It has been yet another fairly forgettable season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thankfully, with the offseason now underway and both players and fans able to take a much-needed break from the action, hopefully the team’s fortunes will improve next season. In the meantime, though, if you’re already missing the sport, there are some solid NFL-related games to sample that can provide you with a strong dose of football.
EA Sports' Madden NFL
After all, games these days have never been so impressive. For many football fans, gaming represents the perfect football-related escape, perhaps by dabbling in a much-loved title after work for a few hours or through enjoying a competitive match-up against a loved one on the weekend. Additionally, football fans are loyal consumers, snapping up merchandise dedicated to the sport, listening to podcasts, indulging in online betting ahead of the big encounters, regularly watching their favorite football YouTubers, and loads more. It therefore makes sense that football gaming products would also be enticing.
The football games fans are playing also tend to vary. For example, some games have a strong coaching aspect, while others enable fans of their beloved clubs to play along as their heroes as they attempt to win prestigious competitions like the Super Bowl. They’re fun and entertaining, while also serving up the hard hits and huddles that fans love to see.
So, with an increasing amount of solid NFL games being available to play on a variety of popular modern-day gaming devices, let’s take a look at some of the best options to session this offseason.
Steelers in Madden NFL 24 is the best option on PlayStation
If you’re seeking a realistic football gaming escapade, then Madden NFL 24 is the clear favorite at this moment in time. The latest iteration of the popular series is back with a bang and can be sampled on PlayStation, with Madden communities tackling the title’s mini-games and training drills to improve their prospects, embarking on a career within the sport through Superstar: The League, and enjoying the game’s impressive graphics that add to its overall appeal. Easily one of the best football games to have come to the fore, Madden NFL 24 deserves some attention.
Football Dash is a fun mobile release
If your days of investing in pricey console machines are over, then smartphone or tablet gaming represents a more affordable and casual alternative. A game that can be sampled on either device is Football Dash, a free-to-play arcade-style release where you aim to smash through defenders in an attempt to score as many touchdowns as you possibly can. It isn’t the most intricate release on the list and it lacks the sophistication of other top products, but it still serves up plenty of entertainment despite the game’s simple one-handed mechanics.
Axis Football 2023 is worth exploring on PC
A hugely appealing PC product, Axis Football 2023 is a franchise that has taken off in recent years. Providing fans with an opportunity to create and manage the team of their dreams, this unique simulation title is essentially all about building up a franchise. With smooth graphics adding to the game’s overall appeal, this old-school Madden-like option is being explored by millions of PC gamers around the world. Also accessible on a range of other gaming devices, Axis Football 2023 is a fantastic product that should be under consideration.
Ted Ginn: Kick Return Football is a free-to-play favorite
Accessible on Android devices, Ted Ginn: Kick Return Football is a free-to-play title that has been entertaining football fans for a good while now. The aim of the game is to simply return kicks for touchdowns, with gamers being able to take part in tournaments and upgrade their players the further they advance through the game. Ted Ginn: Kick Return Football isn’t perfect by any stretch, but it serves up a simple and engaging premise that makes it a truly excellent offering to dip in and out of. Additionally, it’s also free to enjoy.
Touchdown Football is a charming sim
Despite Touchdown Football not having a full license, resulting in fictional teams and players, it’s still a blast to session. A game where your coaching strategies can be put to the test, you’re in charge of overseeing training, you build your team, it’s on you to come up with match-winning tactics, and hopefully win the ultimate prizes at the end of it. An engaging release that will keep you entertained during the break from the real-life action, Touchdown Football is a charming product that is worth sampling.
AP Photo
Steelers Team President Art Rooney II (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) oversee practice during the 2021 minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
NFL Blitz 2000 is a much-loved classic available on PC
If you prefer retro gaming products, then NFL Blitz 2000 is probably the game for you. While its graphics and all-round sophistication doesn’t compare to the modern-day titles we can session, its endearing arcade style makes it a joy to play. Focusing on action and quick plays, gamers can smash through an entire season through Season Play mode, there are tournaments to reign supreme in, and range of other pleasurable opportunities that make this much-loved classic a viable option today.
Other NFL games to play this offseason includes Football Simulator (PC), Mutant Football League: Dynasty Edition (Switch), NCAA Football 11 (PC), Madden NFL 23 (PlayStation), Fanatical Football (Android), CBS Franchise Football (Android), Tecmo Bowl (NES), Football Heroes Turbo (Switch eShop), and NFL Fever (Xbox).
