10 Best EA Games Ever, Ranked

Established back in 1982, Electronic Arts (EA Games) is renowned as one of the most productive video game companies globally. Over the years, they have produced and released numerous games across different genres, with some becoming huge successes like their EA Sports series, while others didn’t quite meet expectations. Despite its achievements, EA has experienced both peaks and troughs; it was ranked as the “Worst Company in America” by Consumerist, not once but twice consecutively.

Over the past 40-plus years, despite various challenges, Electronic Arts (EA) Games consistently delivered quality games. There was a period when fans eagerly anticipated their annual sports games. A time also came when BioWare frequently produced excellent titles. Even Battlefield stood toe-to-toe with Call of Duty as the top military shooter in its prime. EA has released many outstanding games, and here’s a list of their ten best creations ever.

10) Dragon Age: Origins

Prior to the release of “Dragon Age: Origins”, BioWare had already introduced games like “Mass Effect”, “Jade Empire”, and “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” into the gaming world. These games, cherished in their own right, were somewhat distinct from the fantasy role-playing games that BioWare was renowned for, particularly compared to earlier titles such as “Baldur’s Gate”.

As a die-hard gamer, I’ve got to say that Dragon Age: Origins felt like a fresh and contemporary take on the epic fantasy RPGs of yore, Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights. BioWare, with their wealth of experience accumulated since Mass Effect, crafted an enchanting world that was a love letter to classic RPG fans, while still maintaining the charm and depth we’ve come to expect from modern BioWare games. To this day, nothing in the series has managed to match the sheer brilliance of Dragon Age: Origins.

9) NHL ’94

It’s worth noting that in the past, people eagerly anticipated annual sports game releases. While it appears that this enthusiasm remains today as indicated by sales figures, there’s often a negative undertone to such excitement. Nevertheless, EA’s collection of sports games continues to sell well because in the 90s and early 2000s, they excelled in this area. Among their best offerings is arguably the classic _NHL ’94_.

As a hockey enthusiast myself or even if you’re just a buddy who gets frequently roped into playing a hockey video game, I can attest that NHL ’94 remains an incredibly enjoyable game to this very day. In fact, EA released NHL ’94 Rewind in 2020, which retains the original graphics and controls while updating the player rosters for that year. It’s a testament to its timeless appeal that such a classic game is still relevant today.

8) Battlefield 3

In comparison to its predecessor, Battlefield 3 significantly advanced the franchise in terms of graphical and gameplay innovations, making it a standout title during the closing years of Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. Although subsequent releases have shown varying levels of quality, none quite reached the heights that Battlefield 3 achieved. It even challenged the dominance of Call of Duty, particularly in the year when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 didn’t receive critical acclaim.

7) Burnout 3: Takedown

The game “Burnout 3: Takedown” is a bursting pot of fun in video game form, arguably more enjoyable than the highly praised “Burnout Paradise.” The races are utterly exhilarating, with cars soaring through the air in a flamboyant display of destruction. The Crash mode is an unforgettable experience. It’s almost as if you’re playing with explosive toy cars! To top it off, the soundtrack is spectacular, boasting hit artists such as My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and The Ramones.

6) NBA Street Vol. 2

The term “EA Sports BIG” was used to identify the publisher’s collection of arcade-style sports games. Titles such as “SSX Tricky“, “Freekstyle“, and “Def Jam Vendetta” were among those published under this label, but what truly stands out, apart from “SSX Tricky“, is the game “NBA Street Vol. 2“.

The game NBA Street Vol. 2 stood out for its unique blend of fashionable design and engaging gameplay, a combination that not many other games have managed to achieve. It seems as if the creators penned an ode to the sport of basketball, with lineups mirroring the starting five of every NBA team during that era, along with legends such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Wilt Chamberlain. Since then, there hasn’t been a noteworthy arcade-style basketball game on the market.

5) Titanfall 2

Discussing Titanfall 2 is unfortunate due to Electronic Arts (EA) seemingly mistreating Respawn Entertainment. By releasing the game amidst a new Battlefield and Call of Duty title, they may have doomed its sales potential. This is disappointing as Titanfall 2 represents the last exceptional first-person shooter EA has put out in recent years, and it’s been nearly a decade since it came out.

Following the achievement of their initial multiplayer-exclusive game, Respawn Entertainment introduced a single-player mode in Titanfall 2. This single-player campaign has been consistently praised as one of the finest First-Person Shooter (FPS) campaigns ever made. It offers numerous memorable scenes and delivers a storyline that surpasses typical quality standards. Furthermore, it retained the popular multiplayer aspect enjoyed by fans. Sadly, efforts to further develop this series beyond Apex Legends have not progressed, as Titanfall 2 represents an exceptional and groundbreaking contribution to a genre often criticized for focusing on iteration rather than innovation.

4) The Sims 3

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that The Sims 3 takes The Sims 2 to a whole new level of excellence. Enhancements in customization, an expansive world to traverse, and a plethora of creative liberties for players to mold their ideal Sim – all these elements made it the epitome of life simulation before the genre became widespread on Steam. Indeed, The Sims 3 played a pivotal role in popularizing the charming genre that we now know and love.

3) Skate 2

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say, there’s only been one skateboarding video game franchise that really broke through to the mainstream like none other – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. But when it comes to Skate, developed by Black Box, they took a unique spin on things. Instead of the fast-paced, arcade-style action we’re used to from the iconic Activision and Neversoft franchise, Electronic Arts (EA) chose to dive deeper into realism with their flick-it control scheme. This, combined with the inclusion of real pro skaters, offers an experience that feels incredibly close to the thrill of actual skateboarding.

The first Skate game revolutionized the way skateboarding was portrayed in video games. The third one enhanced and expanded on the series’ distinctive trick system, although it may not have been as impressive compared to its maps, which are somewhat lackluster but still enjoyable to play. However, Skate 1 provided a solid foundation for what followed, despite being a relatively small experience overall.

Instead of saying “Skate 2 may not have darkslides,” I’d suggest rephrasing it as “Skate 2 doesn’t feature darkslides, but its exceptional blend of all the finest aspects of the series sets it apart.”

The description of San Vanelona could be: “San Vanelona is an outstanding map that stands out for its size and variety. As you skate through it, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly it flows.”

Regarding the roster, a possible rephrasing would be: “The roster was bursting with top-tier skaters, such as Jerry Hsu, John Cardiel, Jason Dill, Dennis Busenitz, Eric Koston, Ray Barbee, Mike Carroll, and many others.”

Lastly, instead of saying “Skate 2 had a great replay editor,” you could phrase it like this: “It also provided an advanced replay editor that offered even greater creative freedom when filming clips.”

In conclusion, the revised text would read as follows: “Skate 2 doesn’t feature darkslides, but its exceptional blend of all the finest aspects of the series sets it apart. San Vanelona is an outstanding map that stands out for its size and variety, as you skate through it, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly it flows. The roster was bursting with top-tier skaters, such as Jerry Hsu, John Cardiel, Jason Dill, Dennis Busenitz, Eric Koston, Ray Barbee, Mike Carroll, and many others. It also provided an advanced replay editor that offered even greater creative freedom when filming clips. All in all, it has everything anyone would want from a Skate game, and is easily one of the best EA has ever made.

2) Dead Space

Horror genres in video games can be tricky to master. It’s essential to create tense moments for excitement, yet avoid creating frustration. The experience should be scary, but not so much that it deters the player from continuing. You want players to feel empowered, but not overly powerful, or the sense of vulnerability necessary for a horror game is lost. Many games struggle with these aspects, but some excel, such as Dead Space.

The game Dead Space, remarkably, embodies an almost flawless horror experience. It stands out with its distinctive setting, genuinely terrifying monsters, and a narrative that brims with mystery to keep players engaged. Right from the start, when Isaac picks up the plasma cutter next to a wall bearing the chilling message “CUT OFF THEIR LIMBS” in blood, the atmosphere is established. This initial scene sets the stage for an exhilarating journey until the very end.

It’s quite surprising that Electronic Arts (EA) is considering remaking a horror game. Given that M-rated horror games might not be the most profitable, EA’s decision to revisit the old classic of Dead Space from Xbox 360/PS3 era underscores just how unique and special this game truly is.

1) The Mass Effect Trilogy

While it might border on being excessive, given that we’re discussing a trilogy instead of a single game, it would be hard to resist praising them all due to their exceptional quality combined.

The narrative woven through the Mass Effect series is among the finest tales in video gaming. Although it may have some unique gameplay aspects, the initial installment establishes the universe, immersing players in the diverse races and perils that fill the galaxies. The storytelling is particularly noteworthy. Mass Effect 2 offers one of the most compelling narratives in gaming and significantly enhances its gameplay, resulting in a memorable video game journey. Although Mass Effect 3 stumbles with its ending, it remains a strong conclusion to Shepard’s storyline.

The Mass Effect series stands out as a truly exceptional franchise within the realm of video games. Not only does it rank among Electronic Arts’ finest, but it might even be considered the foremost science fiction franchise ever produced for gaming.

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/mass-effect-5-bioware-studio-future/embed/#

2025-08-24 16:16