- #1 Maximum Football
97% matchMixed59% of 1,413 reviews2025
Dev: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Forge your legacy in Maximum Football, where you can play both college and pro football in one shared universe. Recruit the next college superstar and take them into the pros to become a future Hall of Famer. Build your team with unparalleled in-game customization that gives you ultimate control.
Why similar: Sports 49.6%, Football (American) 31.4% ★, Local Multiplayer 9.4%, Simulation 8.6%, Singleplayer 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: A direct competitor in the indie football space that emphasizes sandbox customization and realistic simulation mechanics.
- #2 Axis Football 2024
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 210 reviews2023
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football is a simulation-style football game featuring the industry's best franchise mode, massive customization, and realistic gameplay.
Why similar: Sports 41%, Football (American) 34.1% ★, Simulation 11.4%, Management 5.8%, Strategy 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: The most modern iteration of the seed series, featuring significant improvements to the engine and customization options.
- #3 Axis Football 2023
96% matchMostly Positive77% of 270 reviews2022
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football is a simulation-style football game featuring the industry's best franchise mode, massive customization, and realistic gameplay.
Why similar: Sports 42.9%, Football (American) 32.1% ★, Simulation 10.5%, Management 5.7%, Strategy 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A refined version of the Axis formula that offers better stability and updated tactical controls compared to the 2016 original.
- #4 Legend Bowl
95% matchVery Positive87% of 956 reviews2021
Dev: Super Pixel Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Legend Bowl is a throwback to the classic 8-bit and 16-bit football games of the past. Take to the gridiron and fight your way to becoming a football legend! Enjoy sim-style gameplay, realistic weather, detailed stats, franchise mode, tournament mode, fully customizable rosters, and much much more!
Why similar: Football (American) 42.3% ★, Sports 35.9%, Local Multiplayer 10.3%, Simulation 7.3%, Strategy 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: This indie title offers a similar retro-inspired aesthetic combined with deep on-field simulation and franchise management.
- #5 Front Office Football Nine
94% matchMostly Positive79% of 169 reviews2023
Dev: Solecismic Software
Windows
Put yourself in the Front Office with Front Office Football, the professional football simulation from Solecismic Software. Manage your roster through trading, free agency and the amateur draft. Create game plans, organize depth charts and watch your franchise thrive for decades.
Why similar: Football (American) 42.8% ★, Sports 42.4%, Simulation 11.2%, Strategy 2.9%, Singleplayer 0.7%
Why You'll Like It: This title provides an incredibly deep, text-based management experience for those who prefer the strategic front-office side of football.
- #6 Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2021
94% matchMixed59% of 54 reviews2020
Dev: Wolverine Studios
Windows
Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2021 puts you in the role of general manager of your favorite football team. Every decision can be made by you from drafting, trading, signing free agents right down to creating and calling your own plays to lead your team to championship glory and becoming a dynasty.
Why similar: Sports 42.2%, Football (American) 41.8% ★, Simulation 11%, Strategy 4.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%
Why You'll Like It: A comprehensive simulation that focuses on the complexities of coaching and managing a professional football franchise.
- #7 Doug Flutie's Maximum Football 2020
93% matchMixed52% of 73 reviews2020
Dev: Canuck Play Inc
Windows
Achieve Gridiron Greatness as Doug Flutie and Maximum Football 2020, bring you the ultimate football sandbox.
Why similar: Sports 49%, Football (American) 37.3% ★, Simulation 7.2%, Local Multiplayer 5.7%, Singleplayer 0.8%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox-heavy football simulation that allows for extensive league customization and rule modification.
- #8 Pro Strategy Football 2021
92% matchVery Positive87% of 111 reviews2020
Dev: Kerry BattsPub: Pro Strategy Games
Windows · Mac
[NOT THE LATEST VERSION!! See Pro Strategy Football 2022]
Why similar: Football (American) 42.9% ★, Sports 35.5%, Simulation 10%, Management 7.3%, Strategy 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game prioritizes tactical decision-making and play-calling, making it a great match for players who enjoy the strategy aspects of Axis.
- #9 Axis Football 2021
90% matchMixed62% of 140 reviews2021
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football is a simulation-style football game featuring the industry's best franchise mode, massive customization, and realistic gameplay.
Why similar: Sports 43.5%, Football (American) 32.8% ★, Simulation 10.8%, Local Multiplayer 4.3%, Strategy 4.1%
Why You'll Like It: A mid-series entry that bridges the gap between early indie experiments and modern simulation standards.
- #10 Bowl Bound College Football
91% matchMixed57% of 124 reviews2015
Dev: Grey Dog SoftwarePub: Viva Meda
Windows
One of the best college football simulation engines available, Bowl Bound College Football is the simulation game college football fans have been waiting for!
Why similar: Sports 73%, Simulation 18.3%, Strategy 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A classic management simulation that captures the unique recruiting and coaching challenges of the college football landscape.
- #11 Axis Football 2020
89% matchMixed67% of 178 reviews2020
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football features football gaming's deepest Franchise Mode and massively improved simulation-style gameplay.
Why similar: Sports 40.7%, Football (American) 33.2% ★, Simulation 9.8%, Local Multiplayer 6.2%, Management 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Features improved AI and tactical depth, serving as a solid upgrade for fans of the 2016 version.
- #12 Axis Football 2018
89% matchMixed65% of 137 reviews2018
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Axis Football is an American football simulation featuring a deep Franchise Mode and full customization.
Why similar: Sports 45.2%, Addictive 19.2% ★, Simulation 12.4%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%, Tactical 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A pivotal year for the series that expanded on the management features and team customization tools.
- #13 Axis Football 2017
88% matchMixed64% of 171 reviews2017
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football is an American football simulation featuring massive customization and a complete franchise mode
Why similar: Football (American) 44.2% ★, Sports 25.1%, Addictive 11.1% ★, Simulation 6.9%, Local Multiplayer 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: The direct successor to the seed game, offering incremental improvements to the core simulation engine.
- #14 Front Office Football Eight
87% matchVery Positive84% of 282 reviews2016
Dev: Solecismic Software
Windows
Put yourself in the Front Office with Front Office Football, the professional football simulation from Solecismic Software. Manage your roster through trading, free agency and the amateur draft. Create game plans, organize depth charts and watch your franchise thrive for decades.
Why similar: Sports 71%, Football (American) 23.3% ★, Simulation 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A highly detailed management simulation that provides a realistic look at the administrative side of professional football.
- #15 Football Simulator
85% matchMostly Positive80% of 934 reviews2022
Dev: Refactor Games
Windows
Step onto the gridiron with Football Simulator and experience the most dynamic and physics-driven football game ever made. Break through tackles, juggle tipped passes, and dive for interceptions to lead your team to victory. Features a fully moddable environment.
Why similar: Football (American) 42.8% ★, Sports 35.3%, Local Multiplayer 11.2%, Simulation 9.4%, Singleplayer 1.4%
Why You'll Like It: An early-access indie project that allows for modding and custom league creation, mirroring the customization spirit of Axis.
- #16 Axis Football 2019
86% matchMixed69% of 117 reviews2019
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football is an American football simulation featuring immersive gameplay, a deep franchise mode, and extensive customization.
Why similar: Sports 47.7%, Football (American) 16.6% ★, Simulation 13.1%, Addictive 10.8% ★, Local Multiplayer 4%
Why You'll Like It: Introduced key gameplay refinements that made the passing mechanics more responsive and tactical.
- #17 EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26
83% matchMixed53% of 5,929 reviews2025
Dev: TiburonPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 14.4 hrsMean: 74.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26 leverages a new AI-powered machine learning system to convert thousands of plays from nearly a decade of real NFL data into more explosive gameplay.
Why similar: Sports 43.3%, Football (American) 41.7% ★, Simulation 12.3%, Strategy 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: The latest in the Madden series, providing the most up-to-date simulation experience for professional football fans.
- #18 Mutant Football League
84% matchVery Positive93% of 859 reviews2017
Dev: Digital Dreams Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 65.0 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Mutants and monsters unleash maniacal carnage on the gridiron in this crazy gore fest of arcade-style football. Packed full of humor, intense online multiplayer action, and strategy.
Why similar: Football (American) 48.2% ★, Sports 39.1%, Local Multiplayer 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: While more arcade-focused, it retains the core tactical football gameplay and team management elements in a chaotic, fantasy setting.
- #19 Axis Football 2015
86% matchMixed69% of 383 reviews2015
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 98%
Axis Football is a 3D American Football Simulation Game that features a unique aimed passing system. Play in a single match, season mode, or local multiplayer! Offers basic mod support for team rosters.
Why similar: Sports 38.5%, Football (American) 37.4% ★, Addictive 10.4% ★, Local Multiplayer 5.1%, Tactical 3.4%
Why You'll Like It: The original entry in the series, perfect for players interested in the historical evolution of the game's mechanics.
- #20 Blood Bowl 2: Legendary Edition (Classic)
84% matchMostly Positive78% of 9,183 reviews2017
Dev: Cyanide StudiosPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 20.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Blood Bowl 2 smashes Warhammer and American football together, in an explosive cocktail of turn-based strategy, humour and brutality, adapted from Games Workshop’s famous boardgame.
Why similar: Sports 47.4%, Football (American) 24.1% ★, Tactical 17.4%, Strategy 8.2%, Singleplayer 3%
Why You'll Like It: A turn-based tactical sports game that requires deep strategic planning and team management similar to football coaching.
- #21 EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25
82% matchMixed56% of 5,132 reviews2024
Dev: TiburonPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 21.8 hrsMean: 67.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Hit like you mean it with FieldSENSE™ powered by BOOM Tech. Experience how the new physics-informed dynamic tackling system unlocks realistic collisions & new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball.
Why similar: Football (American) 47.2% ★, Sports 33.2%, Simulation 14.4%, Strategy 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: A high-production value simulation that offers a polished alternative to indie football titles.
- #22 Football, Tactics & Glory
81% matchVery Positive87% of 4,384 reviews2018
Dev: Creoteam
Windows
Median: 9.9 hrsMean: 45.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
XCOM meets Football Manager. Develop your club, earn experience in turn-based matches, learn new skills, achieve new classes, upgrade your facilities, buy and sell footballers, grow your youth academy, make difficult choices. It's a deep strategy game that respects your time.
Why similar: Sports 43%, Local Multiplayer 14.7%, Simulation 12.4%, Management 12%, Tactical 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A tactical sports game that focuses on turn-based decision-making, appealing to the strategy-minded football fan.
- #23 WE ARE FOOTBALL
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,455 reviews2021
Dev: Winning Streak GamesPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Lead your football club through national championships and to international stardom. Take over an established men’s or women’s team of your choice as its manager or bring a small team into the big league.
Why similar: Sports 66.7%, Simulation 12.1%, Management 9.6%, Strategy 5.6%, Local Multiplayer 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A modern management simulation that focuses on the holistic experience of running a sports club.
- #24 Motorsport Manager
79% matchVery Positive92% of 14,233 reviews2016
Dev: Playsport GamesPub: Miniclip
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 41.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Have you got what it takes to become the manager of a high-performance motorsport team? Motorsport Manager is a highly detailed, best-in-class management game for fans of motorsport. You’ll hire the drivers, build the cars and embed yourself in the dynamic world of racing.
Why similar: Sports 49.4%, Management 23.8%, Simulation 18.6%, Strategy 7.1%, Singleplayer 1.2%
Why You'll Like It: While a different sport, it shares the same deep management, tactical planning, and team-building DNA found in Axis.
- #25 Football Coach: College Dynasty
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,513 reviews2025
Dev: SidelineSim Studios
Windows · Mac
A true college football management game. Play as a coach or a school, recruit players, develop your team, and compete for national championships. Build a college football dynasty and become a coaching legend!
Why similar: Sports 46.1%, Football (American) 31.9% ★, Simulation 12.8%, Management 7.1%, Strategy 1.6%
- #26 War Room Football
77% matchVery Positive95% of 78 reviews2026
Dev: Tanish Jagtap
Windows · Mac
Build a dynasty from the front office. Draft, trade, sign, and develop players across unlimited seasons. Scout prospects, manage the cap, hire coaches, then watch the league evolve around you.
Why similar: Sports 44.2%, Football (American) 32.3% ★, Simulation 11.1%, Management 6.3%, Tactical 4.2%
- #27 Axis Football 2026
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 116 reviews2025
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Axis Football 2026 is a complete American Football Simulation featuring fluid gameplay, endless customization, and the industry's best franchise mode.
Why similar: Football (American) 41.7% ★, Sports 33.9%, Simulation 9.7%, Management 8.1%, Strategy 3.9%
- #28 Lords of Football
82% matchMixed52% of 354 reviews2013
Dev: Geniaware SrlPub: Fish Eagle
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Lords of Football is a whole new sports lifestyle simulator, played in God Mode.The everyday routine of football is brought to life, simulating footballers' training to improve their skills and all the drama and real-life distractions that unfold during a normal season.
Why similar: Sports 74.6%, Simulation 16.7%, Strategy 5.8%, Management 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A unique management simulation that blends lifestyle elements with tactical sports coaching.
- #29 Super Blood Hockey
79% matchVery Positive92% of 1,121 reviews2017
Dev: Loren Lemcke
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Create and manage your team in a violent, dystopic world of no-rules, fast-paced, arcade-style, ice hockey action. Adjust training regimens, control diets, administer black market pharmaceuticals, and provide healthcare (or not) to a ragtag team of convicts at the mercy of your underhanded tactics.
Why similar: Sports 80.3%, Management 19.7%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade sports game that captures the intense, fast-paced nature of competitive team sports with a unique indie flair.
- #30 WE ARE FOOTBALL 2027
71% matchVery Positive82% of 180 reviews2026
Dev: Winning Streak Games GmbH
Windows
WE ARE FOOTBALL 2027 is the ultimate challenge for manager fans and anyone who wants to become one! Accessible, with great depth of play, a focus on tactics and more than 200 simulated countries. Now with a new creative mode that lets you tailor the game perfectly to your preferences!
Why similar: Sports 63.7%, Simulation 19.3%, Management 13.1%, Strategy 2.9%, Singleplayer 0.9%
- #31 EA SPORTS™ College Football 27
70% matchMixed41% of 2,903 reviews2026
Dev: TiburonPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 32.2 hrsMean: 63.9 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Step into the modern era of college football, where personal ambition meets program pride. Balance expectations, identity, and everything Saturday demands while immersed in traditions and pageantry of game day.
Why similar: Sports 46.2%, Football (American) 30.8% ★, Simulation 13.9%, Local Multiplayer 6.3%, Strategy 2.1%
- #32 FFFL: Brutalball Manager
71% matchVery Positive91% of 86 reviews2023
Dev: Stout Kassel Games
Windows
FFFL: Brutalball Manager is a Franchise Management Simulation game, based mostly on American Football in a Fantasy setting. Take full control of the entire league. Tons of customization, deep stat tracking and unique rules.
Why similar: Football (American) 38.7% ★, Sports 34%, Simulation 9.8%, Local Multiplayer 8.4%, Management 8.4%
- #33 EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 27
70% matchMostly Negative36% of 1,021 reviews2026
Dev: TiburonPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Run the league one decision at a time. EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 27, powered by the all-new Persona Engine.
Why similar: Football (American) 44.1% ★, Sports 35.3%, Simulation 11.1%, Strategy 4.6%, Local Multiplayer 4.4%
- #34 Super Button Soccer
73% matchMixed67% of 98 reviews2016
Dev: LIGA - Laboratório de Inovação de Games e AppsPub: Smyowl
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Super Button Soccer is a fast paced action/strategy game where you compete against human or CPU players in exciting online and offline soccer matches, collect cards and build your ultimate fantasy team!
Why similar: Sports 82.2%, Local Multiplayer 12.3%, Strategy 3.8%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #35 CFS (Chinese Football Simulator)
68% matchMixed68% of 320 reviews2026
Dev: 悟空实验室Pub: Wise Games
Windows
"Chinese Football Simulator" is a management game themed around Chinese football. As both club owner and head coach, you'll develop and manage teams—either existing or custom—immersed in authentic Chinese football culture.
Why similar: Sports 68.3%, Management 14.5%, Simulation 9.8%, Tactical 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.3%
- #36 Pro Strategy Football 2023
70% matchVery Positive85% of 74 reviews2022
Dev: Kerry BattsPub: Pro Strategy Games
Windows · Mac
NOT THE LATEST VERSION - Be sure to also look for Pro Strategy Football 2024!
Why similar: Football (American) 39.5% ★, Sports 27.4%, Simulation 7.8%, Management 7.8%, Tactical 6.9%
- #37 Casey Powell Lacrosse 16
71% matchVery Positive82% of 112 reviews2016
Dev: Big Ant Studios
Windows
Featuring in-depth lacrosse gameplay, high quality graphics, multi-year career mode, competitive online multiplayer, real-time RPG leveling and character customization, Powell Lacrosse 16 brings the sport to life like never before.
Why similar: Sports 87.9%, Simulation 12.1%
- #38 College Bowl
66% matchVery Positive85% of 273 reviews2024
Dev: Super Pixel Games
Windows
College Bowl is a beautifully pixelated on-field simulation of American Football! Challenge college rivals on your way to winning a National title! Take on various game modes, including a deep Dynasty mode with in-depth recruiting, scouting, stat tracking, ranking, bowl games, yearly goals and more!
Why similar: Football (American) 53.4% ★, Sports 43.7%, Local Multiplayer 2.8%
- #39 Backyard Football '99
65% matchVery Positive95% of 176 reviews2025
Dev: Mega Cat StudiosPub: Playground Productions
Windows
Backyard Football 1999 is back and now enhanced to run on modern systems. Whether you're picking Jerry Rice or Barry Sanders for your dream team, scoring TDs with Pablo Sanchez, or enjoying the witty banter between Sunny Day and Chuck Downfield, simple controls let anyone pick up and play football!
Why similar: Sports 52.2%, Football (American) 41.7% ★, Simulation 5.5%, Singleplayer 0.5%
- #40 Sunday Rivals
67% matchVery Positive91% of 312 reviews2022
Dev: 26k
Windows
Easy to pickup, hard hitting, fully customizable arcade football is back with Sunday Rivals! Battle high-octane offenses and bone crushing tacklers in the harshest weather conditions to bring home championship glory!
Why similar: Football (American) 47.1% ★, Sports 33.5%, Simulation 10.5%, Local Multiplayer 8%, Singleplayer 1%
- #41 Pro Strategy Football 2024
67% matchVery Positive80% of 51 reviews2023
Dev: Kerry BattsPub: Pro Strategy Games
Windows · Mac
NOT the latest version, please check out PSF 2026!
Why similar: Football (American) 39% ★, Sports 29.9%, Local Multiplayer 8.9%, Simulation 8.7%, Management 7.9%
- #42 WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024
65% matchVery Positive81% of 1,060 reviews2024
Dev: Winning Streak Games GmbHPub: THQ Nordic Mobile
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 49.4 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Welcome to WE ARE FOOTBALL 2024! Dive into the world of football like never before. Choose an existing club or start your own. Manage either men or women, lead your club to new heights, and become the next manager legend!
Why similar: Sports 45.8%, Local Multiplayer 13.6%, Simulation 12.3%, Tactical 11.1%, Management 10.7%
- #43 Front Page Sports Football
72% matchVery Negative11% of 66 reviews2014
Dev: Cyanide Studio
Windows
Step into the Manager's Shoes with Front Page Sports Football! Recruit, train, and coach your players to victory. Delve into the opposition's strategy with replays and stats, create a customized gameplan from thousands of plays, and push your players' skills to new limits.
Why similar: Sports 90.1%, Strategy 9.9%
