As we eagerly await the upcoming release of FIFA 23, we head back into the archives of determining what are the greatest editions of the series to date.
Now, very few lists of the top 10 editions of FIFA would be the exact same, with divisive opinions held on many of the releases.
However, GameRant have given the tough task of coming up with a top 10 list a crack, and it’s full of nostalgic memories.
10. FIFA 07
FIFA 07 marked a new era for the franchise, as it fully capitalised on the technological upgrade that the Xbox 360 brought to the gaming industry.
The new sports engine allowed the introduction of features such as ‘Man of the Match’ awards, alongside new stadia and the ability to create custom teams.
9. FIFA 94
As the inaugural edition of FIFA, you just knew that it had to make the top 10 somewhere. Obviously, if one were to play it now, almost 30 years on, it would feel ancient and extremely simplistic.
However, at the time, the game was groundbreaking and had people glued to their Mega Drives, Game Boys and Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems, just as we are to our Xboxes and PlayStations playing FIFA today.
8. FIFA 2001
Similar to FIFA 2007 and the Xbox 360, FIFA 2001 was a huge hit due to its massive improvement upon the previous edition, courtesy of a new console by way of the PlayStation 2.
With detailed kits, personalised player faces and even a purposeful foul button, the game was extremely successful, receiving a ‘Gold’ sales award from the ELSPA for its PlayStation version.
7. FIFA 14
Another game whose success was founded in the new consoles released by Xbox and PlayStation. FIFA 14 showcased a new gameplay engine Ignite which fundamentally changed the feel of the game, improving AI and creating True Player Motion.
6. FIFA 13
FIFA 23: The 10 greatest FIFA games of all time ranked ahead of new release
FIFA’s most famous game mode over the past decade has been that of Ultimate Team, and it was this edition of FIFA in which the tide turned from the game’s biggest feature being Career Mode to Ultimate Team.
Other than the incredibly popular Ultimate Team feature and EA Sports Football Club, new gameplay features including attacking intelligence, complete dribbling and first-touch control made the game a memorable one.
5. FIFA Football 2003
EA Sports improved everything in this edition of FIFA, from new gameplay, to revamped graphics with more stadia, players and kits and to the real stadium atmosphere with fan chants and songs.
FIFA Football 2003 also introduced the TV-style broadcast package, with game highlights and analysis, and the iconic EA Trax music menu system.
4. FIFA 22
One of the more modern editions of FIFA to enter the list. Many FIFA fans have complained of the newer releases over the past few years, however, GameRant have placed the latest edition FIFA 22 as the fourth greatest FIFA of all time.
Following the very poorly received FIFA 21, FIFA 22 has restored some respect with fans via an incredibly improved and balanced gameplay.
3. FIFA 11
FIFA 23: The 10 greatest FIFA games of all time ranked ahead of new release
FIFA 11 featured a massive improvement in overall realism, with a new Pro Passing feature and a refined dribbling system. Furthermore, FIFA 11 saw the introduction of the famous Career Mode game mode, to replace Manager Mode, where you can play as a manager, player or player-manager.
2. FIFA 12
The line producer for FIFA 12 David Rutter had promised a “revolutionary year for FIFA… especially in the gameplay department.” And he certainly kept to his promise, with the game’s introduction of revolutionary gameplay features, such as Player Impact Engine, Precision Dribbling, Tactical Defending and Pro Player Intelligence, making it one of the best FIFA releases ever.
1. FIFA 10
GameRant have described FIFA 10 as not just the greatest FIFA game of all time, but one of the greatest EA games of all time. FIFA 10 is almost flawless in its gameplay, graphics, presentation and soundtrack.
So, with FIFA 23 being the last ever game under the partnership of EA and FIFA, let’s hope that it’s a good one and that it may even replace FIFA 10 as the greatest FIFA of all time.
The release date for FIFA 23 is September 30, 2022, and will be released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Stadia.