- #1 Maximum Football
97% matchMixed63% of 1,302 reviews2025
Dev: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 49%
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: Football (American) 58.6% ★, Sports 30.6%, Simulation 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A direct competitor to Madden that offers a modern, physics-driven American football experience with deep customization.
- #2 Legend Bowl
96% matchVery Positive87% of 945 reviews2021
Dev: Super Pixel Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 12.8 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) 67% ★, Sports 18.7%, Simulation 7.6%, Strategy 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: This title captures the strategic depth and excitement of football through a unique, highly-regarded pixel-art simulation style.
- #3 Sunday Rivals
96% matchVery Positive91% of 310 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) 72.6% ★, Sports 16.8%, Simulation 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade-inspired football game that focuses on fast-paced, physics-based gameplay and satisfying collision mechanics.
- #4 EA SPORTS FC™ 25
95% matchMixed53% of 104,583 reviews2024
Dev: EA CanadaPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 70.2 hrsMean: 148.2 hrs≥1hr: 97%
EA SPORTS FC™ 25 gives you more ways to win for the club. Team up with friends in your favourite modes with the new 5v5 Rush, and manage your club to victory as FC IQ delivers more tactical control than ever before.
Why similar: Sports 58%, Simulation 21.9%, Competitive 20.1% ★
Why You'll Like It: As a premier sports simulation from the same publisher, it shares the high-fidelity presentation and competitive multiplayer focus found in Madden.
- #5 NBA 2K25
94% matchMixed59% of 42,427 reviews2024
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 34.1 hrsMean: 99.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W.
Why similar: Sports 67.4%, Simulation 32.6%
Why You'll Like It: This game sets the gold standard for basketball simulation, offering a similar level of depth, presentation, and competitive online play.
- #6 Axis Football 2024
94% 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: Football (American) 55.6% ★, Sports 22%, Simulation 12.3%, Strategy 10%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation-focused football game that provides a deep franchise mode and realistic on-field strategy.
- #7 Football Simulator
93% matchMostly Positive80% of 904 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) 70.8% ★, Sports 19%, Simulation 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a sandbox-style approach to football, allowing for extensive modding and realistic simulation of the sport.
- #8 TopSpin 2K25
91% matchMixed53% of 3,921 reviews2024
Dev: Hangar 13Pub: 2K Games
Windows
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 27.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
TopSpin 2K25 returns as a next-level tennis sim, bringing realistic court physics and challenging skill-based gameplay. Play single or multiplayer locally or online. Build your MyPLAYER or play as icons like Roger Federer and Serena Williams with custom animations mirroring their real-life styles.
Why similar: Sports 71.8%, Simulation 28.2%
Why You'll Like It: A highly polished tennis simulation that emphasizes realistic movement and strategic shot-making similar to Madden's tactical depth.
- #9 Undisputed
91% matchMixed60% of 21,826 reviews2024
Dev: Steel City InteractivePub: Deep Silver
Windows
Median: 14.6 hrsMean: 48.5 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Become Undisputed in the most authentic boxing game to date! Featuring true to life visuals, bone-jarring action, and more licensed boxers than ever before, Undisputed gives you unprecedented control to master every inch of the ring.
Why similar: Sports 67.2%, Simulation 32.8%
Why You'll Like It: A realistic boxing simulation that utilizes advanced physics and movement mechanics to replicate the feel of a professional fight.
- #10 F1® 24
90% matchMostly Positive73% of 18,873 reviews2024
Dev: CodemastersPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 16.7 hrsMean: 49.2 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Join the grid and Be One of the 20. Drive like the greatest in EA SPORTS™ F1® 24, the official video game of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship™.
Why similar: Sports 48.6%, Competitive 27.2% ★, Simulation 24.2%
Why You'll Like It: This racing simulation captures the intense, high-stakes atmosphere of professional sports with deep technical and strategic layers.
- #11 WWE 2K24
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 7,911 reviews2024
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 20.4 hrsMean: 54.3 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Experience a gripping retelling of WrestleMania’s greatest moments in 2K Showcase of the Immortals in WWE 2K24, where you can relive a collection of some of the most unforgettable, career-defining matches.
Why similar: Sports 64.6%, Simulation 35.4%
Why You'll Like It: This sports-entertainment simulation features robust character creation and physics-based combat that mirrors the intensity of professional sports.
- #12 Rugby 22
87% matchMostly Positive77% of 491 reviews2022
Dev: Eko SoftwarePub: Nacon
Windows
Crouch, bind, set! Discover the true rugby experience. Play with best clubs and top nations, enjoy dynamic gameplay that stays faithful to the sport, and experience the intensity of big matches.
Why similar: Sports 55.2%, Simulation 27.6%, Competitive 17.2% ★
Why You'll Like It: This title provides a tactical and physical team-based sports experience that shares many strategic elements with American football.
- #13 Cricket 24
84% matchMostly Positive80% of 2,405 reviews2023
Dev: Big Ant StudiosPub: Nacon
Windows
Cricket 24 is the culmination of a decade of Cricket video game development and includes teams from every corner of the globe.
Why similar: Sports 83.3%, Simulation 16.7%
Why You'll Like It: A comprehensive sports simulation that offers a deep career mode and realistic team management mechanics.
- #14 Tennis Elbow 4
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 952 reviews2026
Dev: Mana Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 25.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Created by and for tennis fans, Tennis Elbow 4 is a true tennis simulation built around anticipation, positioning and risk management. Easy to start, demanding to master, it delivers exceptional gameplay depth and long-term progression.
Why similar: Sports 64.6%, Simulation 35.4%
Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its incredibly deep and realistic simulation mechanics, this is a must-play for fans who prioritize gameplay accuracy.
- #15 Super Mega Baseball™ 4
83% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,325 reviews2023
Dev: Metalhead Software Inc.Pub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 27.6 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Super Mega Baseball™ 4 is where the Legends play. The signature combo of arcade-inspired style and immersive gameplay returns with over 200 baseball Legends and a grand slam of presentation upgrades.
Why similar: Sports 67.4%, Simulation 32.6%
Why You'll Like It: While stylized, this game features a surprisingly deep and realistic simulation engine that makes it a top-tier sports experience.
- #16 Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2024
81% matchMixed67% of 15 reviews2023
Dev: Wolverine Studios
Windows
Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2024 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: Football (American) 59.9% ★, Sports 19.7%, Simulation 11.5%, Strategy 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A pure management simulation that focuses on the front-office and strategic side of professional football.
- #17 Front Office Football Eight
81% 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: Football (American) 46.5% ★, Sports 46.2%, Simulation 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic, deep simulation game that allows players to manage every aspect of a professional football organization.
- #18 Session: Skate Sim
79% matchVery Positive83% of 15,546 reviews2022
Dev: crea-ture Studios Inc.Pub: Nacon
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 27.6 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Made by and for skaters, the dual stick controls faithfully reproduce your feet on the skateboard for an ultra-realistic experience. Try out real-life iconic skate spots, customise your skater and equipment with items from the top brands
Why similar: Sports 58.8%, Simulation 31.4%, Strategy 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sports game that prioritizes realistic control and mastery, appealing to players who enjoy Madden's technical gameplay.
- #19 Riders Republic
78% matchVery Positive82% of 29,128 reviews2023
Dev: Ubisoft AnnecyPub: Ubisoft Entertainment
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Jump into a massive multiplayer playground! Bike, ski, snowboard, or wingsuit across an open world sports paradise.
Why similar: Sports 100%
Why You'll Like It: A massive multiplayer sports game that captures the competitive spirit and adrenaline of extreme athletics.
- #20 Motorsport Manager
79% matchVery Positive92% of 14,004 reviews2016
Dev: Playsport GamesPub: Miniclip
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 41.5 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 42.8%, Simulation 32.7%, Strategy 24.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the strategic management of a racing team, capturing the analytical side of professional sports competition.
- #21 Descenders
78% matchVery Positive94% of 22,429 reviews2019
Dev: RageSquidPub: No More Robots
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Descenders is extreme downhill freeriding for the modern era, with procedurally generated worlds, and where mistakes have real consequences. Will you lead your team to glory and become the next legendary Descender?
Why similar: Sports 81.8%, Competitive 9.1% ★, Simulation 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A downhill mountain biking game with deep physics-based mechanics that reward skill and strategic line selection.
- #22 EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26
77% matchMixed52% of 5,008 reviews2025
Dev: TiburonPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 15.5 hrsMean: 73.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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: Football (American) 57.4% ★, Sports 18.4%, Simulation 10.9%, Competitive 8.4% ★, Strategy 4.9%
- #23 NBA 2K26
76% matchMixed66% of 18,088 reviews2025
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 33.6 hrsMean: 84.1 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY™, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.
Why similar: Sports 75.2%, Simulation 24.8%
- #24 FIFA 22
71% matchVery Positive81% of 120,504 reviews2021
Dev: EA Canada & EA RomaniaPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 83.8 hrsMean: 194.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Powered by Football™, EA SPORTS™ FIFA 22 brings the game even closer to the real thing with fundamental gameplay advances and a new season of innovation across every mode.
Why similar: Sports 48.2%, Competitive 30.6% ★, Simulation 21.2%
- #25 WWE 2K25
70% matchMixed69% of 6,339 reviews2025
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 44.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Celebrate The Bloodline in Showcase. Compete online in MyGM. Expanded gameplay includes intergender wrestling, chain wrestling, barricade diving, the return of Promos + much more!
Why similar: Sports 63.8%, Simulation 36.2%
- #26 Football Coach: College Dynasty
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,422 reviews2025
Dev: Coach Apps
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: Football (American) 56.3% ★, Sports 25.6%, Simulation 14.5%, Strategy 3.6%
- #27 Axis Football 2026
69% matchMostly Positive75% of 96 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) 64.9% ★, Sports 17.2%, Simulation 9.9%, Strategy 8%
- #28 Axis Football 2016
73% matchMostly Positive75% of 125 reviews2016
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Axis Football is a an American football simulation featuring innovative aimed passing and massive customization.
Why similar: Football (American) 47.2% ★, Sports 32.5%, Simulation 14.9%, Strategy 5.3%
- #29 EA SPORTS FC™ 26
69% matchMixed46% of 54,515 reviews2025
Dev: EA CanadaPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 44.9 hrsMean: 91.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
The Club is Yours in EA SPORTS FC™ 26. Play your way with an overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback, Manager Live Challenges that bring fresh storylines to the new season, and Archetypes inspired by greats of the game.
Why similar: Sports 44.5%, Competitive 31.3% ★, Simulation 24.2%
- #30 Axis Football 2017
73% 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) 75.1% ★, Sports 13.9%, Simulation 7.7%, Strategy 3.3%
- #31 PGA TOUR 2K25
67% matchMixed69% of 3,851 reviews2025
Dev: HB StudiosPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 18.0 hrsMean: 40.8 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Take your best shot at glory in PGA TOUR 2K25! In a 2K-first, compete in three prestigious major tournaments. Personalize your game with expanded MyCAREER, MyPLAYER and Course Designer options. Challenge friends across ranked, casual, and cross-platform multiplayer.
Why similar: Sports 66.9%, Simulation 33.1%
- #32 Axis Football 2015
70% matchMixed69% of 381 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: Football (American) 72% ★, Sports 24.2%, Strategy 3.8%
- #33 Axis Football 2021
69% matchMixed63% of 139 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: Football (American) 55.1% ★, Sports 23.9%, Simulation 11.9%, Strategy 9%
- #34 Football Manager 26
66% matchMostly Negative32% of 30,190 reviews2025
Dev: Sports InteractivePub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 56.1 hrsMean: 110.5 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Step into the dugout and experience the future of football management.
Why similar: Sports 51%, Simulation 27.9%, Strategy 21.1%
- #35 PRO ERA
67% matchMixed65% of 155 reviews2022
Dev: StatusPRO Inc
Windows
Lead your team to a Super Bowl, improve your QB skills by participating in drills, or play catch virtually with your friends in your favorite NFL stadium. As a NFL QB you’ll feel the excitement of what it’s like to compete under the bright lights with thousands of screaming fans.
Why similar: Football (American) 68.2% ★, Simulation 16.5%, Sports 15.3%
- #36 Axis Football 2020
68% 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: Football (American) 57.3% ★, Sports 23%, Simulation 11.1%, Strategy 8.6%
- #37 F1® 25
62% matchVery Positive87% of 22,956 reviews2025
Dev: CodemastersPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 17.8 hrsMean: 42.3 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Leave your mark on the world of racing in F1® 25, the official video game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™, featuring a revamped My Team mode, the thrilling third chapter of Braking Point, and more!
Why similar: Sports 62.6%, Simulation 27.5%, Competitive 9.8% ★
- #38 College Bowl
64% matchVery Positive85% of 264 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) 78.9% ★, Sports 21.1%
