ESPN NBA 2K5

GamePro

No one's going to beat 2K5 on price, and the game's as tough as nails on the court. [Dec 2004, p.142]

PSM Magazine

If you crave strategy and challenge, get this. [Dec 2004, p.79]

GameSpy

While EA's series definitely has its strong points, ESPN NBA 2K5 has better graphics, AI, and that highly addictive 24-7 mode.

Game Informer

This is still the best playing, most rewarding and realistic basketball game that money can buy. [Nov 2004, p.143]

Yahoo! Games

An excellent basketball game. It offers loads of gameplay, solid physics, unparalleled animations, and terrific graphics. It would be a bargain at $50, let alone the $20 it's selling for.

Jolt Online Gaming UK

If there’s any criticism at all it’s that the game throws it all at you at once thanks to a fairly unwieldy menu system, but the tutorials go some way to help and even if advanced team tactics and formations aren’t up your street, it’s good to know that they are there.

Pelit (Finland)

An entertaining realism-oriented basketball game. A franchise game in both good and bad. [Feb. 05]

BonusStage

Absolutely the way to go. The upgraded franchise mode with the awesome Full Authority feature and the return of the 24/7 mode make this game more than worth its 20 dollar price tag.

GameZone

The newly enhanced IsoMotion works just a tad better than last year but it still has a way to go, fortunately the rest of the game plays like a dream and the 24/7 Mode is even more awesome than before.

GameSpot

Even though there are some rough edges in its franchise mode, ESPN NBA 2K5's basic gameplay mechanics are extremely well done, making the game easy to recommend to any basketball fan. It hits the mark in just about every aspect of basketball, including post-up play, rebounding, and passing.

Play Magazine

It just shies away from greatness given how good last year's game was. [Dec 2004, p.103]

IGN

It's not bad, it just isn't great and some of the AI gaffs began to really get on my nerves over time. However, the 24/7 mode is refreshing, even after playing a lot last year.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

2K5 looks better, moves better, and controls more intuitively than EA's hoopster. [Dec 2004, p.158]

1UP

If you already own "ESPN NBA 2K4" basketball game, 2K5 is probably not worth the dough -- prettier graphics aren't enough. The $20 price tag puts it in reach of most everyone else, though.

GMR Magazine

It's a close one, but ESPN bows to "Live 2005" on the final shot. [Dec 2004, p.118]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

If you like slower-paced, realistic hoops for less than half the price, ESPN will keep you happy. If you want amped-up gameplay with polish, "NBA Live 2005"'s got what you need. [Dec 2004, p.128]

AceGamez

There aren't many multiplayer options either, really, just the quick match and there's no online mode, which could put off those who enjoy the convenience, challenge and socialising that online gaming offers.

Loaded Inc

Make no mistake: this is a competent, well-oiled machine of a game. There are no bloopers, no major glitches, and no howling errors of judgement.

Next Level Gaming

The controls and the gameplay just aren't what they used to be, and this has allowed "NBA Live" to catch up this year.

Game Revolution

If there’s one area in which ESPN clearly dominates the competition, it’s in its graphics. Player models are terrific, the framerate is smooth throughout and the animations are pretty fluid.

Gaming Age

With top-notch graphics and a mostly solid game of basketball that rewards practice and knowledge, ESPN NBA 2k5 is loads of fun.

RewiredMind

An incredibly sold game. The on-court action is on a par with NBA Live and for the price £19.99, you can’t really go wrong. The atmosphere of the arenas and the passion of the fans is there, the gameplay is there, and a huge chunk of addictiveness is certainly there.

Gamers Europe

It might not be a slam dunk, but NBA 2K5 is as sweet as the swish of any three pointer.

Boomtown

It doesn’t take too long to get the hang of things, and while more professional moves will take practise, feeling like each match relies on you isn’t too far away.