For decades, the FIFA franchise has been more than just a video game; it’s been a cultural touchstone, a gathering point for friends, and a source of countless hours of virtual footballing glory (and sometimes, pure, unadulterated rage).
From the pixelated pitches of the early 90s to the hyper-realistic arenas of today, each iteration has left its unique footprint on our gaming memories.
As someone who’s spent a significant chunk of their life navigating these digital pitches, I’ve decided to embark on a nostalgic journey, ranking the 20 best FIFA games that have ever graced our screens.
This isn’t just a list; it’s a walk down memory lane, a celebration of innovation, and a fond look back at the moments that shaped our love for virtual football.
20. FIFA 20
FIFA 20 marked a significant shift, waving goodbye to “The Journey” storyline and ushering in the vibrant, street-football inspired “VOLTA” mode.
This was a direct nod to the beloved FIFA Street series, bringing customizable characters, dazzling tricks, and small-sided games to the forefront. While it injected a fresh burst of energy, not everything was smooth sailing.
The revamped penalty and free-kick systems became noticeably trickier, and a slew of bugs in Career Mode sparked the now-infamous #FixCareerMode campaign.
It was a mixed bag, to be sure, but VOLTA’s charm and the addition of 15 new Ultimate Team icons certainly kept things interesting.
19. FIFA 19
FIFA 19 introduced the “Active Touch System” and, with it, the controversial “timed finishing.”
This mechanic allowed players to tap the shoot button a second time for a perfectly struck shot, adding a layer of skill, but also creating a noticeable divide among players.
The inclusion of the Chinese Super League, a burgeoning force in real-world football at the time, was a welcome addition, as was the staggering 25 new icons, including fan favourites like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Despite some grumbling about timed finishing, it was generally seen as an improvement over its predecessor.
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18. FIFA 15
Released in 2014, FIFA 15 sits at the tail end of what many consider FIFA’s “golden era” of the early 2010s.
The big draw here was the substantial overhaul to Ultimate Team. The introduction of “concept squads” revolutionised team planning, allowing us to experiment with dream lineups before committing.
And for the first time, we could loan players, a game-changer for trying out high-rated cards without a hefty investment.
While not a groundbreaking leap in overall gameplay from FIFA 14, the noticeable improvements in next-gen graphics were certainly appreciated, setting the stage for future visual fidelity.
17. FIFA 22
It might surprise some to see FIFA 22 on this list, given the recent critiques of the series. However, credit where credit is due: FIFA 22 offered some of the most beautifully balanced gameplay in recent memory.
If you weren’t concerned about the absolute latest player transfers and kit updates, this was arguably the best modern FIFA to play for its pure on-pitch experience.
The unfortunate reality though, is that its potential was stifled by a persistent lack of innovation in its other game modes, a recurring theme as Ultimate Team continued its evolution into EA’s primary revenue generator.
16. FIFA 94 (FIFA International Soccer)
For many of us, this is where it all began.
Known then as FIFA International Soccer, it wasn’t just the first game in the series; it was a commercial and technical marvel for its time. Nostalgia plays a huge role in its enduring appeal, but even today, its charm is undeniable.
The isometric perspective, the surprisingly addictive gameplay loop, and yes, the utterly bizarre but hilarious ability to run away from the referee when he was trying to issue a card – these elements still make it a delightful retro sports game.
It truly kicked off a legacy with a bang.
15. FIFA 06
FIFA 06 was a rock-solid entry, boasting a complete overhaul of its gameplay. The increased emphasis on off-the-ball play was a pivotal change that has remained a core tenet of the series.
But what set FIFA 06 apart for fans was its brilliant retro section.
We could unlock classic player biographies, relive memorable clips from older games, and even play the original FIFA 94! The introduction of the “Classic XI” squad, filled with legendary players sporting insane stats, was another fantastic addition that cemented its place as one of the franchise’s best.
14. FIFA 09
FIFA 09 holds a monumental place in the franchise’s history: it was the first mainline FIFA game to introduce Ultimate Team.
While it would be a few more years before it truly dominated, this was the genesis of a mode that would redefine how millions of players engage with the game. The ability to collect player cards, build dream teams, and compete online was revolutionary.
Beyond Ultimate Team, FIFA 09 also gave us user-controlled celebrations, adding a new layer of personalisation (and sometimes, frustration for opponents!).
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13. FIFA Soccer 08
FIFA Soccer 08 was a visual and technical leap, being the first entry playable on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
The graphics and gameplay were the best they had ever been. It also introduced “Be A Pro” mode, a first-person camera view that put you in the boots of a single player throughout the match, a direct precursor to the beloved Pro Clubs.
For those of us with next-gen consoles, online cooperative play made its debut, allowing for league play against other gamers, truly harnessing the power of online connectivity.
12. FIFA Street 2
While not the first in the FIFA Street lineage, FIFA Street 2 perfected the formula. It elevated the graphics, gameplay, and overall quality, cementing its place as the definitive street football experience.
Moving from the traditional 11v11 to a more intimate 4v4 system, it captured the essence of street football and Panna.
The focus on outrageous skills and tricks was a breath of fresh air, a pure, unadulterated fun factory before the series became entangled in micro-transactions.
This spin-off truly nailed it, and its return is highly anticipated by many.
11. FIFA 07
FIFA 07 is a peculiar entry because its quality was highly dependent on the platform it was released on.
For those fortunate enough to have an Xbox 360, it was a revelation.
The next-generation technology of the 360 allowed for the implementation of a brand-new sports engine, resulting in a significantly enhanced experience compared to the PS2 and GameCube versions.
This technological leap also brought “Man of the Match” accolades for the first time, adding a layer of realism and recognition.
The stark contrast in quality across platforms, however, prevents it from climbing higher on this list.
10. FIFA 2001
FIFA 2001 was a highly anticipated title, primarily because it was the first in the series to land on Sony’s immensely popular PlayStation 2. Released just a month after the console’s North American debut, it delivered.
The visual and technical improvements were staggering, offering a clear demonstration of the PS2’s capabilities over its predecessor.
This jump in quality undoubtedly contributed to the PS2’s early success, showcasing the true potential of the new generation.
9. FIFA Soccer 2003
Never underestimate the power of presentation. FIFA Soccer 2003 (known as FIFA Football 2003 outside North America) truly set the standard for in-game atmosphere.
Elaborate celebrations, a vibrant crowd, and a dynamic stadium environment made the game feel incredibly authentic and immersive.
Furthermore, the inclusion of highlight packages and post-match analysis gave the matches a true broadcast-like feel, making you feel like you were part of a real footballing event. It was a pivotal step in making the virtual experience mirror the real one.
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8. EA Sports FC 24
EA Sports FC 24 marks a monumental shift – the first entry in the franchise not called FIFA.
Due to licensing changes, EA Sports embraced a new name, but also brought exciting innovations. The groundbreaking inclusion of women footballers in Ultimate Team, allowing for mixed-gender squads, was a significant step forward.
“PlayStyles” offered in-game boosts that reflected real-life player attributes, adding a new layer of tactical depth.
While many of the newer features leaned heavily into Ultimate Team, leaving casual and offline players wanting more, it was still a fresh start for the series.
7. EA Sports FC 25
EA Sports FC 25 was built upon its predecessor, refining existing features and introducing some truly welcome additions.
The “player roles” feature, clearly inspired by the Football Manager series, gave us unprecedented control over how each player performed in their position, leading to the introduction of LWB, RWB, and CF roles.
The new “Rush” game mode in Ultimate Team, a fast-paced 5v5 reminiscent of FIFA Street, was a brilliant callback and a fresh competitive outlet.
Career Mode also received a much-needed overhaul with a new menu, youth team games, and more scouting nations.
The only minor quibble was the unfortunate loss of AC Milan and Inter Milan licenses, replaced by generic names.
6. FIFA 17
FIFA 17 holds a special place in my heart, not just for its sleek black and yellow menu design (a nod to cover star Marco Reus and Borussia Dortmund), but for introducing
“The Journey.” This story-driven game mode, following the aspiring professional footballer Alex Hunter, was a groundbreaking addition.
With cinematic cutscenes and motion-capture technology previously unseen in the franchise, “The Journey” offered a fresh, narrative-driven experience.
It was a shame that it only lasted for a few iterations, as it truly injected a unique flavour into the series.
5. FIFA 11
FIFA 11 is fondly remembered for a multitude of new features that truly refined the gameplay experience.
A more nuanced dribbling system, a streamlined Manager Mode, and the introduction of “Pro Passing” for improved accuracy all contributed to a remarkably smooth and realistic gaming experience.
While it sometimes leaned a little too heavily into realism, the overall efficiency of its gameplay execution was undeniable.
Mastering player styles felt incredibly rewarding, making FIFA 11 a truly can’t-miss title for those who appreciate precise control and strategic play.
4. FIFA 12
FIFA 12 marked a key moment in the ascendancy of Ultimate Team.
This was the game where it truly began to feel like the “main” reason for picking up a new FIFA title. The release of an “Ultimate Edition” in the UK, packed with Ultimate Team perks, underscored its growing importance.
While some might view this shift negatively in hindsight, at the time, Ultimate Team was still a fresh and exciting concept, and its increased prominence was largely welcomed.
Beyond that, FIFA 12 introduced “Tactical Defending” and “Precision Dribbling,” significantly enhancing the on-pitch gameplay and pushing the series forward.
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3. FIFA 10
FIFA 10 holds a legendary status, widely regarded as one of the greatest EA games of all time, especially upon its initial release.
Everything about it – the soundtrack, the stadium ambience, the fluid gameplay, and the polished presentation- felt meticulously crafted. The focus was firmly on the action on the pitch, with an exhilarating pace that kept you constantly engaged.
Improvisation in playing techniques was encouraged, leading to endless possibilities for creative goal-scoring. It’s quick, responsive style of play ensured there were never any dull moments.
2. FIFA 14
FIFA 14 was a transformative entry, being the first in the series to be released on seventh-generation consoles. Similar to FIFA 2001’s impact, FIFA 14 showcased a monumental leap in technical and visual fidelity, leveraging the latest console hardware.
EA didn’t just port the old game; they reinvented the franchise by switching from the “Impact Engine” to the “Ignite Engine,” offering a completely fresh feel to the gameplay.
These improvements were widely lauded by critics, leading to FIFA 14 being one of the highest-rated games in the series on Metacritic, boasting an impressive score of 88 on Xbox One.
1. FIFA 13
FIFA 13 stands as the undisputed champion of this list, largely due to its significant improvements to the now-iconic Ultimate Team mode, solidifying its unofficial status as the franchise’s main game mode (a mantle taken from FIFA 12).
Beyond Ultimate Team, FIFA 13 was an innovative entry, experimenting with Kinect, PlayStation Move, and Wii U controls for the first time. While these features were largely gimmicks that ultimately didn’t stick around, they showcased a willingness to innovate and provided a fun, if fleeting, change of pace for fans.
FIFA 13 struck a perfect balance of refined gameplay, a burgeoning dominant game mode, and a spirit of playful experimentation, making it, in my humble opinion, the best FIFA game ever.
Rounding Up
And there you have it – a journey through two decades of virtual football, from the nascent beginnings to the highly polished titles of today.
Each game on this list, in its way, contributed to the richness of the FIFA franchise, creating memories and cementing its place in the hearts of football fans and gamers worldwide.
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