Do you like sports? And gaming? Then this is the best time of year. Hayden Meikle casts his eye over five of the major sports games launched recently.
FIFA 14
From: EA Sports.
On the cover: Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer in the world.
And, if you buy the game in this country, Australian and New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill.
What, no Winston Reid?
New bits: The usual guff. There is something called PURE SHOT, and PRECISION MOVEMENT, and REAL-BALL PHYSICS, and TEAM-MATE INTELLIGENCE.
Career mode includes a much-expanded scouting network.
Leagues from Argentina, Chile and Colombia are included for the first time.
The menus get a shake-up.
In summary: I hate change, so it is taking me a while to get to grips with Fifa 14.
The change in ball physics is really noticeable.
The ball squirts and swerves around a lot.
Players seem heavier, slower to turn, though maybe that is more realistic.
The AI defence also seems tougher, even on easier levels.
The freshened-up menus, particularly in career mode, are welcome.
Scouting freaks will like the beefed-up transfer system, but I don't like the fact you do not get to see a player's overall rating until you buy him.
Next generation: Both the Xbox One and the PS4 will get Fifa at launch.
Those versions will feature the new Ignite engine, which promises even better graphics and more realism to the gameplay.
The Xbox One will also have legendary players in its Ultimate Team mode.
PRO EVO 14
From: Konami.
On the cover: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
New bits: Ball physics was also the buzzword for Pro Evo developers.
How the ball moves and how players use it has been reshaped.
There is also something called Motion Animation Stability System (M. A. S. S.), which claims to increase the realism of physical contacts between players.
The Asian Champions League appears for the first time.
In Master League mode, you can change teams or coach a national side.
In summary: Watch out Fifa, Pro Evo is breathing down your neck.
Fifa has had maybe a seven-year run where its title, backed by vastly greater development resources, has been demonstrably superior to its opposition.
But Pro Evo has fought back in style.
It looks fantastic, and plays with a lovely blend of realism and simplicity.
It takes more patience than Fifa, but if you are willing to put in the hours, you will be rewarded with a most immersive experience.
Next generation: Nope. Konami is waiting before dipping into the Xbox One and PS4. Interesting decision.
MADDEN 25
From: EA Sports.
On the cover: Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, who also appeared in the background of the Madden 2000 cover.
New bits: Madden 25?
Yes, the decision was made to eschew the regular naming system (Madden 12, 13, 14 etc) in favour of recognising the fact this is the 25th anniversary of the Madden series.
Makes a lot of us feel old.
The game is one of the first to use the Ignite engine, so plenty of new collision physics are on show.
The running game has been beefed up, there are some nice tweaks to the franchise mode, chemistry returns to the Ultimate Team mode, and you can share playbooks and rosters.
In summary: It's good, of course.
Running the football is a particularly enjoyable experience, even for the most pass-happy gamer.
The game looks smoother than ever.
The various modes offer hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Overall, it feels very similar to Madden 13, so those of you planning on investing in an Xbox One or PS4 might want to wait.
Next generation: Madden 25 will launch with both new consoles.
NHL 14
From: EA Sports.
On the cover: New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur.
Yes, a goalie.
New bits: Live The Life mode includes a gauge of your relationships with team-mates, fans and management.
The fighting model has been upgraded.
And an NHL 94 anniversary mode takes you back to the glory days of the franchise.
In summary: Ice hockey is a distant fourth of the major American sports but EA has never skimped on developing the game.
It's super fun to play, especially in the simplified NHL 94 mode.
And the very deep Live A Life experience appeals even to those whose knowledge of ''hawkey'' begins and ends with Wayne Gretzky.
Next generation: Not at this stage.
NBA 2K14
From: 2K Sports.
On the cover: LeBron James. King James. The best since Jordan.
New bits: Understandably, the man on the cover features heavily in the game.
There is a LeBron: Path To Greatness mode.
He even helped design the game's soundtrack.
Teams from the Euro League appear for the first time.
And tweaks to the controls allow you to flick the sticks for accurate passes and intricate shots.
In summary: The 2K series has had a cushy ride for three years, following the dramatic collapse of EA Sports' NBA Live series.
And, to be fair, 2K has done a brilliant job.
But EA returns with NBA 14 next month, so the stakes just got raised.
NBA 2K14 has set a very high bar.
It looks good, plays well, will get regular roster updates, and offers a variety of modes.
The LeBron stuff, in which you can lead his career in all sorts of directions, is particularly impressive.
As good as sports gaming gets.
Next generation: Yes, will launch with both consoles.
