- #1 Maximum Football
97% matchMixed62% of 1,344 reviews2025
Dev: Maximum Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 6.1 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: Football (American) 51.2% ★, Sports 39.8%, Simulation 9%
Why You'll Like It: This title provides a modern, simulation-focused alternative to the Madden series with a deep focus on customizable football gameplay.
- #2 EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25
96% matchMixed56% of 5,101 reviews2024
Dev: TiburonPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 23.5 hrsMean: 69.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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) 56.5% ★, Sports 19.3%, Simulation 10.8%, Competitive 8.5%, Strategy 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it provides nearly identical gameplay mechanics and team rosters for those looking for a familiar experience.
- #3 Axis Football 2026
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 102 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) 61.9% ★, Sports 24.4%, Simulation 9%, Strategy 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a robust simulation experience with a focus on strategy and team management that mirrors the core appeal of Madden.
- #4 Legend Bowl
94% matchVery Positive87% of 947 reviews2021
Dev: Super Pixel Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 12.9 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) 63.1% ★, Sports 26.2%, Simulation 6.8%, Strategy 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: While featuring a distinct visual style, it delivers a surprisingly deep and realistic simulation of American football mechanics.
- #5 NBA 2K25
93% matchMixed59% of 42,637 reviews2024
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 34.2 hrsMean: 100.0 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 76.4%, Simulation 23.6%
Why You'll Like It: This game provides the same high-production value and simulation depth as Madden, just applied to the court instead of the field.
- #6 EA SPORTS FC™ 25
91% matchMixed53% of 105,761 reviews2024
Dev: EA CanadaPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 71.1 hrsMean: 150.0 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 59.2%, Competitive 26.5%, Simulation 14.3%
Why You'll Like It: This title delivers the premier soccer simulation experience, sharing the same polished presentation and tactical depth as Madden.
- #7 WWE 2K25
91% matchMixed69% of 6,478 reviews2025
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 11.3 hrsMean: 46.1 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 73.5%, Simulation 26.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a highly detailed sports simulation with extensive character customization and realistic physics-based combat.
- #8 PGA TOUR 2K25
89% matchMixed69% of 4,234 reviews2025
Dev: HB StudiosPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 20.6 hrsMean: 42.5 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 75.9%, Simulation 24.1%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a polished, simulation-focused sports experience that emphasizes precision and strategic decision-making.
- #9 Football Coach: College Dynasty
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,463 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) 50.6% ★, Sports 34.6%, Simulation 12.7%, Strategy 2%
Why You'll Like It: This title focuses on the deep management and strategic side of American football, perfect for those who enjoy the franchise modes in Madden.
- #10 Super Mega Baseball™ 4
88% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,403 reviews2023
Dev: Metalhead Software Inc.Pub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 27.2 hrs≥1hr: 67%
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 76.3%, Simulation 23.7%
Why You'll Like It: While stylized, it features a surprisingly deep simulation engine that emphasizes team management and competitive gameplay.
- #11 Football Manager 26
84% matchMostly Negative33% of 32,555 reviews2025
Dev: Sports InteractivePub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 60.7 hrsMean: 131.0 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Step into the dugout and experience the future of football management.
Why similar: Sports 65.7%, Simulation 22.8%, Strategy 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive management simulation for soccer, offering the same level of tactical depth and data-driven gameplay found in Madden's franchise mode.
- #12 Mutant Football League
85% matchVery Positive93% of 854 reviews2017
Dev: Digital Dreams Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 64.9 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) 71.7% ★, Sports 28.3%
Why You'll Like It: It takes the core rules of American football and adds an arcade-style, high-intensity twist that remains true to the sport's structure.
- #13 Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2025
84% matchMixed46% of 13 reviews2024
Dev: Wolverine Studios
Windows
Draft Day Sports: Pro Football 2025 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) 56.1% ★, Sports 29.1%, Simulation 9.8%, Strategy 5%
Why You'll Like It: A comprehensive management simulator that captures the intricate details of running a professional football organization.
- #14 Axis Football 2021
83% 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) 51.3% ★, Sports 33%, Simulation 10.6%, Strategy 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: An earlier entry in the Axis series that provides a solid foundation for those interested in independent football simulations.
- #15 Tennis Elbow 4
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,009 reviews2026
Dev: Mana Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 26.4 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 74%, Simulation 26%
Why You'll Like It: It provides an incredibly realistic and physics-based simulation of tennis that appeals to fans of high-fidelity sports games.
- #16 Blood Bowl 3
82% matchMixed50% of 5,571 reviews2023
Dev: Cyanide StudioPub: Nacon
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 51.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Brutal, crazy, tactical… this is BLOOD BOWL! The iconic death sport returns with the new video game of fantasy football faithfully using the latest board game rules and new content. Create your team, then crush, mulch and cheat your way to the top... leaving your opponents in the graveyard.
Why similar: Sports 81.8%, Strategy 18.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game translates the tactical and strategic elements of football into a turn-based fantasy setting that rewards careful planning.
- #17 Rugby 22
80% matchMostly Positive77% of 493 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 58.1%, Competitive 23.3%, Simulation 18.6%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a tactical and physical sports simulation that shares many strategic similarities with American football.
- #18 Axis Football 2020
81% 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) 53.4% ★, Sports 31.8%, Simulation 9.9%, Strategy 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A foundational simulation title that emphasizes the strategic elements of American football management.
- #19 NBA 2K26
77% matchMixed65% of 24,472 reviews2025
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 25.8 hrsMean: 76.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
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 74.8%, Simulation 25.2%
- #20 EA SPORTS FC™ 26
77% matchMixed47% of 66,172 reviews2025
Dev: EA CanadaPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 50.0 hrsMean: 102.6 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 44.7%, Competitive 40%, Simulation 15.3%
- #21 AO Tennis 2
79% matchMixed70% of 1,671 reviews2020
Dev: Big Ant StudiosPub: Nacon
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 16.5 hrs≥1hr: 75%
AO Tennis 2 is the only tennis experience designed for and by its community. Create your own players, stadiums and legendary matches. Enter the competition to reach the top of world tennis in Career Mode.
Why similar: Sports 75.7%, Simulation 24.3%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a comprehensive sports simulation experience with a focus on realistic movement and player management.
- #22 WWE 2K26
73% matchMixed53% of 2,432 reviews2026
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 23.5 hrsMean: 43.8 hrs≥1hr: 98%
The show never stops in WWE 2K26! Step into CM Punk’s 2K Showcase, dominate with 400+ Superstars and Legends, and unleash chaos with all-new match types.
Why similar: Sports 72.9%, Simulation 27.1%
- #23 Axis Football 2016
76% matchMostly Positive75% of 125 reviews2016
Dev: Axis Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Axis Football is a an American football simulation featuring innovative aimed passing and massive customization.
Why similar: Sports 42.8%, Football (American) 41.8% ★, Simulation 12.6%, Strategy 2.9%
- #24 MLB 9 Innings Rivals 26
71% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,522 reviews2025
Dev: Com2uS
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 36.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Take your rivalries to the next level in MLB 9 Innings Rivals 26!
Why similar: Sports 61.4%, Competitive 26.3%, Simulation 12.4%
- #25 Axis Football 2017
75% 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) 71.4% ★, Sports 19.7%, Simulation 7%, Strategy 1.9%
- #26 Axis Football 2015
75% 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: Football (American) 65.3% ★, Sports 32.6%, Strategy 2.1%
- #27 Axis Football 2023
72% matchMostly Positive78% of 269 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: Football (American) 51% ★, Sports 33%, Simulation 10.5%, Strategy 5.5%
- #28 Doug Flutie's Maximum Football 2020
72% 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: Football (American) 56.8% ★, Sports 36.3%, Simulation 6.9%
- #29 Axis Football 2024
70% 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) 52.5% ★, Sports 30.7%, Simulation 11%, Strategy 5.7%
- #30 WWE 2K24
68% matchMostly Positive75% of 7,932 reviews2024
Dev: Visual ConceptsPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 20.5 hrsMean: 54.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%
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 74%, Simulation 26%
- #31 Axis Football 2019
71% 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 45.4%, Football (American) 32.6% ★, Simulation 16.1%, Strategy 5.9%
- #32 Pro Strategy Football 2021
70% 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) 61.6% ★, Sports 24.7%, Simulation 9%, Strategy 4.7%
- #33 PRO ERA
69% 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) 63.9% ★, Sports 21.3%, Simulation 14.8%
- #34 AFL 26
67% matchMixed57% of 184 reviews2025
Dev: Big Ant StudiosPub: Nacon
Windows
Get ready for the future of footy with AFL 26. Feel every hit, hear every roar, and live every moment with unmatched authenticity and intensity.
Why similar: Sports 81.6%, Simulation 18.4%
- #35 FIFA 22
66% matchVery Positive81% of 120,504 reviews2021
Dev: EA Canada & EA RomaniaPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 83.8 hrsMean: 194.8 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 47.8%, Competitive 38.6%, Simulation 13.5%
- #36 Sunday Rivals
67% 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) 67.4% ★, Sports 23.2%, Simulation 9.4%
- #37 Football Simulator
67% matchMostly Positive80% of 912 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) 65% ★, Sports 26%, Simulation 8.9%
- #38 Front Office Football Nine
66% matchMostly Positive79% of 166 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) 58.9% ★, Sports 28.3%, Simulation 9.7%, Strategy 3.1%
