Xbox 360 Sports Games

For fans of the game of tennis, Top Spin 3 is one of your only choices if you own an Xbox 360. If you’re a fan of the series and have already played 1 or two, you’ll quickly realize when you start playing 3 that it is an almost completely different gameplay style. Some players like this fact, as it makes the game more enjoyable and unique, but some experienced Top Spin 2 players are disappointed that they basically have to relearn everything.

Top Spin 3 Gameplay

You will also quickly notice that this is by no means a “pick up and play” game, meaning it’s fairly difficult to get the hang of. Even if you’ve played Xbox 360 tennis games before, it will still take a while to get used to this game. The gameplay is all about timing and positioning. To hit a ball, you hold the downstroke button down, releasing only when the timing is perfect. While holding the button, you must move yourself into position. If you release to late/early, you might hit the net or go out of bounds, or you might not even hit the ball at all.

The only other type of hit you can do is a power hit, which can be very risky. To execute a power hit, you hold the left or right trigger, and press a corresponding hit button. The timing on these shots is absolutely essential, and if you miss the moment even by a split second, you will miss the shot. This makes power shots almost too risky to do on a regular basis, and many players only experiment with them if they already know they are going to win. This rather defeats the purpose of a risky shot. This is one of the main weaknesses of Top Spin 3.

The graphics of the game are pretty good, but nothing special. You can customize your characters, and level them up in Career mode. Or, you can enter tournament mode, and enjoy playing with the pros. One good thing about the career mode is that the AI are actually pretty skilled. Personally, I hate games that are too easy, so tough AI opponents was a selling point for me with this game. The multiplayer also convinced me to get this game. Online, you can play in massive tournaments, and all your information will be stored on online leaderboards, so you can check your stats against your friends and opponents.

OVERALL: 8/10

FIFA Soccer 2009

One of the hottest titles by EA Sports, FIFA Soccer 2009 has many features that were not present in its predecessors.  After playing FIFA Soccer 2009, it is obvious that the game play is much more realistic when compared to some of the older titles.  Referees are not as reluctant to hand out cards.  In addition, passing and shooting the ball is much more sensitive, requiring more precision.  Probably the main addition to this title is the Be a Pro: Season mode, which allows players to participate in up to four full seasons.  In Be a Pro mode, a gamer controls a certain player and develops his skills throughout his career. In general, the pace of the game is quicker and more realistic.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009

There were many complaints about the previous version of Pro Evolution Soccer, which set high standards of improvement for the next title.  Though Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 does not address all of the issues requiring attention, the general game play is said to be a bit more appealing.  For the most part, the game is played at a much slower pace, and synchronization between controls and players is much more favorable.  One of the biggest additions to the game is the Champions League mode.  When it all boils down to it, the game play itself has been upgraded, though there is still much room for improvement in terms of graphics.

FIFA Street 3

Much like its “Street” counterparts, FIFA Street 3 adds a whole new element to sports gaming.  Aside from winning the game, FIFA Street 3 allows gamers to humiliate opponents with style.  Gamers can choose from current and historic stars, and some of the unique arenas make the game very exciting.  The colorful, comic-like graphics are very appealing, and with over thirty licensed songs from some of the top artists, the experience itself is fascinating.  All of the fields are enclosed, adding yet another complication to the game that players must overcome.  In short, the fast-paced, action-packed style of this title gives gamers a whole new experience.

UEFA EURO 2008

It is hard to determine how UEFA EURO compares to similar soccer titles since the overall features are a bit more limited.  For one, there is nowhere near as large a game roster when compared to the FIFA Soccer titles.  Furthermore, the actual game play is said to be much faster, and the animations are generally more fluid.  One of the most enjoyable features is the manual celebration, which allows gamers to control their player’s celebratory activity after scoring a goal.  Some of the game modes are also appealing, including the Captain Your Country mode.  This feature requires a player to reach certain performance goals and hopefully become a captain of the team.  Definitely a rivaling title to the FIFA Soccer series, UEFA EURO 2008 is worth giving a shot.

There are a lot of xbox 360 sports games out there, but most of my favorites are football games. Though Madden dominates most of the market, there is still a decent selection of Xbox 360 sports games to choose from. Below you will find the most common football games on the market:

Madden NFL 2010

With all of the Madden titles that have been released, it is hard to imagine that the next one will be much different.  Many critics feel, however, that the creators of Madden NFL 2010 have integrated some new features that are worth noting.  For one, an online franchise mode is now available.  In addition, the new tackling capabilities, which are coined Pro-Tak, allow for more realistic game play.  Another new feature worth considering is the change in the menu, which is supposed to be easier for gamers when they are selecting a play.  Probably one of the more appealing features is the integration of The Extra Point show, which is hosted by Fran Charles and Alex Flanagan.  This show covers some of the biggest highlights of games, and gives the title an overall realistic feel.  In summary, Madden NFL 2010 does a good job of living up to its expectations.

Blitz: The League II

No doubt one of the most exciting football games for Xbox 360, Blitz: The League II requires not only football knowledge but the ability to perform in a fast-paced setting.  Probably the most noteworthy aspect of this title is the immense violence.  Users are able to destroy their opponents, as evident by the extra late hits that are allowed after the plays.  Many recognize this game as a parody to other NFL Football titles, as can be seen by the cartoon-like characters and the humorous graphics.  Most gamers prefer the single-player campaign, which provides the opportunity to develop a gruesome phenomenon.  The injuries alone are a reason to laugh, as some of the more popular include broken collarbone, skull fracture, and ruptured scrotum.  Users who develop their character will earn money, and this money can be spent on a number of different items, including performance enhancing substances.  Overall, the title is no doubt comical, and the fast-paced environment brings a sense of excitement to the playing field.

NFL Head Coach 2009

EA Sports was unquestionably looking to add variety to its plethora of football games, and NFL Head Coach 2009 fulfills this need.  Many complement the management tools for the details and realistic components that are available.  Gamers are given the opportunity to fulfill some of the basic duties of a football team’s management, including signing players, scouting players, and budgeting finances.  What’s interesting about NFL Head Coach 2009 is that after players are selected and a team is built, a user does not have control of the actual players.  Gamers act as a coach and watch their players develop over time.  The overall performance grade is based on a coach approval rating.  It is obvious that the title brings a whole new experience to football gaming, but many believe that the navigation and graphics are a bit flawed.  In addition, the game is more suitable for the football savy, as some of the terminology can get a bit technical.  Overall, if you’re an avid football fan looking for a change in game style, NFL Head Coach 2009 will no doubt be enjoyable for you.