Steven Gerrard’s Total Soccer 2002 on GBA is one of those early 2000s footy games that somehow nails the fast, arcade-y feel of soccer without getting bogged down in realism. The controls are simple—just enough buttons to pull off decent passes and shots without needing a manual—but the real fun is in how chaotic matches get. One second you’re threading a through ball, the next you’re scrambling to defend a counterattack.

It’s not FIFA-level polish, but the pace keeps it addictive. The players move a little stiffly by today’s standards, but after a few matches, you stop noticing. And yeah, Gerrard’s on the cover, but don’t expect his face plastered everywhere—it’s more about quick kickoffs and last-minute goals than star power. Perfect for short bursts between classes or bus rides.

If you’ve got a soft spot for handheld sports games that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one’s a solid pick.