In a bit of a surprise, 2017 is huge for sports video games. There are the yearly sports simulations like Madden, FIFA, and NBA 2K, arcade sports games like NBA Playgrounds, and tons more. With every type of sport imaginable having a game released this year, we break down every single one of them.
Ride 2 (PS4, Xbox One) – Feb. 14
One of the earliest sports games to release this year was Ride 2. The game is all about motorcycle racing, featuring over 200 bikes and 30 race tracks. Players can customize their bikes and their riders to compete against other players in real-world environments.
Mario Sports Superstars (3DS) – Mar. 24
If you are a fan of previous Mario-branded sports games, Mario Sports Superstars attempts to put all of those experiences into one portable package. Featuring baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, and horse racing (I don’t get the last one either), players can compete in single-player tournaments, as well as local and online multiplayer.
Old Time Hockey (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch) – Mar. 28
Do you like hockey, but don’t like the NHL games? Old Time Hockey tries to capture the feeling of the old arcade hockey games instead of going for a simulation. It received a mixed reception, but fans of the classic NHL ’94 might be interested in trying this one out. Also, there is a Beer Mode with a control scheme that only requires one hand, so that you don’t even have to put down your drink while you play.
MLB The Show ’17 (PS4) – Mar. 28
Having sole ownership over the MLB video game license is paying dividends for Sony. The only realistic baseball simulator is on PS4 and nowhere else, and somehow manages to get better every year. This year’s entry features Ken Griffey Jr., as well as a throwback mode to make the game feel like its arcade counterparts.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition (Nintendo Switch) – Apr. 28
Nintendo Switch owners who are looking for a racing game should look no further than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Edition. The original game that released for the Wii U is fully upgraded; graphics are enhanced, all DLC is bundled in, and the battle modes have gotten much-needed overhauls. It is one of the most critically acclaimed Mario Kart games ever, and being able to take it on the go makes this a must-have.
NBA Playgrounds (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch) – May 9
While Old Time Hockey tries to revive the arcade hockey genre, NBA Playgrounds looks to revive the arcade basketball genre. While the realistic NBA 2K series has gotten incredible reviews, there are fans who want to play games like NBA Jam or NBA Street. NBA Playgrounds attempts to be a spiritual successor to NBA Jam, from the casual gameplay to the players looking like bobbleheads.
Dirt 4 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – Jun. 9
Dirt 4 is the latest entry in the rallying motorsport series, and while it’s titled “Dirt 4,” it is the sixth game in the franchise. There are five main locations that the stages are in: Australia, Spain, The United States, Sweden, and Wales. The “Your Stage” feature will procedurally generate a stage based on settings the player chooses and will be the bulk of content throughout the game. The cars featured span from the 1980s to current models.
Cars 3: Driven to Win (PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Wii U) – Jun. 13
To coincide with Pixar’s latest entry in the Cars movie series, Cars 3: Driven to Win is a combat racing video game that features all of the characters from the franchise. Each character has its own set of abilities and can be customizable. Races take place in locations seen in the movies, and game modes range from traditional races to battle modes and stunt contests.
Micro Machines World Series (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – Jun. 23
Instead of focusing on real world racing, Micro Machines World Series gives the players the feeling of playing with Hot Wheels cars. Players control tiny vehicles in a mix of combat and racing, in settings like a kitchen table, an Ouija board, and other scaled down locations. Players can also customize their vehicles to personalize their experiences.
