2. Rocket League
Combine the back and forth non-stop action of soccer with the intensity of driving super-powered cars up and on every inch of an enclosed area and you get Psyonix’s sequel to Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle-Cars, Rocket League.
Released on PS4 and PC, Rocket League took everyone — even gamers who may not have an interest in more traditional sports titles — by storm when it released in July. It was propelled into the spotlight after a very successful beta campaign that saw gif after gif shared online showing off the same addictive action that has now been enjoyed by over 8 million people. The novelty of the concept, 2-4 cars per team fighting to score a giant ball in an exploding goal, mixed with the simplicity of the rules and controls made the game incredibly accessible.
Progression and replayability are created by the quirky nature of the unlockable gear. Different car body styles, antenna toppers, speed burst trails, and hats (yes, car hats) unlock the longer you play and the more you win.
Balance is the key to Rocket League’s success. There are no power-ups or unlocked upgrades to your vehicle. Every player, regardless of how long they have played, has an equal opportunity to dominate. Success is tied only to the level of skill, strategy, and luck a particular team has on it’s side. This balance makes Rocket League the epitome of online sports gaming.
