Retro Sports Video Game Collectors Items

So, how is everyone here liking Fifa 15? I heard that EA made some big changes with the Ignite engine in last year’s version. I also heard that Fifa 15’s version of Ignite is even better than last year, and the graphics look more realistic than ever. What’s even better is that EA finally brought their ‘next gen’ engine to the PC version making the three big gaming platforms equal across the board.

I found this forum dedicated to free Fifa themed giveaways. The forum chooses random winners for a free copy of the game. You have to sign up for a free membership to enter. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of FIFA 15, we have links for the PS 4, XBOX One, and PC versions.

So far, I’ve heard really great things about the new Fifa. Much like the endless surge of Madden regurgitation, Fifa 15 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, the developers added polish to an already awesome system in the form of intricate details and refinement to the game’s physics. Anyways, the game works for me. I’ve enjoyed it so far, even if it feels like it retreads much of the same ground as last year. However, I began to think about making a post covering some of what I consider to be my all time favorite retro sports video game collectors items from the past. Some of these treasures go pretty far back in the past. Enjoy, and good luck hunting! Don’t forget to comment about Fifa!

• Electronic Pocket Football by Tiger – This bad boy is straight out of 1987. We should note that they are becoming increasingly rare and more expensive as time passes on. I can remember wasting so much time playing this game as a kid. Believe it or not but the handheld actually features a two player mode and 6 levels of difficulty. You control a Quarterback who can either scramble or pass down field. Madden this is not. Still, it’s a valuable piece of video game history. Personally, it makes me nostalgic for a time when I occupied my life with simpler things. Check it out in all of its super dull glory in the video below.

• Madden 2005 – Longtime Madden football fans widely consider the 2004 edition to the best version with the biggest advancements to the game’s engine at the time. The ’05 saw a slew of new features to defense, graphics, physics and other options. Madden 05 represents a time before EA became the bad guys in the market by using their money and power to totally cut NFL 2k5 out of the picture using an exclusive rights contract with the NFL. The ensuing Madden games following this one were pretty much sloppy re-releases full of bugs and half hearted roster updates. Basically, Madden became a cash cow for EA and wouldn’t see significant changes to its engine until Madden ’10/’11. The collector’s edition of Madden ’05 includes tons of additional goodies for you vintage Madden fans.
• NBA Jam on the SNES and Genesis – This one goes without saying. NBA Jam threw all of the rules of Basketball out the window and started all over again. The game plays out in quick 3-on-3 matches. Much like later games such as NFL blitz, you could foul other players pretty much as much as you wish. The game has an awesome feel to it.
• Atari Real Sports Tennis – Atari’s version of Tennis plays surprisingly quick for an Atari game. The graphics are also surprising. This is a gem of a game. You can usually find copies well under the $10 mark.
• Neo Turf Masters – For my money, this is arguably the best golf game of the 16 bit era. The regular NEO Geo versions can sell well into the $10,000 price range (yes, this is one of those insanely rare video games in the US and Japan. Alternatively, you can pick up a European version (generally priced between $50 to $200 (still high but not insane)). Or, you could play the Neo Geo Pocket Color version (which usually sell at super low p. Your choice
• Sensible Soccer – This one gets a lot of unnecessary hate on the web. I always felt it was the strongest football game on the Jaguar.
• NHL 94
• Punch Out! – I shouldn’t even have to tell you guys. This one goes without saying.
• Excitebike
• Major League Baseball for Intellivision – Intellivion’s version of baseball laid the retro roots for quality defensive fielding using the numeric keypad to control each outfielder. It may be old and archaic. But, it’s still a gem to me!