lacks in harmony between fast-paced gameplay and fluidity. This is where its rival shines.
This game gets praise for bringing in women’s football. However, there’s not enough depth to be found in gameplay due to the clunky dribbling and handling of the football.
9 Best: FIFA 13
Although it can be a bit lacking in innovation, FIFA 13 is nevertheless an enjoyable feature. This due to fun additions like Ultimate Team mode. This allows gamers to combine the greatest players in their own personal fantasy team.
The difficulty is relatively high for this entry compared to others. This makes it one of the more challenging games EA has brought to the table, contributing to the entertainment value in a big way. Updated player kits are also more noticeable in this game, benefiting from its visual appeal.
8 Worst: FIFA Football 2005
A worthy attempt for touch-based gameplay is available in FIFA 05. Unfortunately, it comes across as more of the Nintendo-esque amateur style sports game than an authentic one. Dribbles and passes are sensitive here, which ends up making them something of a chore.
It’s far too easy to steal the ball from someone, but it’s just as easy to lose. Due to this, matches in higher difficulties or against more adept challengers are more frustrating than enjoyable.
7 Best: FIFA Football 2003
Never underestimate the power of ambiance, especially when it comes to football. This entry is the first one to really set the stadium alive with elaborate celebrations and a truly vibrant crowd.
This game is also user friendly in both difficult and easy modes. For novices, the lower difficulty opens up many opportunities to score goals to their hearts’ content. The challenging level settings allow for one to execute techniques, bringing a certain satisfaction to successful strikes.
6 Worst: FIFA 08
Much like the problem with Tennis games, the issue with FIFA titles occasionally has to do with tedious repetition. FIFA 08 falls into this trap, being far too over-the-top in all aspects. Everything from player reactions, gameplay style, and character models are exaggerated.
Manager mode seems to have been put together in haste, as it’s very straightforward with no imagination. Be a Pro Mode is a good addition but suffers from weak A.I, making playing as one player come across as a disadvantage.
5 Best: FIFA 11
The addition of many new features ensures FIFA 11 is fondly remembered. A refined dribbling system, Manager mode that cuts out unnecessary fluff, Pro Passing that gives accuracy to passes, and more all make for a smooth gaming experience.
It can get carried away in its aim to be more realistic, but this can be overcome due to the efficiency in gameplay execution. After all, mastering the styles of the players brings a professional mentality that makes FIFA 11 a can’t-miss title.
4 Worst: FIFA 06
At the time of the game’s release, the 2006 FIFA World Cup was in everyone’s minds. Perhaps this is why the exclusive world cup-based football game is far better than this FIFA one. In this game, everything feels like an exhibition match.
It lacks that extra polish in its features to justify an official FIFA game classification. Most of the matches have a “meh at best” execution. Graphics, too, fail to set the stage on fire despite riding in towards the end of the sixth generation of consoles.
3 Best: FIFA 12
One can only hope that other sports franchises bring in improvements of the same caliber that FIFA 12 did. It erases the lack of originality that plagued its predecessor. The most appealing feature is the Manager mode, which now feels like a world of its own.
The gameplay is such that gamers playing on the same team can feel like a real unit thanks to helpful A.I teams with higher skills that actually come across as being a cut above the rest. This sets a high bar for excellence, and those up to the task can proudly claim to be pros in FIFA 12.
2 Worst: FIFA 20
Any game, despite good features, is a flop if it’s too buggy. FIFA 20 suffers hard from this, and there are problems like unexplained switches in player positions on the field. The game also throws in lackluster teams to play against, with players that are clearly not the first choice somehow making it into the squad.
As for gameplay, this is more of the same, which easily makes it the least appealing FIFA game to date. Even a little bit of flashy presentation might have redeemed it partially, yet this is a ho-hum entry at best.
1 Best: FIFA 10
This entry’s legacy is such that it’s among the greatest EA games of all time. Everything from the soundtrack, ambiance, gameplay, and presentation are all polished to a shine. The focus is also very much on the field, as the pace is kept at an exhilarating level.
Improvisation is encouraged in playing techniques, and it’s always fun to see a new way of scoring goals. Due to the quick style of play, gamers are kept on alert at all times, which means there are no dull moments to be had here.
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