Football after Euro 2024: 5 best games for fans

Contents:

• Euro 1992: The First Licensed Game
• Euro 1996: A Pioneer of Football Simulations
• UEFA Euro 2000: The Rise of a Football Franchise
• UEFA Euro 2004: Overview and Innovations
• UEFA Euro 2008: A Turning Point for the FIFA Series
• UEFA Euro 2012: Innovations and Limitations
• UEFA Euro 2016: PES Overview 2016
• Euro 2020 in eFootball PES: The Complete Tournament Experience
• Euro 2024 Tournament Review in EA Sports FC 24
• How to Choose the Best Football Game?

Football is not just a game, but a real passion for millions of people around the world. National team championships, including the European Football Championship, invariably attract huge audiences. This makes such tournaments especially attractive for football simulator developers. With realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, football simulators capture the atmosphere of real matches and allow players to feel like they're part of a great sport. Interest in football tournaments drives the development of new features and improved gaming experiences, attracting both long-time fans and new players.

In this article, we examine the evolution of football video games dedicated to UEFA tournaments. Some of these games have become iconic and left a lasting mark on the industry, while others have fallen short of expectations. Nevertheless, each has contributed to the development of the genre and the shape of football gaming. We will analyze the key moments, technologies, and game mechanics that influenced the creation and popularization of these video games, as well as their impact on fans and football simulation culture.

Euro 1992: The First Licensed Game

The early 1990s marked a turning point for football video game fans. This period saw the release of iconic titles such as Sensible Soccer and Kick Off, which gained popularity among players. In 1992, UEFA unveiled the official game of the tournament—the arcade game Champions of Europe, developed by California-based TecMagik. This game, capturing the spirit of the European football competition, is available for testing in modern browsers, allowing new generations of players to experience a classic of the genre.

Champions of Europe's gameplay is reminiscent of the classic Sensible Soccer game, but offers unique features that set it apart from other football simulations. One of the main features is the ability to win a tournament representing any country in Europe. Players can select their team on an interactive map of the continent, which adds an element of strategy and variety to the game. In addition, during the match, callouts with phrases such as "Ouch!" and "Foul!" are heard from players and the referee, creating the atmosphere of a real football match and increasing player engagement.

Despite its merits, the game had a number of technical shortcomings. For example, own goals were sometimes counted in favor of the opponent, and the possibility of advancing to the semi-finals simply by leaving the game at half-time with the score tied at 0-0 also raised eyebrows. Champions of Europe was available exclusively on the Sega Master System, which had already lost its relevance by that time. As a result, players remembered another release more vividly, offering a wider selection of national teams and more stable gameplay. Developed by Tecmo, European Championship 1992 was a significant step in the evolution of football video games. It was inspired by the successful Tecmo World Cup '90, one of the most popular arcade games of its time. This game improved gameplay and also eliminated issues with player blinking, making the game safer for users, especially those with epilepsy. In European Championship 1992, players could receive yellow and red cards, which added realism, and also included situations where players could leave the field due to concussion. The game featured 25 national teams, significantly more than the eight teams that participated in that year's final tournament. This diversity made the game more appealing to football simulation fans and contributed to its popularity in the video game market.

Euro 1996: Pioneer of Football Simulations

In 1996, the football industry underwent significant changes thanks to Gremlin Interactive. Their game Actua Soccer became the first arcade football simulation to use a full 3D engine. This innovation set new standards for future football games, including realistic animation achieved using motion capture technology. Actua Soccer not only brought a high degree of realism to gaming, but also ushered in an era of deeper player interaction with the gameplay.

After securing the UEFA Euro 1996 license, Gremlin Interactive developed the unique UEFA Euro 96 England game. It featured all 16 national teams that participated in the actual tournament, as well as eight English stadiums. The sound design, including commentary from renowned journalist Barry Davis, significantly increased the level of authenticity. Davis recorded around 30,000 words, which made the gameplay closer to real match broadcasts. This game became a landmark in the world of video games, combining a sporting experience with high-quality sound.

UEFA Euro 96 England was a hit on the Sega Saturn, boosting console sales in the UK. The PC version introduced multiplayer gaming via the Wireplay network, which soon attracted 50,000 monthly active users. While a 105 millisecond lag might seem significant, it didn't stop players from enjoying multiplayer matches. UEFA Euro 96 England continues to be a significant part of video game history, highlighting the importance of networking in the gaming industry.

Among UEFA Euro 96 England's competitors, Sensible World of Soccer: European Championship Edition (SWOS) stands out. Despite its visual simplicity, the gameplay of this game turned out to be incredibly addictive. SWOS's graphic style has allowed it to remain relevant over the years. This fact underscores the importance of developing not only attractive visuals, but also game mechanics that continue to attract players' attention.

UEFA Euro 2000: The Rise of a Football Franchise

The FIFA franchise, established after the success of FIFA: Road to World Cup 98, attracted many fans thanks to its innovative solutions. Particularly noteworthy was the unique licensed soundtrack, which included the popular 1997 hit Song 2 by Blur. The game also featured all 172 national teams registered by FIFA and, for the first time, offered a player and team creation tool, which made it even more appealing to audiences. These key elements contributed to the growth of the franchise’s popularity and established it as one of the leaders in the world of sports video games.

Following the successful launch of FIFA, EA Sports decided to continue in the same direction and released UEFA Euro 2000. One of the main features of this game was the introduction of a full-fledged qualifying tournament, in which 51 European teams participated. This gave fans of the Russian national team the opportunity to overcome their disappointing matches and try to qualify for the final tournament, facing strong teams like France and Ukraine. UEFA Euro 2000 offers players a unique experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the European football championship and test their skills in the fight for the championship title.

Released for PC and the original PlayStation, UEFA Euro 2000 quickly gained popularity among gamers due to its accessibility. Sales of the game were high: the arcade game took first place in the UK charts, beating Gran Turismo 2. Despite the commercial success, both gamers and critics began to express dissatisfaction with some aspects of the game.

One of the clearest examples of criticism of the gaming industry is the comment of Uros Jojić from IGN, who noted: "A classic case of a company profiting from football fans by offering yet another largely similar game in the FIFA series. EA Sports is really starting to test the patience of its loyal fans." These concerns remain relevant as many fans continue to discuss the changes and innovations in new game releases. This discussion is important not only for the community but also for the developers themselves, who must take player feedback into account when creating future installments in the series.

UEFA Euro 2000 played a key role in the evolution of football video games, raising standards in both content and gameplay. This event presented EA Sports with the challenge of meeting the high expectations of its fans. Developing a game based on the European championship allowed for the creation of a unique experience that combined realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, which contributed to the growth of the popularity of football simulations.

UEFA Euro 2004: Review and Innovations

In 2004, Electronic Arts released a new version of the football simulator UEFA Euro. Although there were no significant innovations, the game continued the tradition of the series, giving users the opportunity to lead their national team to victory at the European Championship. Critics noted a lack of originality, but the gameplay remained engaging, allowing football fans to soak up the atmosphere of the European tournament and test their skills on the virtual pitch.

One of the exciting innovations are two new modes: Fantasy and Situation. In Fantasy mode, players take control of an all-star team and compete against other famous national teams, adding an element of strategy and tactics. Situation mode recreates various game scenarios, allowing players to experience real-life match conditions. For example, one scenario suggests starting the match against Greece from the 25th minute with the score 0-2 in favor of Portugal, where the opponent is a young Cristiano Ronaldo. These modes significantly enrich the gameplay and allow players to immerse themselves in unique situations, testing their skills and strategic thinking.

The game was developed using an improved FIFA 2004 engine, which addressed many of the shortcomings of the previous version. Goalkeepers have become more reliable, and the artificial intelligence of opponents has improved significantly, which has contributed to a decrease in the number of breakthroughs through the center of the field. These changes make the gameplay more realistic and engaging, providing players with new tactical options and increasing the level of competition on the pitch.

The game amazed players with the high-quality detail of famous football players' faces, which significantly increased the realism of the gameplay. Now players can easily distinguish between legends like Nesta and Maldini, as well as Shevchenko and Tymoshchuk. Even referees of the time, in particular Pierluigi Collina, were depicted with unique features, which adds depth and believability to the overall atmosphere of the game.

UEFA Euro 2008: A Turning Point in the FIFA Series

UEFA Euro 2008 was a significant event in the history of football video games, released on five platforms. This was the first time that the versions of the game for different devices were significantly different. The PC, PlayStation 2 and PSP used the outdated FIFA 06 engine, which essentially duplicated its gameplay. Meanwhile, versions for modern consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 offered players a unique experience thanks to the latest game engine, next-generation graphics, and improved gameplay inspired by the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series. UEFA Euro 2008 not only introduced new visual elements to the games but also significantly expanded the possibilities for tactical interaction and team play, making it a significant milestone in the evolution of football simulations.

Asim Tanvir, a former manager at Konami, noted that the summer of 2008 was a pivotal moment for the FIFA series. According to him, UEFA Euro 2008 gave EA Sports the opportunity to introduce new features without the pressure of the main franchise games. Tanvir, a devoted PES fan, spent hundreds of hours playing PES 5, but encountered difficulties with PES 2008, which was a complete role reversal for him. While Konami remained stagnant, EA Sports significantly increased its popularity, overtaking PES and winning the hearts of players. This transformation in the world of football video games underscores the importance of innovation and adaptation to new market demands.

The UEFA Euro 2008 simulator offers a variety of game modes, among which the most notable are "Captain Your Country" and "Story of Qualifying". In Captain Your Country mode, the player takes control of one football player and strives to lead their team to victory in the tournament. This mode supports up to four players simultaneously, which makes it especially exciting. You can control stars such as Henry, Ribery, Vieira and Thuram, which provides an immersive gaming experience and allows you to feel the atmosphere of a real football tournament.

In the «Qualification History» mode, players have the opportunity to manage their favorite national team and experience an exciting campaign. You will go through scenarios in which you need to manage key moments of matches: score goals with specific players and avoid fouls. For successful actions, you will receive points that can be used to improve the skills of the football players. This will allow you to transform Shirokov into one of the best midfielders in the world, and Arshavin into a contender for the Ballon d'Or. Optimize your strategy to achieve maximum results and become a master of team management.

UEFA Euro 2012: Innovations and Limitations

In 2012, Electronic Arts made an unconventional decision by releasing UEFA Euro 2012 as a paid add-on to FIFA 12 for $20. This set a precedent in the gaming industry, when developers chose the DLC route instead of creating a standalone game. To access this add-on, players needed the main game and a stable internet connection. This approach opened up new opportunities for content expansion and player engagement, redefining traditional notions of sports game releases. However, this approach had its drawbacks. EA Sports was unable to obtain licenses for all the national teams participating in the real-world tournament. Of the 53 teams, only 29 were fully licensed, necessitating the use of fictitious player names, such as Yegorenko and Malinsky, representing Ukraine. This limitation reduced the authenticity of the game and caused frustration among fans eager to see their favorite footballers in the virtual world. Licensing agreements remain an important aspect for developers, as they directly affect the quality and realism of game content.

The game's creators have made a number of changes, Replacing the popular Captain Your Country mode with the new Expedition mode. This mode allows players to create their own team and gradually improve it by inviting star footballers from defeated national teams. The ability to assemble a dream team, including legends such as Iniesta, Balotelli, Özil and Ibrahimovic, significantly increases the interest and enjoyment of gameplay. The new approach to team building makes the game more exciting and varied, attracting the attention of both new and experienced players.

UEFA Euro 2016: PES 2016 Review

The 2016 European Football Championship brought significant changes to the world of football simulations. Konami, known for its Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) project, received the exclusive license rights to the tournament. This event marked the end of EA Sports' long-standing dominance in the field of football video games. A new era in the development of the PES football simulator brought improved graphics, realistic gameplay, and the introduction of new technologies, making the game more appealing to football simulation fans. As a result, players were given a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a real tournament, significantly increasing interest in PES and changing the competitive landscape of football video games. With the release of free DLC for PES 2016, players were able to experience the atmosphere of Euro 2016. However, this move raised a number of questions and concerns among fans. In particular, nine of the 24 national teams were represented with fictional kits, which displeased many fans. Furthermore, instead of 53 available teams, players could only choose from 34, and the qualifying stage was completely eliminated, significantly limiting the gameplay options. These shortcomings drew criticism from the community and called into question the quality of the content provided by the DLC.

The only stadium available for matches, the Stade de France, lacked the other nine French arenas. This created a feeling of inadequacy and reduced the level of realism in the gameplay. The lack of diversity in stadium locations negatively impacted the match experience, limiting the spectator experience and diminishing the competitive atmosphere.

PES 2016, despite its shortcomings, has noticeable advantages. Game critics highlight the improved gameplay balance, realistic ball physics and collision system, which overall increases the level of realism of the game. The corrected shortcomings of the previous version and new gameplay elements create the feeling that players are actually participating in exciting football matches. These aspects make PES 2016 an attractive choice for fans of football simulations seeking an authentic gaming atmosphere.

Euro 2020 in eFootball PES: The Complete Tournament Experience

With the release of eFootball PES 2020, Konami has given fans a unique opportunity to participate in the licensed Euro 2020 tournament completely free of charge. The game developers have provided full licensing for 55 national teams, significantly increasing the realism and excitement of the gameplay for football fans. This innovation makes eFootball PES 2020 not only interesting, but also a relevant choice for fans of sports simulators.

One of the key features of the update is the introduction of the official match ball of the tournament, as well as the use of five of the eleven stadiums that hosted Euro 2020 matches. These elements make the event unique and create the atmosphere of a genuine football festival, allowing players to experience the dynamics and emotions of a large-scale tournament.

The player and manager career modes have undergone significant improvements. Players can now play a full season with the goal of winning the final, competing against strong teams such as the Italian national team. This innovation makes the gameplay more immersive and allows you to feel all the tension and excitement of real football battles. Improved mechanics and realistic graphics create a unique atmosphere, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the world of football strategy and teamwork.

Interactivity in stadiums has reached a new level, allowing spectators to actively participate in the game. They react to tense moments and enthusiastically celebrate goals. Playing national anthems before matches, as well as new themed intros, create a unique atmosphere that is close to the spirit of a real tournament. This not only increases spectator engagement but also creates memorable experiences that contribute to the growth of sporting events.

Euro 2024 Tournament Overview in EA Sports FC 24

With the 2024 European Football Championship approaching, the rights to create a video game of the tournament were returned to EA Sports. The championship was added as part of an update for EA Sports FC 24, but users expressed disappointment with the quality of implementation. Many note that the tournament was not properly developed, which has become a subject of active discussion among players. It is important to consider that the high-quality implementation of such events affects the overall user experience and their satisfaction with the product. EA Sports should pay attention to community feedback and improve the content to meet the expectations of football simulation fans.

One of the main shortcomings is the lack of a full-fledged match presentation. Players are unable to see anthems, team entrances, or lineups, significantly detracting from the game's atmosphere. While these elements were retained in the previous console versions, on the new platforms the developers seem to have focused on speeding up gameplay, which negatively impacts the overall match experience. It's important to consider that such details play a key role in creating an immersive gaming experience and can impact user satisfaction.

The free DLC is disappointing due to the lack of new modes. The classic tournament offers no significant innovations, and if a player is eliminated en route to the final, they are unable to see the final standings. This is puzzling, as knowing the winner is crucial. In online mode, players can only compete with friends, which limits competitive gameplay. The updated "Captain Your Country" mode, in which you control a single player, has also returned, but the option to play with four players is missing. This limitation reduces the mode's appeal and prevents players from fully enjoying the experience.

EA Sports FC 24's flagship mode, Ultimate Team, features new themed challenges and updated versions of iconic players. For example, achieving certain goals throughout the season allows you to earn the elite Toni Kroos or the iconic Puskas, both with an overall rating of 97. This innovation adds interest and variety to the gameplay, but does not address the tournament's shortcomings.

How to choose the best football game?

When choosing the perfect football game, it is important to consider personal preferences and interests. If you want to enjoy long-term gameplay, then UEFA Euro 2008 is an excellent option. This game offers a variety of modes, exciting gameplay and the opportunity to turn your favorite national team into a true champion of the football world. UEFA Euro 2008 stands out from other games due to its deep development and unique features, which makes it a real find for fans of football simulations.

If you are looking for a simple and classic football simulator, pay attention to Sensible World of Soccer: European Championship Edition. Despite its age, this 2D simulator remains relevant and continues to attract players thanks to its simplicity. It eliminates unnecessary elements like lengthy cutscenes and complex lineup manipulation. Sensible World of Soccer offers engaging gameplay that allows you to focus on the game itself, making it an ideal choice for fans of football simulations.

If visuals are important to you, check out new releases like FC 24 and eFootball PES 2020. Both products offer impressive graphics, a variety of game modes, and up-to-date European national team squads. We recommend trying both games, as their gameplay is significantly different, and it is impossible to clearly choose the best one.