
Commentary in sports games is a relatively new feature. It debuted on the SNES and Genesis with simple statements telling you what was going on in the game. It really took a step forward on the PS1 when CD-quality audio was introduced. Commentary has evolved from NBA Jam’s “FOR THREE!” to full blown conversations in ESPN NFL 2K5 and beyond. With the technology we have now, commentary can sound just like it does on television. Still, there are certain games where you would rather hear the sound of horses breeding. So without further delay, these are some recent games with terrible commentary.
5. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
With three different commentary teams you would think it would be refreshing to hear the Raw, SmackDown, and ECW announcers bicker back and forth. Switching between the three teams is like juggling with a shard of glass, a dead rat, and fecal matter: You are better off not juggling at all. How many times do I have to hear about how JBL is going to make Michael Cole Cruiserweight Champion? How about Tazz making fun of Joey Styles’ popular catch-phrases? What about Jerry Lawler and his puppies? Hopefully the real-life mix up of WWE commentators gives Yukes the chance to freshen up their sound bytes. Mike Ademle cannot make it any worse.

While NBA 2k8 might've been a great game, the commentary left a lot to be desired.
4. NBA 2K8
"This is Kenny Smith and Kevin Harlan coming to you, bringing you NBA 2K8." It’s hard to tell though when every time you dunk it sounds like you’re playing NBA Street. That sound byte is great when used extremely sparingly, but hearing “OOOOOHHH” twice a game from "The Jet" isn’t what I had in mind. Also, the fact that most of Sager's new lines are at a different voice level is odd -- almost sounds like he was out getting hammered all night and then just walked into the studio with a hangover. The announcing in NBA 2K7 was stellar so 2K8 was definitely a step back. 2K9 should be different; Clark Kellogg will replace Kenny Smith.

Fight Night Round 3 looked great, played great but sounded..awful.
“He looks out on his feet.” Who does? In a game with no health bars or overlays, the commentary is completely vague. It’s especially annoying when you’re in a close fight and Joe Tessitore is rambling on using he and him to describe the fighter. With two “he’s” in the ring at all times, it’s difficult to understand which pugilist Tessitore is referring to. I find myself arguing with him when I know I’m doing better than my opponent: “You better not be talking about me Tessitore!” I know he will not hear me but hopefully the guys at EA do for Round Four.
2. Madden NFL '06 (Xbox 360)
Next-gen system? Check. Next-gen graphics? Check. Next-gen commentary? No way. After years of using John Madden and his various partners in the virtual broadcast booth, EA switched it up and gave the early adopters of next-generation Madden a radio announcer. I do not want John Madden singing me lullabies at night but when it comes to football, I’d much rather have him than a nameless, faceless radio guy. Not to knock him personally, but EA went soft on us in 2006 with the one-man commentary. Luckily, they’ve turned to Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond for Madden NFL 09.

Not only was NFL Tour bad, it's commentary was some of the worst you will ever hear in a sports game.
1. NFL Tour
I’m sure Trey Wingo is a nice guy. So why does NFL Tour make me hate him so much? His play-by-play in the game is nothing you would complain about. The audio goes completely sour after the play is over. He’ll spout out some cheesy line about fishing or something else unrelated. These lines become a ton less funny after you’ve heard them a few times in one five minute game. Since the game stinks, I wouldn’t even recommend turning the volume down. You’d be better off turning the television off completely. If you like Trey Wingo even a little bit, do not play the game so his image won't be tarnished.
Who needs kickers? Does “he” look tired? “OOOHHHHHH?” Do you want John Madden singing to you at night? Chime in with your terrible commentary experiences and let me know what you think of my choices.