Rank the best FIFA video games
The "FIFA" video game series has captivated football (soccer) fans worldwide for decades, offering increasingly realistic and immersive experiences that allow players to step onto the virtual pitch. From its humble beginnings in the early 1990s to its modern iterations, the franchise has consistently evolved, introducing groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, enhanced graphics, and a vast array of features that mirror the excitement and passion of the beautiful game. The following list chronicles the main entries and notable spin-offs in this iconic series, highlighting the journey of virtual football and the advancements that have shaped the gaming landscape. As you peruse this collection, we invite you to consider which of these titles stands out as the very best, prompting you to mentally rank them from your personal favorite to the one you found least impactful. This comprehensive list spans a significant period in gaming history, showcasing the technological leaps and design philosophies that have defined each era of the "FIFA" franchise. From the pixelated charm of the early titles to the stunning realism of the more recent releases, each game on this list holds a unique place in the hearts of football gaming enthusiasts. Whether it was the introduction of new leagues and teams, the refinement of gameplay controls, the addition of innovative game modes, or simply the overall feel and enjoyment a particular title provided, each entry has contributed to the rich tapestry of the "FIFA" legacy. Reflect on your own experiences with these games – the memorable goals, the thrilling victories, and the hours spent mastering your virtual squad – as you contemplate your personal ranking of the best "FIFA" games.
Introduction
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FIFA 12
#11.0"FIFA 12" introduced the "Player Impact Engine," a physics system designed to create more realistic collisions and interactions between players. This resulted in more unpredictable and authentic on-field moments. The game also featured a redesigned career mode called "FIFA Football Club," which integrated social features and connected players to their friends' progress. "FIFA 12" focused on enhancing the realism of player interactions and adding a social element to the career mode.
FIFA 06
#22.0"FIFA 06" introduced "Team Chemistry" to the career mode, adding a new layer of management strategy. The performance of the team was now influenced by the relationships and understanding between players on the pitch. Building a cohesive and well-balanced squad became crucial for success. Gameplay-wise, "FIFA 06" refined the passing and shooting mechanics, aiming for greater precision and realism. The visual presentation was also enhanced, with more detailed stadiums and player models. The introduction of "Team Chemistry" added a strategic depth to the career mode, making team building a more nuanced process.
FIFA World Cup 98
#33.0Released to coincide with the actual tournament in France, "FIFA World Cup 98" offered players the chance to relive or rewrite the events of the World Cup. Featuring all the qualified teams, accurate stadiums, and a sense of the tournament atmosphere, this title provided the ultimate virtual World Cup experience for fans. The game captured the prestige and excitement of the international competition. "FIFA World Cup 98" built upon the gameplay engine of the main "FIFA" series, offering refined controls and improved graphics. The focus on the World Cup brought with it a unique tournament structure and the opportunity to play through the entire competition, from the group stages to the final. This title remains a beloved entry for many, evoking memories of a specific and iconic moment in football history.
FIFA International Soccer
#44.0This inaugural title in the series, released in 1993, laid the foundation for all that would follow. While graphically simple by today's standards, it was revolutionary for its time, offering a relatively realistic representation of football on home consoles. Featuring national teams and a variety of match types, it provided a new way for fans to engage with the sport beyond simply watching it. Its significance lies in being the first step, establishing the core gameplay and setting the stage for the franchise's enduring success. The game's impact was significant as it arrived during a period when football games were less sophisticated. "FIFA International Soccer" offered a more polished and accessible experience compared to its contemporaries, attracting a broad audience and demonstrating the potential for a successful football video game franchise. The top-down perspective and relatively straightforward controls made it easy for players to pick up and play, while still offering enough depth to keep them engaged. It successfully captured the essence of international football, making it a memorable and important title in gaming history.
FIFA Soccer 95
#55.0Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, "FIFA Soccer 95" introduced club teams for the first time, a crucial addition that significantly broadened the game's appeal. Players could now take control of their favorite domestic clubs from various leagues, adding a new layer of depth and replayability. This inclusion of club football was a major step forward, aligning the game more closely with the everyday experience of football fans around the world. Beyond the addition of club teams, "FIFA Soccer 95" also refined the gameplay mechanics and graphics of the original. While still utilizing a similar engine, the game offered smoother animations and a more polished presentation. The ability to play with familiar club sides added a personal connection for many players, fostering a deeper sense of immersion and competition. This iteration solidified the franchise's commitment to providing a comprehensive and engaging football gaming experience.
FIFA Soccer 96
#66.0This installment marked a significant leap forward with the introduction of polygonal graphics on some platforms, offering a more three-dimensional and visually appealing experience. This shift from sprites to polygons allowed for more detailed player models and smoother animations, enhancing the realism and immersion of the gameplay. "FIFA Soccer 96" embraced the evolving technology of the time, showcasing the potential for future advancements in the series' visual presentation. Furthermore, "FIFA Soccer 96" continued to expand its feature set, including more leagues and teams, further enriching the content available to players. The improved graphics made the matches feel more dynamic and engaging, contributing to a more authentic representation of football. This title demonstrated the franchise's commitment to innovation and its willingness to adopt new technologies to enhance the gaming experience for its growing fanbase.
FIFA 97
#77.0"FIFA 97" is notable for introducing the "Indoor Mode," a fast-paced and action-packed alternative to traditional football matches. This mode offered a different style of gameplay, focusing on quick passing, close control, and intense scoring opportunities within the confines of an indoor arena. The inclusion of indoor football provided a welcome change of pace and added variety to the overall game experience. Beyond the innovative "Indoor Mode," "FIFA 97" also continued to refine the core gameplay and graphics. The player animations were further improved, and the control system was tweaked to offer greater precision. The game also featured more licensed teams and players, enhancing the authenticity and appeal for football fans. "FIFA 97" demonstrated the series' willingness to experiment with new ideas while continuing to improve the fundamental aspects of the game.
FIFA: Road to World Cup 98
#88.0This title focused specifically on the qualification process for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, allowing players to take control of national teams and navigate the challenging journey of qualifying for the prestigious tournament. This unique focus provided a different kind of gameplay experience, emphasizing the strategic element of international football and the importance of each qualifying match. "FIFA: Road to World Cup 98" captured the excitement and drama of World Cup qualification, featuring a detailed simulation of the various confederation tournaments. The game allowed players to experience the highs and lows of leading their nation through the qualifying rounds, adding a narrative and emotional layer to the gameplay. This installment offered a distinct and memorable experience within the "FIFA" series, celebrating the global appeal of the World Cup.
FIFA 23
#99.0"FIFA 23" marked the final installment in the long-running "FIFA" series under the EA Sports and FIFA partnership. It introduced cross-play for the first time, allowing players on different platforms within the same generation to compete against each other. The game featured further enhancements to gameplay, including a revised chemistry system in "Ultimate Team" and the addition of women's club football leagues. "FIFA 23" aimed to be a comprehensive and celebratory final chapter in the iconic series before its rebranding.
FIFA 99
#1010.0"FIFA 99" introduced a deeper level of tactical control, allowing players to customize team formations and player instructions in more detail. This added layer of strategic depth provided greater control over how teams played and offered more options for tactical nuance during matches. The ability to fine-tune team setups catered to players who enjoyed a more strategic approach to the game. Furthermore, "FIFA 99" continued to enhance the graphics and animations, making the on-field action more fluid and realistic. The game also featured a wider range of leagues and teams, further expanding the content and replayability. This installment built upon the established formula, focusing on improving the tactical aspects and overall presentation of the game.
FIFA 2000
#1111.0This millennium edition of "FIFA" introduced a more prominent career mode, allowing players to manage a team over multiple seasons, making transfers, developing players, and striving for long-term success. This addition provided a deeper and more engaging single-player experience, appealing to players who enjoyed the managerial aspects of football. The career mode added significant longevity to the game. "FIFA 2000" also saw improvements in the graphics and gameplay, with more detailed player models and refined ball physics. The game aimed to provide a more authentic and immersive simulation of football. The introduction of a comprehensive career mode was a key feature that resonated with many players, establishing a staple of the "FIFA" series for years to come.
FIFA 2001
#1212.0"FIFA 2001" brought with it enhanced graphics and player likenesses, making the virtual footballers look more like their real-life counterparts. This focus on visual realism contributed to a more immersive and authentic gaming experience. Seeing recognizable players on the screen added a new level of connection for fans. Gameplay-wise, "FIFA 2001" introduced a more sophisticated passing system and improved AI for both teammates and opponents. These refinements led to more realistic and challenging matches. The game aimed to strike a balance between accessibility and depth, offering a satisfying experience for both casual and hardcore football fans.
FIFA Football 2002
#1313.0This installment introduced the "Club Championship" mode, allowing players to compete in a European club competition format. This added a new dimension to the club football experience, mirroring the prestigious UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup tournaments. The inclusion of these competitions enhanced the game's appeal for fans of European club football. "FIFA Football 2002" also featured graphical improvements and further refinements to the gameplay engine. The passing and shooting mechanics were tweaked to offer greater control and responsiveness. The game continued the trend of increasing realism and immersion, solidifying the franchise's position as a leading football simulation.
2002 FIFA World Cup
#1414.0Similar to its 1998 counterpart, "2002 FIFA World Cup" focused exclusively on the tournament held in South Korea and Japan. Featuring all the participating nations, accurate stadiums, and the atmosphere of the World Cup, this title allowed players to experience the excitement of the global competition. The game captured the unique spirit and intensity of the World Cup. "2002 FIFA World Cup" offered a streamlined gameplay experience tailored to the tournament format. It often included features that emphasized the international flavor of the competition, such as national team rivalries and the journey through the knockout stages. This spin-off provided a dedicated World Cup experience for fans eager to relive the events of the tournament.
FIFA Football 2003
#1515.0"FIFA Football 2003" introduced a new visual style and improved player animations, aiming for a more realistic and fluid representation of football. The player models were more detailed, and their movements on the pitch appeared more natural. This focus on visual fidelity enhanced the overall immersion of the game. Gameplay innovations in "FIFA Football 2003" included a more responsive control system and enhanced AI, leading to more challenging and realistic matches. The game strived to offer a deeper and more authentic simulation of the sport, appealing to players who valued realism and tactical depth.
FIFA Football 2004
#1616.0This edition introduced "Off the Ball Control," a significant gameplay innovation that allowed players to control teammates independently of the player with the ball. This added a new layer of tactical depth, enabling intricate attacking moves and defensive strategies. "Off the Ball Control" was a game-changing feature that offered greater control and creativity. "FIFA Football 2004" also featured an expanded career mode with more managerial options and deeper team management. The game aimed to provide a comprehensive football experience, both on and off the pitch. The introduction of "Off the Ball Control" marked a significant step forward in the series' gameplay evolution.
FIFA Football 2005
#1717.0"FIFA Football 2005" refined the "Off the Ball Control" system and introduced "First Touch" mechanics, adding another layer of realism to player interactions with the ball. The "First Touch" system meant that a player's control upon receiving a pass was influenced by their skill and the speed of the pass, adding an element of unpredictability and realism. The career mode in "FIFA Football 2005" was further enhanced, offering a more in-depth management experience. The game continued to improve the visual presentation and gameplay, striving for an increasingly authentic simulation of football. The "First Touch" system became a key element of the gameplay, influencing the flow and realism of matches.
FIFA Street
#1818.0This spin-off title took the core "FIFA" gameplay and transplanted it to the urban environment of street football. Focusing on flair, tricks, and smaller teams, "FIFA Street" offered a more arcade-style and over-the-top experience compared to the main series. It emphasized skillful dribbling, fancy moves, and spectacular goals. "FIFA Street" provided a refreshing departure from the traditional stadium setting, showcasing a different culture of football played in streets and urban courts around the world. The game's focus on individual skill and stylish play appealed to players looking for a more dynamic and less formal football experience. It highlighted the creative and expressive aspects of the sport.
FIFA Street 2
#1919.0Building upon the success of the first "FIFA Street," this sequel offered improved graphics, new tricks, and a wider range of street football locations. It further refined the arcade-style gameplay, emphasizing stylish moves and spectacular goals. "FIFA Street 2" aimed to be a more polished and feature-rich version of its predecessor. The game introduced the "Trick Stick," allowing for more intuitive and complex skill moves. This enhanced the gameplay and provided players with greater control over their players' flair and creativity. "FIFA Street 2" solidified the spin-off series as a fun and engaging alternative to the main "FIFA" games.
FIFA World Cup: Germany 2006
#2020.0This title was the official game of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. It allowed players to experience the tournament, from the group stages to the final, with all the official teams and stadiums. The game aimed to capture the atmosphere and excitement of the World Cup. "FIFA World Cup" often featured unique game modes and challenges related to the tournament. It provided fans with the opportunity to relive key moments or create their own scenarios within the context of the World Cup. This spin-off offered a focused and immersive World Cup experience.
FIFA 07
#2121.0"FIFA 07" introduced the "Interactive Leagues" feature, allowing players to represent their favorite club online in a league format that mirrored the real-world football season. This innovative feature blurred the lines between virtual and real football, adding a new level of engagement for fans. Gameplay in "FIFA 07" saw improvements in the AI and ball physics, leading to more realistic and unpredictable matches. The game continued to refine the core mechanics while introducing new ways for players to connect with the real world of football. "Interactive Leagues" was a groundbreaking feature that enhanced the online experience.
FIFA 08
#2222.0"FIFA 08" introduced "Be a Pro" mode, which allowed players to focus on controlling a single player throughout their career, rather than the entire team. This offered a different perspective on the gameplay, emphasizing individual skill and teamwork from a single player's viewpoint. "Be a Pro" mode provided a more personal and immersive experience. The game also featured significant improvements to the AI, making both teammates and opponents behave more realistically. The transfer system in the career mode was also enhanced, offering more depth and realism to team management. "FIFA 08" aimed to provide a more authentic and engaging football simulation across all its modes.
FIFA Street 3
#2323.0This installment brought the "FIFA Street" series to the next generation of consoles with enhanced graphics and new gameplay mechanics. It continued to focus on arcade-style street football, emphasizing tricks, flair, and over-the-top action. "FIFA Street 3" aimed to deliver a visually impressive and entertaining street football experience. The game introduced a new "Gamebreaker" mechanic, allowing players to unleash spectacular moves and score incredible goals. This added to the over-the-top nature of the gameplay. While visually impressive, some felt it moved further away from the more grounded aspects of football simulation.
FIFA 09
#2424.0"FIFA 09" introduced "Be a Pro: Seasons," expanding the single-player career mode by allowing players to take their virtual pro through multiple seasons. This added longevity and depth to the individual player experience. The game also saw significant improvements to the AI and passing mechanics, leading to more fluid and realistic gameplay. The introduction of "Ultimate Team" as a downloadable add-on later in the game's cycle proved to be a hugely popular and influential addition to the franchise. This mode allowed players to build their dream squads by collecting player cards and competing online. "FIFA 09" is often remembered for laying the groundwork for the highly successful "Ultimate Team" mode.
FIFA 10
#2525.0"FIFA 10" featured improvements to the career mode, including more realistic player growth and transfer negotiations. The game aimed to provide a deeper and more immersive managerial experience. Gameplay enhancements focused on responsiveness and authenticity, with more realistic ball physics and player movements. The "Virtual Pro" feature was expanded, allowing players to create their own in-game avatar and progress through various game modes. "FIFA 10" continued to refine the core gameplay and expand the features, solidifying its position as a leading football simulation.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
#2626.0This official game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa offered players the chance to experience the tournament with updated teams, stadiums, and the atmosphere of the event. It provided a focused and immersive World Cup experience. The game often included unique challenges and scenarios based on the real-life tournament. It allowed fans to relive key moments and play through the entire competition. This spin-off provided a dedicated and timely World Cup experience.
FIFA 11
#2727.0"FIFA 11" introduced "Personality+" which aimed to differentiate players based on their real-world abilities and playing styles. This feature affected player attributes and behaviors on the pitch, leading to a more authentic representation of individual players. The career mode was revamped with more realistic team management and player development. The online modes were also enhanced, offering more ways for players to compete against each other. "FIFA 11" focused on adding layers of realism and individuality to the gameplay.
FIFA Street (2012)
#2828.0This 2012 release was a reboot of the "FIFA Street" series, aiming for a more grounded and skill-based street football experience. It incorporated elements from the main "FIFA" gameplay engine while retaining the flair and trickery of street football. The game featured a "World Tour" mode, allowing players to create their own teams and compete in street football tournaments around the world. This iteration aimed to bridge the gap between the arcade style of previous "Street" games and the more realistic gameplay of the main "FIFA" series.
FIFA 13
#2929.0"FIFA 13" introduced "First Touch Control," which aimed to make ball control more realistic and less predictable. Player ability, ball speed, and pressure from opponents all influenced a player's first touch. This added a new layer of skill and realism to ball control. The game also featured improved AI, making opponents more intelligent and challenging. The career mode was further enhanced with more realistic player transfers and international management. "FIFA 13" focused on refining the core gameplay mechanics and adding depth to the single-player experience.
FIFA 14
#3030.0"FIFA 14" introduced "Pure Shot," a new shooting system that aimed to make shots feel more satisfying and realistic. Players had to adjust their stride and angle of approach to connect with the ball effectively. The game also featured improved ball physics and player movement. The "Ultimate Team" mode continued to grow in popularity, with new features and enhancements. The career mode also saw further refinements. "FIFA 14" focused on enhancing the shooting mechanics and overall fluidity of the gameplay.
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
#3131.0Similar to previous World Cup spin-offs, this title focused on the 2014 tournament in Brazil. It featured all the qualified teams, official stadiums, and the vibrant atmosphere of the World Cup. The game provided a dedicated experience for fans of the international competition. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil" often included unique game modes that allowed players to relive key moments from the qualifiers and the tournament itself. It offered a focused and celebratory experience of the World Cup.
FIFA World
#3232.0This free-to-play online adaptation of "FIFA" was aimed at emerging markets and offered a streamlined version of the "Ultimate Team" mode. It allowed players to build and manage their teams and compete online without an initial purchase cost. "FIFA World" aimed to reach a wider audience through its free-to-play model. While not a traditional mainline release, "FIFA World" represented an attempt by EA Sports to expand the "FIFA" brand into new territories and explore different business models. It focused heavily on the popular "Ultimate Team" concept.
FIFA 15
#3333.0"FIFA 15" focused heavily on visual presentation, with improved graphics, player likenesses, and stadium details. The atmosphere of matches was enhanced with dynamic crowds and authentic audio. The game aimed to be the most visually immersive "FIFA" title to date. Gameplay-wise, "FIFA 15" introduced "Emotional Intelligence," which aimed to make players react to in-game events with more realistic emotions. The agility and responsiveness of players were also improved. The focus was on creating a more visually stunning and emotionally engaging football simulation.
FIFA 16
#3434.0"FIFA 16" was notable for the introduction of women's national teams for the first time in the series. This was a significant addition, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of women's football globally. Players could now compete with and against some of the top women's national teams in the world. Gameplay innovations in "FIFA 16" included "No Touch Dribbling," offering more control over the ball when not directly touching it, and improved defensive AI. The game aimed to offer a more diverse and strategically rich gameplay experience.
FIFA 17
#3535.0"FIFA 17" marked a significant shift for the series with the introduction of the "Frostbite" game engine, resulting in a major overhaul of the graphics and presentation. The game looked more realistic than ever before, with enhanced lighting, textures, and player models. This installment also introduced "The Journey," a story-driven career mode where players followed the career of a young aspiring footballer named Alex Hunter. This narrative mode added a new and engaging single-player experience to the "FIFA" franchise.
FIFA Mobile
#3636.0This dedicated mobile version of "FIFA" was designed for on-the-go play, offering a streamlined experience with touch-based controls and various game modes optimized for mobile devices. "FIFA Mobile" aimed to bring the core "FIFA" experience to a wider audience on their smartphones and tablets. While offering a different gameplay experience compared to the console versions, "FIFA Mobile" still allowed players to build teams, compete in matches, and engage with live events based on the real world of football. It provided a convenient way for fans to engage with the "FIFA" brand anytime, anywhere.
FIFA 18
#3737.0"FIFA 18" continued to utilize the "Frostbite" engine, further enhancing the visual fidelity and realism. The game featured improved player animations and more authentic stadium atmospheres. "The Journey" story mode returned with the second chapter in Alex Hunter's career. Gameplay enhancements in "FIFA 18" focused on dribbling and player movement, offering more control and responsiveness. The "Ultimate Team" mode continued to be a central feature, with new content and ways to play.
FIFA 19
#3838.0"FIFA 19" introduced the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Super Cup competitions, adding a new level of authenticity and prestige to the club football experience within the game. These licenses were highly sought after by fans. Gameplay innovations included the "Active Touch System," providing closer control over the ball, and "Timed Finishing," adding a risk-reward element to shooting. "The Journey" concluded with the third and final chapter of Alex Hunter's story.
FIFA 20
#3939.0FIFA 20" introduced "VOLTA Football," a new game mode that brought back the spirit of street football with small-sided matches in urban environments. This mode offered a different style of gameplay focused on skill moves and flair. The core gameplay also saw improvements, particularly in one-on-one situations and defensive AI. "FIFA 20" aimed to offer a diverse range of football experiences, from the traditional simulation to the more arcade-like "VOLTA Football.
FIFA 21
#4040.0"FIFA 21" focused on dynamic attacking play, with new agile dribbling, creative runs, and controlled crossing mechanics. The game aimed to provide players with more tools to create exciting attacking moments. The career mode saw significant updates, including interactive match simulation and enhanced player growth. "Ultimate Team" continued to evolve with new features and content. "FIFA 21" aimed to offer deeper gameplay and more engaging single-player modes.
FIFA 22
#4141.0"FIFA 22" introduced "Hypermotion" technology on next-generation consoles, using motion capture data from real 11 vs 11 matches to create more realistic player animations and movement. This was a significant leap in visual fidelity and gameplay realism. The game also featured a redesigned goalkeeper system and new attacking tactics. "Ultimate Team" introduced "FUT Heroes," featuring iconic players from the past. "FIFA 22" aimed to leverage new technology for a more immersive and authentic experience.
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