Since the release of the original PlayStation in 1994, Sony has continued to release iconic consoles that have featured some of the greatest video games of all time. Many of the most popular titles on PlayStation systems have been sports games, whether they are accurate simulations or arcade games that focus on fun. In honor of Sony’s announcement of the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection, let’s take a look at the sports video games that have made PlayStation consoles feel even more special.
Skateboarding video games have traditionally been based on pressing buttons to perform tricks. However, Skate, released for the PS3 in 2007, changed this by allowing players to perform tricks by flicking the analog sticks. This innovative control scheme made even simple tricks feel satisfying, and although Skate was not a PlayStation exclusive title, it was a must-have for PS3 owners. WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 for the PS2 and PSP marked an important moment in WWE video game history, introducing GM mode and Create-An-Entrance mode for the first time.
Hot Shots Golf 3, released for the PS2 in 2001, added a cartoony charm to the sport of golf while also offering a surprisingly deep golf simulation. ESPN NFL 2K5, released for the PS2 in 2004, was praised for its gameplay and innovative first-person mode, despite not selling as well as the Madden series. Burnout 3: Takedown, released in 2004 for the PS2 and exclusively in Japan, combined classic racing gameplay with destructive elements, making crashing an essential part of gameplay.
SSX Tricky, released for the PS2 in 2001, set the tone for arcade sports games by emphasizing style and fun gameplay over accurate simulation. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, released for the PS2 in 2001, marked a landmark shift in sim racing with its emphasis on graphics and accurate controls. NBA Street Vol. 2, released for the PS2 in 2003 and exclusively in Japan, improved upon the first game by emphasizing style and flashy moves in streetball gameplay.
Rocket League, released for the PS4 in 2015, became one of the most popular sports games by combining cars and soccer in a simple yet engaging way. Easy to pick up and difficult to master, Rocket League appeals to both casual audiences and professional eSports athletes. However, the top spot on this list goes to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, released for the PS1 in 1999. While later titles in the series may have perfected the formula, the original game left a lasting cultural impact and set the standard for skateboarding video games.
