Give me your best "Career Mode" Games

I’m searching for games with great career modes where progression feels meaningful, ideally with a sandbox vibe. Here’s my take on some I’ve played:

Loved

  • UFC 5 – Amazing progression (aging, goals, career growth), but lacks a true sandbox feel.
  • Xenoverse 2 – Not exactly a career mode, but I loved training with different characters, learning moves, getting stronger, collecting items, and customizing my character.
  • WWE 2K24 – Similar to UFC 5, but the customization is way more fun.

Liked

  • FIFA 24 – Creating a player and switching clubs is cool, but it gets repetitive.
  • Football Manager – Loved it when I was younger, but now it feels like FIFA with extra tactics and team management (which I still enjoy).

Didn't Like

  • Punch Club 2 – Was super hyped, but it felt too story-driven and not sandboxy enough.

On My Radar

  • Hitman Freelancer Mode
  • We Who Are About to Die