Video Games: 90s Sports Games Fans’ Favorites
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 10 January 2025
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
Favorite 90s Sports Games
There are certain video games that all 90s sports games fans tend to single out as being the best of the decade. The 90s saw technological advancements bring us the first 3D games, setting a new standard in graphics that only improved in the following decades. It also saw the first games in franchises that garnered immense success with their sequels, including the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series and the FIFA games. We’ve explored 10 iconic titles in this comprehensive guide.
What Are the Best Sports Video Games of the 90s?
We’ve considered online forums and expert reviews to come up with this ranked list of the top 90s sports video games. To begin this guide, we’ve outlined our review process and what it is that fans love most about these titles.
From there, we’ve jumped straight into our top 10 list. This includes memorable games such as NHL ’94, NBA Jam, Gran Turismo 2, and FIFA 2000. See below to find links to each section, or rediscover these exciting titles by starting with the first on our list.
- Rating Sports Video Games of the 90s
- #1: NHL ‘94
- #2: NBA Jam
- #3: Tecmo Super Bowl
- #4: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
- #5: Gran Turismo 2
- #6: Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball
- #7: FIFA 2000
- #8: NFL Blitz
- #9: WCW/nWO Revenge
- #10: Virtua Tennis
Ranking the Best 90s Sports Video Games
We’ve searched through some of the most popular and niche video game forums to create our list of the best sports video games of the 90s. In many instances, gamers often singled out nostalgia as being a primary reason why these games are beloved, as well as how innovative they were upon release.
Some of the titles set new benchmarks in graphics, mechanics, and sound, while others supported competitive or cooperative multiplayer gameplay. While it may be difficult to understand today for younger readers, these games seemed extremely advanced for their time and were helped by cutting-edge consoles such as the Playstation, Nintendo 64, or SEGA.
#1: NHL ‘94
When NHL 94 was released, it set a new standard for sports video games. It was immediately embraced by 90s sports games fans, who lauded its smooth, responsive controls and slick graphics. Additionally, the game was the first to be licensed by the NHL and featured the league’s real teams and players.
Critics still call it one of the best sports video games of all time thanks to its strategic mechanics and gameplay modes such as the Stanley Cup playoffs and finals. NHL 94 kept players engaged by providing countless hours of competitive action, and its timeless soundtrack and iconic sound effects further enhanced the immersive experience.
#2: NBA Jam
Released in 1993, NBA Jam redefined the sports video game landscape with its unique approach to arcade-style basketball. The game’s 2-on-2 format and over-the-top gameplay delighted with gravity-defying dunks and exaggerated player animations. The action was fast-paced, and the multiplayer mode helped to create a community around the game.
One of the key elements that made NBA Jam so successful was its diverse roster of NBA stars and hidden characters. Iconic catchphrases such as “He’s on fire!” and “Boomshakalaka!”, along with memorable sound effects, have cemented its place in video game lore. Other highlights include its vibrant graphics and fluid animations which made the most of the capabilities of 90s gaming consoles.
#3: Tecmo Super Bowl
Tecmo Super Bowl was a groundbreaking football game that is still beloved by 90s sports games fans. It offered an unprecedented level of authenticity with its use of real NFL teams and players, as well as strategic depth and an innovative play-calling system. This gave players the ability to create and execute complex game plans, setting it apart from its arcade contemporaries.
Its simple, intuitive controls and addictive gameplay made it accessible to a wide audience, ensuring its enduring popularity. As the first game to be licensed by the NFL, it set a benchmark for the franchise’s future slate and is regarded as one of the few NES football games that is still widely played.
#4: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’s influence cannot be overlooked. Not only was it one of the highest-rated sports games of the 90s, but it helped to drive huge public interest in both Tony Hawk as an athlete and the sport of skateboarding. The game featured an extensive roster of legendary skaters, each with their unique style and skillset.
Numerous game modes were provided including career mode and free skates. The game’s edgy, eclectic soundtrack perfectly complemented its visual style, further immersing players in the skate culture. Another interesting element was that Hawk was extremely involved in the game’s production to ensure realism. It spawned a series of sequels, including some of the best sports video games of the 2000s.
#5: Gran Turismo 2
Gran Turismo 2 was a landmark title in the racing game genre and a contender for one of the best sports video games of the 90s. It was instantly lauded upon release for its approach to realism and car customization, with a huge lineup of more than 600 cars and dozens of international tracks based on real locations.
Released in 1999 for the Playstation, the game implemented cutting-edge graphics and smooth, responsive controls. Gameplay modes included competitive multiplayer and an in-depth career campaign. Anyone who’s a fan of motorsport betting should do themselves a favor and check this franchise out.
#6: Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball
Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball was a standout title in the realm of 90s sports video games, offering the most realistic virtual baseball experience for gamers at the time. With a blend of realistic gameplay and user-friendly controls, the game instantly delighted with eye-catching graphics and fluid animations.
The game featured a full roster of Major League teams and incorporated real-life statistics of players to add depth and complexity. The various game modes, including exhibition, season, and World Series, offered endless excitement, while a robust player creation system set a now-common standard for character customization.
#7: FIFA 2000
Despite its name, FIFA 2000 was released in 1999 and immediately revolutionized virtual soccer gaming. It was one of the earliest soccer titles to take advantage of the Playstation’s 3D graphics capabilities. The game utilized cutting-edge visuals and a memorable soundtrack to capture the atmosphere of professional football.
One of the highlights was a groundbreaking indoor football mode, while players could select from 50 national teams and numerous club sides. Several real-life stars were featured in the game, who could be controlled with responsive mechanics and intelligent NPC intelligence. A detailed career mode let players guide their team through multiple seasons, prolonging the steady rise of the FIFA ranks to greatness.
#8: NFL Blitz
In the wake of Tecmo Super Bowl, the NFL doubled down on its video game output and released the memorable NFL Blitz. Fans of sports video games of the 90s remember the title for its fast-paced action and eschewing of the traditional 11-on-11 format in favor of 7-on-7. This resulted in high-scoring, high-octane matches that captivated players.
The result was a more over-the-top game, yet it still benefited from accessible gameplay that made it an instant hit among both casual and hardcore gamers. Players could compete with real-life teams and players and had the ability to create custom plays, making the experience even more immersive.
#9: WCW/nWO Revenge
WCW/nWO Revenge was a seminal wrestling game that captured the essence of the sport during the height of the Monday Night Wars. The game featured a roster of wrestlers from both WCW and nWO, providing fans with the opportunity to recreate their favorite feuds and dream matches. Its intuitive grappling system and wide move set allowed for a high level of strategy and depth, keeping players engaged for hours on end.
With its realistic graphics, engaging story modes, and thrilling in-ring action, WCW/nWO Revenge stood out as one of 90s sports games fans favorite wrestling games. Highlights included authentic entrance themes and arena environments, which later influenced the WWE game franchise that continues to be popular today.
#10: Virtua Tennis
Released in 1999 for the Sega, Virtua Tennis was an instant hit due to its accessible gameplay and realistic graphics. Players could control real-life tennis stars from the era and execute a variety of shots, including powerful serves and precise volleys. Its game modes included World Circuit, which facilitated a training mode and tournaments.
Like many sports games of the era, it also featured a popular multiplayer mode. The game spawned a successful franchise that continued until 2011, with later sequels including tennis stars such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
