Hey sports fanatics, gaming enthusiasts, and everyone in between! 2022 was a banger of a year for sports video games, and OBEST was right there, soaking up all the action. We're talking epic plays, nail-biting finishes, and the kind of immersive experiences that make you forget you have responsibilities. Seriously, where did the time go? We're diving deep into some of the best sports video games of 2022, the ones that kept us glued to our screens, shouting at the TV, and maybe, just maybe, perfecting our trash-talking skills. So, buckle up, grab your controller (or keyboard, you PC master race folks), and let's get this show on the road. We'll explore the titles that dominated the scene, from the gridiron to the pitch, the court to the track, highlighting what made them stand out, what kept us coming back for more, and what, perhaps, left us wanting a little bit extra. We are all here to give you the most detailed and comprehensive analysis of the video games we think you should look for in 2022, so get ready to be amazed.

The Gridiron Gladiators: Football's Finest

Madden NFL 23 ruled the roost, and for good reason. EA Sports continued to refine its flagship title, delivering a polished experience that captured the intensity and strategy of the NFL. The graphics were a major upgrade, with player models and animations looking more realistic than ever. The gameplay felt smoother, with improved AI and more realistic player movements. The introduction of new features, such as the FieldSENSE system, added depth and strategic options to the game. It was a visual and gameplay overhaul that brought the experience closer to the real thing. It's difficult to deny that Madden 23 improved upon its predecessor in almost every way. Franchise mode remained a cornerstone of the Madden experience, allowing players to take control of their favorite teams and build a dynasty. The Ultimate Team mode offered a compelling card-collecting experience, and the online multiplayer was as competitive as ever. Sure, there were some familiar glitches and occasional server issues, but overall, Madden NFL 23 delivered a top-tier football experience. But we all know that there is always something to improve in Madden, it would be great to see changes in the AI and the ability to enhance the franchise mode to deliver a better experience, and hopefully, this will be implemented in the future iterations of the game. However, even with the small issues, Madden 23 was still an impressive game. The game's success is a testament to EA Sports' dedication to the franchise and its commitment to providing fans with an authentic NFL experience. For fans of American football, this was a must-have title. Guys, if you like the NFL, this is your game, no doubts. If you don't believe me, give it a shot and let me know.

Now, there may have been other football titles out there, such as independent or smaller games with their own niche. But when it comes to the top of the line, Madden 23 was an experience that you couldn't miss.

Kicking it into High Gear: Soccer Showdowns

FIFA 23, (yes, now it's EA Sports FC 24, but we're talking about 2022!), delivered another year of soccer supremacy. The game's engine was as amazing as it ever was. The gameplay was improved and even more responsive, with player animations that looked more fluid and realistic than ever before. With this version, EA Sports pushed the boundaries of the sport, and it really felt like you were in the game. The visuals were stunning, with detailed player models, authentic stadiums, and dynamic weather effects. The game modes were also expanded, offering players a wide range of options, from career mode to ultimate team. The additions of new leagues and teams kept the experience fresh. The addition of the women's club teams was a welcome addition. This broadened the scope of the game and allowed players to experience the sport from a new perspective. FIFA 23 continued to be a benchmark for sports video games. With great graphics and amazing gameplay, it was a title that kept us hooked for hours on end, playing matches, building our dream teams, and competing against friends. Guys, If you love soccer and great games, this is for you.

The game faced some criticism for its reliance on microtransactions and its lack of innovation. But for many players, the core gameplay was still compelling enough to overlook these issues. The game's popularity was undeniable, and it remained a cultural phenomenon, connecting soccer fans worldwide. The game's legacy is well-deserved, and it will be remembered as one of the best soccer games of all time. We cannot wait to see what EA Sports FC 24 brings to the table. We hope it improves in every aspect, particularly in the microtransactions part. But we are sure that it will be an amazing game.

eFootball 2023 made some strides in 2022, but still had a lot of work to do to catch up to the competition. Konami's free-to-play title aimed to offer a more realistic soccer simulation, and there was some improvement. The gameplay was more tactical, and the AI was improved. It’s a great title if you want to experience something different.

Court Kings and Queens: Basketball Bonanza

NBA 2K23 continued to dominate the basketball scene. Visual Concepts delivered a polished and immersive basketball experience, with stunning graphics, realistic gameplay, and a wealth of game modes. The player models and animations were more detailed and lifelike. The gameplay was smooth and responsive, with improved AI and realistic player movements. The game's presentation was top-notch, with authentic commentary, pre-game shows, and halftime analysis. The MyCAREER mode was as engaging as ever. Players could create their own players and guide them through their NBA careers, making friends, rivals, and building their legacies. The online multiplayer was a thrill, with players competing in various game modes, from quick matches to competitive leagues. The game has been critiqued for its reliance on microtransactions and its focus on in-game purchases. However, the core gameplay and the wealth of content made NBA 2K23 a compelling experience for basketball fans. The game's success is a testament to Visual Concepts' dedication to the franchise and its commitment to providing fans with an authentic NBA experience. If you like the NBA, this is a must-have title.

There were no significant challengers in the basketball video game market. NBA 2K23 was undoubtedly the king of the court.

Beyond the Big Three: Other Sports Stars

While football, soccer, and basketball tend to take the spotlight, 2022 also delivered some great sports games in other categories.

• MLB The Show 22: Sony's baseball simulation continued to be a fan favorite. With a great gameplay experience and a wealth of content. The game was praised for its realistic graphics, authentic gameplay, and immersive atmosphere. The game's attention to detail was impressive, from the player models to the stadiums. It's a must-have for baseball fans.
• F1 22: Codemasters delivered another solid Formula 1 title, with improved graphics, gameplay, and a wealth of content. The game was praised for its realistic driving mechanics, its authentic presentation, and its immersive atmosphere. The game's attention to detail was impressive, from the car models to the race tracks. If you are a fan of Formula 1, this is a must-have title.
• NHL 23: EA Sports' hockey simulation delivered a strong experience. With great gameplay and improved graphics. The game was praised for its realistic gameplay, authentic presentation, and immersive atmosphere. The game's attention to detail was impressive, from the player models to the arenas. If you are a fan of Hockey, this is a must-have title.

The Future of Sports Gaming

2022 was a great year for sports video games. We saw improvements in graphics, gameplay, and content. The future of sports gaming looks bright, with developers constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We can expect even more realistic graphics, immersive gameplay, and a wealth of new content. Virtual reality and augmented reality could play a bigger role in the future, providing even more immersive experiences. There may be new game modes that allow players to interact with each other in new ways. Overall, the future of sports gaming looks bright. Developers are committed to providing fans with authentic and immersive experiences, and we can expect even more exciting games in the years to come.

The OBEST Verdict

So, there you have it, our top picks for sports video games of 2022. It was a year filled with great titles that delivered exciting gameplay, immersive experiences, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the NFL, a soccer fanatic, or a basketball aficionado, there was something for everyone. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for sports video games. One thing is for sure: the competition will continue to be fierce. Developers will be pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and we, the players, will be the ones to benefit. So, keep those controllers charged, keep those skills sharp, and get ready for another incredible year of sports gaming. These games made 2022 an unforgettable year for sports gaming. The titles we have seen, the improvements in gameplay, and the immersive experiences. We will continue to be here to provide you with the most detailed and comprehensive analysis of the most amazing games in the market. So, stay tuned, guys!