5. Don Bradman Cricket 14 (2014)
With a strange menu and an even stranger soundtrack, the appeal of ‘DB-one-four’ lies mainly in its imperfections. The carefully constructed names of the characters, based on real players but with altered names to ensure limited licensing issues, are one such charming yet frustrating feature and the incredibly slow wicket-keepers induce a similar emotion. For all of its shortcomings however, this is still the most fun one can have on a virtual cricket pitch.
Cult status: 3 stars
Fun rating: 4 stars
Soundtrack: 2 stars
4. SSX Tricky (2001)
The wildest snowboarding game you are likely to come across. Released shortly after the introduction of the Playstation2, the game enjoyed moderate success with critics praising the almost gratuitous emphasis on fun over realism. Particular enjoyment can be had by attacking AI characters during races and thus igniting pointless yet amusing feuds. The heavy techno soundtrack all but adds to the fast-paced entertainment.
Cult status: 3.5 stars
Fun rating: 4 stars
Soundtrack: 4.5 stars
3. NHL 2004 (2003)
Remarkably, this game still holds a large cult following. This is due, in part, to the lack of success of the 2009 instalment, which was scorned universally by ice hockey fans and nerds alike. It was the greater puck control, the new game modes and the brand new celebrations that were highlighted by reviewers as positive developments from the previous editions. The soundtrack is an appropriate combination of American punk rock and heavier metal.
Cult status: 4.5 stars
Fun rating: 4 stars
Soundtrack: 4 stars
2. Need for Speed Underground 2 (2004)
A real cult classic. Set on the streets of an undetermined American city, NFSU2 is often regarded as the finest in the early series. The game revolves primarily around drifting, revenge and shortcuts and was praised for its exciting graphics (apart from the GameCube version). The soundtrack is perhaps the most memorable feature, alongside its customisation garage, and included such gems as Snoop Dogg’s reworking of Riders on the Storm by the Doors and Mos Def’s Jam On It.
Cult status: 4.5
Fun rating: 4.5
Soundtrack: 5
1. FIFA 04 (2003)
Simply the greatest cult sports video game of all time. Not only were the graphics a step up from the previous year, the new ‘off the ball’ feature allowed gamers to control players far better when counter attacking and helped the defensive aspect massively. Another huge step was the addition of second division sides which finally meant that the gamer could begin a career with a Championship side in an effort to gain promotion. The game also required a degree of skill. Whereas before, one could simply hold down the sprint button and belt one in from 25 yards, the new tactical approach to gameplay rendered ‘04’ the first in the FIFA series to be genuinely engaging rather than simply a good laugh. Player likeness was also a step in the right direction, despite Ole Gunnar Solskajaer looking like he was about to murder someone. The most memorable feature is, of course, the soundtrack. A stunning mix of music, moving with no restraint between 80’s classic Town Called Malice by The Jam and 2003 banger Jerk it Out by Caesers. Other highlights include L.S.F by Kasabian, Train by Goldfrapp, Myxomatosis by Radiohead, Fools Gold by The Stone Roses and We Used to be Friends by The Dandy Warhols. A real education in both music and football and a great way to end this list.
Cult status: 5 stars
Fun rating: 4.5 stars
Soundtrack 5 stars
