Sports Games for Computers

Though sports games have long been consoles' strongest market, nowadays, nearly any sports game that's released for a home system will see PC and Mac releases by year's end, often seeing simultaneous release. Conversely, sports management and customization options long part of the computer sports gaming experience have only recently become canon for console sports games. All of the major franchises are represented in PC gaming, and there are games available that cover all the major (and some not-so-major) sports. However, although all of the major sports are represented in PC gaming, they are not exactly handily represented. In the early half of the decade, EA Sports fervently fought for exclusive licenses with the NFL, the NHL, the PGA, the MLB, the FIFA and the NBA. The result is a consolidated sports market in which only EA can offer games featuring professional athletes.

Hockey

NHL 07 The just-released NHL 07  expands on the series' best points and manages to up the ante with more sensitive controls and a brand new passing system. The graphics for NHL 07 seem to be a bit improved, which bring a more realistic experience to the game, but aren't jaw-droppingly different. In light of the not-so-improved presentation, the EA Sports team has worked on fresh new gameplay, which is a welcome change from the business-as-usual controls that often permeate sports games.

Football
Madden 2007 The number one sports franchise of all time generated more hype than ever for its Madden 2007  game, generating block-long lines upon its release. The new release goes along way to solving Madden's historically shallow running game, allowing users to focus more on blocking and play maneuvering.	NFL Head Coach NFL Head Coach  is a 3D strategy sports game that lends incredible gaming depth. Head Coach is perfect for PC gamers who are used to complex micromanagement. Players control every aspect of the game, from the head office to the field.

Golf
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 After a disappointingly rushed 2006  release, the Tiger Woods PGA series is set to bounce back strong with Tour 07.  An expanded 50-plus golfer roster, vastly improved graphics and team-based gameplay make 07 an exciting release.	ProStroke Golf 2007 Despite EA's corner on the PGA market, ProStroke Golf  continues to carve a successful niche with its own unique gameplay style. ProStroke's swing mechanics are more complex that any game ever released. There is vastly more in-depth gameplay here than any console counterpart can offer.

Baseball
MLB 2K6 MLB 2K6  features a new movement system and more realistic player collisions. Although these two features may not seem like a big deal, they have a surprisingly powerful effect on gameplay. More interestingly, a new morale system brings drama and tension to the game's simulation aspects.	Baseball Mogul 2007 For those looking for classic baseball simulation, Baseball Mogul 2007  will hit the spot. Players can choose any baseball team from 1900 to today and build them over decades to create a World Series-winning dynasty. A complex contract system brings even more depth to the game.

Basketball
NBA Live 07 The NBA Live series is known for taking big leaps every year. 2007  is shaping up to be no exception. So far, the much-improved graphics engine and a handful of new gameplay features have been shown off. Newly designed foot planting and pivot abilities bring the realism to new heights.	NickToons Basketball It's rare that a ridiculous and fun sports-themed game comes to the PC. For that reason alone, NickToons Basketball's  existence is worth celebrating over. Choose your favorite Nick characters (including the ever-enticing SpongeBob Squarepants and Patrick) and duke it out in 3-on-3 Jam-style action.

Soccer
Sensible Soccer 2006 After a near-decade hiatus, Sensible Soccer's  big-headed stars run free again. The game allows players to craft their own soccer stars and run through a host of gameplay modes that are equally fun and challenging.	2006 FIFA World Cup 2006 FIFA World Cup  provides several easy-to-set tournament modes and an in-depth simulation aspect that will surely delight any FIFA fan. Featuring dozens of playable teams, the game also allows players to unlock classic players and teams.	World Soccer Winning Eleven 9 World Soccer Winning Eleven 9  has won tons of fans from both sides of the Atlantic and has become a critics' favorite for soccer simulation and play. New formations, better controls and, most wonderfully, online play make it among the best.

Other Sports
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland The Tony Hawk series skated onto consoles last decade and has been steadily improving ever since. Tony Hawk's American Wasteland  continues the series' recent sandbox style.	Torino 2006 Torino 2006  puts users into the Winter Games. The games selling point is its multi-functionality, letting players tackle skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and all the rest in one game.	Top Spin Top Spin  managed to take over the tennis gaming genre solely on its tight and innovative gameplay. Featuring a complex volley system and great graphics, it's a strong choice for tennis fans.