7 Best EA Sports Big Games, Ranked

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The 2000s were a golden age for sports games, largely due to EA Sports Big. This division of Electronic Arts specialized in taking familiar sports and turning them into wildly exaggerated, arcade-style experiences. While the games weren’t focused on realistic settings, they were incredibly fun and allowed for creative, over-the-top gameplay. Sadly, EA Sports Big released its last game in 2008 when EA decided to discontinue the label. It’s disappointing that these beloved franchises haven’t been revisited, but they remain some of the most enjoyable sports games of all time.

Here are the seven best EA Sports Big games.

7) FIFA Street 2

While it never reached the same heights as arcade sports games based on basketball or football, FIFA Street 2 came the closest to delivering a truly great arcade soccer experience. A key improvement was the camera angle, which shifted to a more natural perspective for the fast-paced, four-on-four matches, allowing for more impressive and creative moves. With a compelling career mode and unlockable legendary players like Zico, Carlos Alberto, and Abedi Pele, FIFA Street 2 was a standout title. EA has attempted to recapture its magic with modes like Volta and Rush in recent EA Sports FC games, but none have quite measured up.

6) NBA Street

The original NBA Street isn’t as refined or feature-rich as its follow-up, which I’ll cover later. However, it’s still a fun, fast-paced arcade basketball game and it first introduced the Gamebreaker – a mechanic that could instantly turn the tide of a match, helping players catch up when behind. EA Big also cleverly created a cast of memorable streetball legends, adding a lot of character to the game and setting the stage for future installments in the series.

5) NFL Street 2

Released shortly after the original NFL Street, NFL Street 2 didn’t have a lot of time for major overhauls. Still, the developers made some important improvements to the gameplay. The biggest addition was the ability to run and jump off walls to evade defenders, which really changed how the game felt. They also added Gamebreaker 2, giving players more strategic options. Plus, NFL Street 2 let you customize your players and teams more extensively, allowing for a personalized experience.

4) SSX Tricky

Building on the stylish foundation of games like NBA Street, SSX Tricky really took things to the next level. The game’s vibrant characters and over-the-top Uber Tricks – completely unrealistic moves – were a huge part of its appeal. While many of the courses were familiar from the first SSX, Tricky felt like a fresh experience thanks to its improvements and polish. The inclusion of well-known actors like Lucy Liu, David Arquette, and Billy Zane also added to its charm.

3) Def Jam Vendetta

While not the best Def Jam game (that title belongs to Fight for New York), Vendetta is unique as the only fighting game published by EA Sports Big. Though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the series’ peak, Vendetta is a fantastic fighter developed by AKI Corp. It stands out from the other sports titles in EA Big’s lineup, offering a welcome change of pace. If you enjoyed WWF No Mercy, you’ll likely have a great time with Vendetta. It can be a bit reliant on quick button presses, but embracing that style leads to a really fun experience.

2) SSX 3

SSX 3 is considered the best game in the SSX series, and that’s high praise considering how good most of the games are. The game features a fantastic open world with incredibly designed courses that encourage you to pull off amazing tricks. You can also race at breakneck speeds down the mountain, making it one of the best racing games of its time. It builds on everything players loved about SSX Tricky and delivers a complete package. Luckily, a 2018 re-release for Xbox One makes it easy to pick up and play today.

1) NBA Street Volume 2

NBA Street Volume 2 isn’t just the best game in the EA Sports Big series – it’s arguably the greatest sports game ever made. Whether you’re a basketball fan or not, you’re guaranteed to have fun with this amazing arcade game. Its 3-on-3 gameplay is incredibly well-balanced, combining flashy moves with solid basketball fundamentals. Plus, the Gamebreaker 2 feature adds an extra layer of strategy, making it the ultimate arcade basketball experience.

The fun doesn’t stop with the basic game! You can also unlock iconic NBA players and exciting streetball legends, bringing a lot of character and history to the game. The ‘Be a Legend’ mode lets you travel the world, build your dream team, and challenge anyone who stands in your way. Plus, the soundtrack is absolutely amazing – this is how a sports game should be!

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2026-02-22 00:13