Madden NFL 2005 Xbox
Madden NFL 2005 Image
Metascore
91 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Madden NFL 2005 introduces the Hit Stick, a new feature that lets players turn a game around with a crucial tackle. Along with all-new defensive preplay controls and defensive artificial intelligence enhancements, the defense now has a diverse arsenal of weapons available. Also, the depth of Franchise mode grows with the addition of Storyline Central, a weekly radio talk show that discusses current stories regarding your team and the league. With even more Franchise mode additions, hundreds of new animations, and the new Create-a-Fan feature, Madden NFL 2005 takes the series to the next level.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. GameSpy
    100
    The defense upgrades bring a lot of welcome strategy to the game, and the new AI is simply superb. Its amazingly deep, well thought out franchise mode is the best I've ever seen, while the basic gameplay still can't be beat.
  2. Warcry
    100
    The off-the-field interface is simple and intuitive, but even Madden veterans will need a little time to learn all the new defensive playmaker calls available before the snap.
  3. Gaming Age
    83
    With all the mixed reviews with some saying "ESPN" is the best, and some saying Madden is the best, this reviewers money is on Madden this year as to me it is worth the extra 30 dollars for what you do on an off the field.
  4. TotalGames.net
    74
    The implementation of the Hit Stick (use the right analogue stick for some hard hitting defensive plays) is a nice touch and the rest of the game's mechanics have received a subtle overhaul to ensure it plays better than ever.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. AdamV.
    10
    04' was better, but still great.
  2. JohnK.
    8
    Very good game, but ESPN is better for less than half the price. Graphics and presentation are far superior in ESPN. Half time show and TV style presentation in ESPN far outshadow the "bare bones" and unchanged approach in Madden. I was a die-hard Madden fan before this year, but if you play both ESPN and Madden, you will see that ESPN is the superior game. Both games have some flaws, but ESPN has less. Plus, this year's concentration on beefing up defenses doesn't do much for me. It forces much more conservative (read: boring, run-oriented, low scoring) game play, and often someone will win due to a defensive touchdown. It would be nice to say that you actually caused the INT, but 90% if INT's in the game just happen through the CPU, so the game just feels like you are winning through luck far too often. … Expand
  3. NeilV.
    7
    This year's graphics are slightly better and the presentation is a bit slicker. For some reason though, it just doesn't feel like enough this year. The 2K series definitely surpassed Madden this year and for less than half the price. Madden's minicamp games are much more fun than 2K's extras, including the fairly cool Crib mode, but Madden overall feels old and is not as enjoyable as ESPN NFL2K5.… Expand
  4. JaredR.
    4
    Xbox Graphics are awful. Like ported PS2 Graphics. Gameplay is too stiff. QB can make perfect throws on the retreat. Not realistic. Running game is very stiff. Feels exactly like last year's game and the year before that. Not worth the $50 asking price at all. NFK2K5 is a far more enjoyable and realistic game. Not to mention $30 cheaper.… Expand

See all 21 User Reviews