Sports games that are a decade old in 2025

Summary

  • NHL 16 remains competitive thanks to advanced AI and game modes like “Be GM” and “Be a Pro”, which offer hours of fun.

  • MLB 15: The Show introduced licensed gear, regional athletes, save transfers and a new reward system.

  • Football Manager 2016 was enhanced with 'ProZone Match Analysis', 'Fantasy Draft', 'Create-A-Club' and an overhaul of features.

2015 introduced games that forever reshaped the landscape of the industry, and the sports genre did not disappoint, providing titles that still resonate ten years later, in 2025. Racing, football, basketball and other famous sports were more realistic than before, thanks to breakthroughs in video game mechanics, graphics and user experience.

Family

24 Best Action Games on PS5

Slash, shoot, shoot and slash your way through these outstanding action games on PS5.

Despite the lack of competition for some subgenres (such as hockey, American football, and baseball), the constant drive to integrate new modes and improve game mechanics made up for the lack of variety. These are the best sports games turning 10 in 2025, celebrating the innovation and fun they brought to sports and video game fans alike.

10

NHL 16

NHL 16 players facing the goalie in front of the goal.
via gamespot.com

What may surprise some players is that the NHL 16 hockey game still holds its own against much younger and more advanced successors from the same series. With a wide variety of game modes, such as “Be GM” where you lead your hockey team to success, or “Be a Pro”, where you focus on an individual player and career development, NHL offered 16 hours of fun at the time.

Compared to its predecessors, NHL 16 introduced much more advanced artificial intelligence for computer-controlled teams and players, offering an increased challenge. By introducing less complex modes, such as “On-Ice Trainer”, increased replayability.

9

MLB 15: The Show

Kansas City Royals players hit a baseball in MLB 15: The Show.

MLB 15: The Show followed the success of previous titles and sought to expand with baseball innovations that would entertain loyal fans. The game introduced licensed equipment such as batting gloves, fielding gloves, bats and cleats for the first time.

Depending on the region, MLB 15: The Show featured different cover athletes: Yasiel Puig on the US cover, Russell Martin on the Canadian cover, and Wei-Yin Chen on the Taiwanese cover.

In addition, you could transfer saves and progress from MLB 14 Postseason, Franchise and Road to Show mode and carry over data from PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4. A new reward system was also introduced, where you could collect cards and bounces for different game modes and exchange in them against equipment, arenas and sponsorship.

Football manager customization menu in Football Manager 2016.

In what is considered to be one of the most realistic football manager games, Football Manager 2016 builds on the progress of the previous installments while offering some innovations that were not available before. The most notable is “ProZone Match Analysis”, which analyzes played matches based on real ProZone data analysis suggestions.

6:02

Family

The best split screen multiplayer games on PC

Multiplayer games are far from dead. Check out the best split screen multiplayer games on PC!

Additionally, 'Fantasy Draft' and 'Create-A-Club' modes were introduced, while board requests, financial modules, competition rules and player movement received significant improvements. Additionally, Set Piece Creator and Match Tactics underwent a complete overhaul aimed at increasing user interface and accessibility.

7

Madden NFL 16

Madden NFL 16 cover athlete Odell Beckham Jr. catches the ball.

One of the rare sports games that received a noticeable improvement in game mechanics ten years ago is Madden NFL 16, which followed the improvement made in the previous title, Madden NFL 15. Building on the complete defensive revamped mechanics of the game, Madden NFL 16 introduced a overhaul of the passing system, so you can choose different solutions based on different situations on the field.

The Seattle Seahawks are the best overall team in Madden NFL 16, with 91 points.

Introducing the “Draft Champions” mode, fans could draft up to three football players for needed positions and then participate in a quick tournament against the computer or other players in online mode.

6

Project cars

Project Car's BMW car rammed from behind with the fender falling off, while racing in the rain.


Top Critic Ratings:
80/100

Released

May 6, 2015

Developer

Slightly Mad Studios

Aiming to usurp the racing video game industry and deliver an experience different from leaders such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, Project Cars took an innovative approach to racing. Using a sandbox method, the game lets you choose between 74 cars and 30 driving locations instantly.

Taking an approach from real-life racing, the game implements a series of qualifying events that precede the primary race, allowing you to battle for the best starting position. Additionally, realistic weather conditions, track layouts and game modes enhanced the overall user experience.

5

FIFA 16

Lionel Messi walks the football field in FIFA 16.
via cdn.gamer-network.net

Caught between introducing new features and breaking away from the old system, FIFA 16 offered some novelties compared to previous titles. One that proved crucial to representation and equality, however, was the inclusion of women's teams and players in this release.

Family

EA Sports FC 25: Best U23 players to log into career mode

These U23 players are our best EA Sports FC 25 Career Mode signings images.

The career training mode indirectly improved teammates you don't directly manage, which was a welcome addition. On the other hand, the online FIFA Ultimate Team brought changes in package management, transfer market, chemistry and interface, which set the foundation for the Ultimate Team we know today.

4

Rocket League

Rocket League vehicles with boosters.
via rocketleague.fandom.com

Released

July 7, 2015

Metascore

85

A truly innovative approach that was instantly recognized by the public and critics alike was soccer played by vehicles in Rocket League. This game introduces teams of up to four players with a single goal: to put a ball in the opponent's net.

The popularity and enjoyment it brought to players eventually paid off, as Rocket League continues to go strong, with 17 seasons at the time of writing. Each season brings something new, increasing player retention and building on the innovations that look set to continue for ten years straight.

3

NBA 2K16

NBA 2K16 Chicago Bulls vs Memphis Grizzlies.

NBA 2K16


Top Critic Ratings:
84/100

Released

September 29, 2015

Developer

Visual concepts

NBA 2K16 marks a step in the right direction and remains one of the most critically acclaimed installments in the year-long series. By using AI to enhance gameplay, the experience was completely different from previous titles as it constantly adapted to your play style and used new ways to improve the defensive aspect.

Family

NBA 2K25: 7 Best Mods

If you're looking for more ways to enhance your NBA experience, these mods will get the job done. Here are the best mods in NBA 2K25.

In addition, the full-body scans of real players and Spike Lee's involvement in the MyCareer mode offered a new, more immersive in-game experience, allowing players to follow their path throughout the game and achieve their dream of becoming an NBA star.

2

Pro Evolution Soccer 2016

Andres Iniesta of Spain feints on Matteo Darmian of Italy.

Undoubtedly one of the best installments in the series, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 delivered a whole new feel to soccer video games. Improved physics, agility and computer tactics made it a delight for millions of players worldwide. The emphasis on game tactics doesn't end here, as formation adjustments and well-timed substitutions can make a world of difference against opponents.

The game rewards a well-thought-out approach, which does not rely solely on the player's skill and attributes. Still, it takes into account team chemistry, the quality and style of play of the opposition, among other factors. For those who value a single-player experience, the progress you make with your player or team is much more tangible.

1

Forza Motorsport 6

Forza Motorsport 6 cars racing through the city.

Taking home multiple game awards in 2015, Forza Motorsport 6 was one of the best, if not the best, sports game of a decade ago. Ultra-realistic graphics and an inherent feel for different conditions on the track provided one of the most realistic driving experiences in racing games. Together with fantastic handling, the overall effect becomes even more intense.

What made Forza Motorsport 6 even better is its wide variety of tracks, conditions and 460 car models, offering a unique approach to racing both online and in single player modes. As it turned out, this sequel set the stage for subsequent releases in the years that followed.

Next

10 games with the best mutants

These games have amazing mutant enemies that you can fight.

Leave a Comment