From Madden to Fifa, five sports games ranked, rated and reviewed

LeBron James in basketball game NBA 2K18.

Cameron McMillan puts on his boots, helmet, basketball singlet and ice hockey gloves to work out which sports games make the grade.

Madden NFL 18

What's good: This year it features a story mode for the first time and it's well worth the wait. In Longshot you take on a young NFL hopeful called Devin Wade, who has one last chance to break into the big leagues. Franchise mode is still one of the best features in the sports gaming with everything covered while gameplay is as slick as ever.

A scene from Madden NFL 18.

What's not: In Longshot you don't play a single NFL game with the objective of getting drafted. A little odd considering Madden is all about the NFL.

FIFA 18

What's good: The return of The Journey, which is the best story mode of all the sport releases. This time you're playing in the MLS. Outside of story mode and on to the actual pitch, the gameplay continues to improve under EA Sports' Frostbite engine. Freekicks are easier to pull off, which is pleasing. Fifa remains the best game to just pick up and have a quick game.

A scene from Fifa 18.

What's not: Not great if you dislike the MLS - you're stuck with the Galaxy as your new team with Alex Hunter. The cynical side of me thinks it's a move made by EA to create more interest in the American league.

NBA 2K18

What's good: The deepest franchise modes in sports gaming and a must for diehard basketball fans who are big on the strategy of the game and not just driving down the court and dunking. The story mode, where you are a former college star who took time off to be a DJ - yes, that's the plot - is passable but some cut scenes seem a waste of time. Still the best basketball game out there.

What's not: Microtransactions, where you need to earn enough points to buy a haircut or get a new tattoo for your player in story mode. It takes an age to earn them or you could pay actual money for credits, which is a sad move.

NHL 18

What's good: it's certainly the poorer cousin of the EA sports titles but has all the main modes you need, including franchise, pro career and ultimate team. No story mode though. Once you get the hang of the controls it's a pretty fun game to play. Not just for NHL tragics.

What's not: This year the focus is on NHL Threes mode, a three-on-three version of ice hockey. I can see the idea around it - more space means more goals - but it seems a rushed add-on.

NBA Live 18

What's good: The best thing about NBA Live is the gameplay. It's much easier to pick up and play than NBA 2K18 but it doesn't have the depth of its rival. It's a fine game. Unfortunately, there is another basketball title on the market which is better.

What's not: ESPN's shout-machine Stephen A Smith features with First Take sidekick Max Kellerman in clips discussing your own player. A nice touch but I can't stand Stephen A Smith.