Metascore
92 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. You just never know how the AI will react, but at least they do take the timeouts and run the hurry up offense when they are down. It doesn't play dumb. In fact, the AI will go into a no-huddle offense, just to throw you off occasionally. How cool is that!!
  2. 100
    The biggest advancement is the VIP system, which studies your habits on the field and develops a profile based on how you play the game.
  3. 100
    This year, the design guys as Visual Concepts have turned ESPN NFL 2K5 into the most entertaining show in video-game football. [Sept 2004, p.98]
  4. But the graphics and game play have been juiced up, too, with improved passing, a slightly tougher running game, and lots of combo-move action via manipulation of the right analog stick.
  5. For a mere $20, Sega's game is every bit as deep, feature-rich and addictive as EA's powerhouse. I'm not saying that 2K5 is better than "Madden"...but it's just as good - no joke. [Sept 2004, p.84]
  6. Sure, there are thousands of die-hard Madden fans who will remain in denial and line-up for their copy of "Madden 2005" like the Lemmings they are, but anyone who plays ESPN NFL 2K5 will know the truth after their very first game.
  7. The best sports game I have ever played. The graphics, immersion, and mechanics are all near-perfect.
  8. ESPN NFL 2K5 is the single greatest football game ever made. Even with a $49.99 price tag, this game would surely have been a huge seller. However, the $20 price makes this game a steal.
  9. No other type of sports games requires such strategy while under pressure. Online leagues and tournaments are an improvement over XSN's online leagues, but are still in their fledgling stage.
  10. ESPN NFL 2K5 has the best graphics that I have witnessed in a sports game to date... The V.I.P system is the coolest thing since controllers with shoulder buttons.
  11. It trounces "Madden" in nearly every in-game and out-of-game aspect. And since "Madden" is a newbie to the Xbox Live arena, ESPN's Live support, replete with fully customizable leagues and comprehensive player profiles, it is simply unmatched.
  12. The few rare problems in this game are able to go unnoticed without a second thought. For any true football fan that doesn't own this game, you should feel very empty inside...very, very empty.
  13. Where NFL 2K5 really shines from an Australian perspective, however, is that it really nails the TV presentation aspect.
  14. In a move that shows that the designers had far too much free time on their hands, each of the bobble head dolls can be manipulated and bobbled, just like in real life. Hell, I'd pay $20 for this aspect alone.
  15. Without doubt the best game of this genre, ever.
  16. 95
    Outclasses "Madden NFL 2005" in all areas except for Franchise, but I would rather have the game that is simply more fun to play than having my eyes glare at stat menus for hours on end since that is what matters the most in a football game to me.
  17. 94
    Are you kidding me? This game rivals "Madden" in every way and surpasses it in feature set... and it's only twenty dollars. Plus, it's out three weeks ahead of "Madden." Fans of the series will love the improvements and continue to sing its praises.
  18. If you happen to be a fan of football, even if you bow down to the altar of "Madden", you should go out and buy 2K5 simply because this is a great simulation of football.
  19. I have found almost NOTHING wrong or flawed in NFL 2K5. It is what I would consider right now the perfect Football game. It is a must have game.
  20. Don't just get this game because it's 20 bucks, buy it becuase it's the best football title there is and the only one that's a must have. [Sept 2004, p.100]
  21. Not only is ESPN an outrageously inexpensive AAA-level game, it's also the best NFL title on the Xbox at any price. [Sept 2004, p.83]
  22. For all of its excellent modes and gameplay, however, ESPN NFL 2K5's greatest asset comes in the form of its graphics. Hands down, flat out, undeniably, inarguably, this is the best-looking football game ever made.
  23. The best football video game of 2004.
  24. 92
    Worth noting is that ESPN NFL 2K5 is one of the few third-party games to take advantage of the Xbox's custom soundtracks, and it even goes a step further by allowing the player to set up Stadium Music that plays at certain points in a game, such as when the home team scores a touchdown or forces an interception.
  25. The decision to take out LIVE compatibility is a major downer, but don't let that prevent you from playing one of the most superb NFL games on the market.
  26. A great game. It just has an arcadey feel to it, but I guess Sega is trying to appeal to the common user and not the hardcore football fan.
  27. My jaw dropped when I saw the Raiders white road jerseys, the shadows and player models and even the animation. This game looks absolutely stunning and is the best looking football game have ever seen.
  28. The single most glaring problem with 2K5...is the crowd A.I. The audience is just flat-out stupid, and this is terribly unfortunate because it distracts from what would otherwise be a totally immersive NFL gaming experience. [Sept 2004, p.86]
  29. 90
    It has great graphics, exciting gameplay, and a solid online mode. If you can skip over the slightly gimmicky modes and stick to the excellent Franchise mode, you'll be happy that you whipped Mr. Jackson out at the game store.
  30. While the game is too easy on Pro and very difficult on All-Pro, some slider adjustments can help the situation.
  31. 90
    The replay value in this game is phenomenal. What other game includes online play, all the modes like Practice, Quick Game, Tournament, Situation, and Franchise, the brand new VIP addition, ability to add in your own music, and team preparation? Better yet what other game does all that for only $20?
  32. Plain and simple, ESPN NFL 2K5 is Sega's best football game to date.
  33. With unparalleled visuals, a deep franchise mode, and tons of new and improved features, "Madden" is facing a 4th and very, very long this year.
  34. Besides the online problems, that are getting better, the game is one of the best football games ever made.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 70
  2. Negative: 2 out of 70
  1. Even after all these years, this stands the time as one of the best football games ever made. The presentation is unparalleled and the game is so packed with features that it still has life nearly 7 years after its initial release. ESPN NFL 2K5 is our generation's Tecmo Bowl. Full Review »
  2. Just to let everyone know,I'm Job A. but that was the other version of metacritic.Here we are at 2-11 and I will stick to what I said in my other review,this game knocks the shxx out of every madden including Madden 11 when it comes to straight up game play.2K was WAY ahead of there time with football,all of there past football titles were top notch but ESPN NFL 2K5 just blew the doors off of what was or is expected in a football game.Please after you read this play this game on your original xbox and you will see really how amazing it is!10 10 10 10 10. Full Review »
  3. JobA.
    10
    Where is the 11?It is October of 2009 and I've been still playing this game since it came out.Look-Madden has absolutley nothing on this game.Madden 10 is out now and still none of the Madden's have anything on Espn Nfl 2k5.It is the best football game ever made and will always be until 2K gets the exclusive license back.Allstar football 2k8 was good but disappointing.I cant say enough great stuff about this game even 5 years after it came out.That is the mark of an unbelievable game and that is how a game should be made.EA had the money and got scared cause they new the 2K series was just getting better and better.I'm disappointed what they have done with the baseball licence but the point is,is that I get the chills still playing this game after all these years.I'm sure there is thousands if not millions of people that agree with me because I'm not saying a word that isn't true.5 years from now when Madden 15 is out they still wont have the knowledge or capability to understand how to make a football game this good because this is in the minds and hearts of the 2K people and sega.Unbelivable game! Full Review »