- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: Jul 20, 2004
- Also On: PlayStation 2
- Critic Score
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100You 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!!
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100The biggest advancement is the VIP system, which studies your habits on the field and develops a profile based on how you play the game.
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100This 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]
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100But 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.
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100For 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]
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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.
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98The best sports game I have ever played. The graphics, immersion, and mechanics are all near-perfect.
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96ESPN 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.
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95No 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.
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95ESPN 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.
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95It 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.
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95The 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.
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95Where NFL 2K5 really shines from an Australian perspective, however, is that it really nails the TV presentation aspect.
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95In 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.
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95Without doubt the best game of this genre, ever.
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95Outclasses "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.
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94Are 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.
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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.
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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.
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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]
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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]
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92For 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.
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The best football video game of 2004.
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92Worth 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.
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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.
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92A 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.
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91My 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.
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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]
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90It 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.
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90While the game is too easy on Pro and very difficult on All-Pro, some slider adjustments can help the situation.
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90The 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?
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90Plain and simple, ESPN NFL 2K5 is Sega's best football game to date.
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90With unparalleled visuals, a deep franchise mode, and tons of new and improved features, "Madden" is facing a 4th and very, very long this year.
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90Besides the online problems, that are getting better, the game is one of the best football games ever made.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 65 out of 70
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Mixed: 3 out of 70
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Negative: 2 out of 70
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10
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10
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JobA.10