Metacritic Games

ESPN NBA 2K5 (Playstation 2)

A new momentum based gameplay system that gives gamers a complete difference in control between various types of players. Now a player’s ability and physical makeup will determine how fast they can run up the court on a fast break, how well they can cut to the basket off their opponent, and more, creating a new level of realism and natural team movement. Pioneering a new standard in artificial intelligence, computer-controlled players now have the ability to decide independently how they can best help their team and realistically react based on each human players’ actions. CPU players determine the best way they can help win in accordance with each team’s philosophy and distinct play sets. Beyond the Next Movement, IsoMotion2 improves upon the exciting dribble system of last year. Deftly perform spins, crossovers, and fakes outside the perimeter and now, in the post. Use enhanced IsoMotion2 on the defensive side to contain overaggressive ball-handlers and force turnovers. One of the most innovative features in sports games gets twice as big with over 100 new items, new timed mini games, and multi-player games. New respect level determines which player will answer your call for 24/7 games. [ESPN]

Sega
Sports, Basketball
Players: 8
E (Everyone)
Developer: Visual Concepts
Released September 30, 2004

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

83 / 100

Critic Reviews

100 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]
90 PSM Magazine
If you crave strategy and challenge, get this. [Dec 2004, p.79]
90 GameSpy
While EA's series definitely has its strong points, ESPN NBA 2K5 has better graphics, AI, and that highly addictive 24-7 mode.
90 Game Informer
This is still the best playing, most rewarding and realistic basketball game that money can buy. [Nov 2004, p.143]
90 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.
86 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.
85 Pelit (Finland)
An entertaining realism-oriented basketball game. A franchise game in both good and bad. [Feb. 05]
85 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.
85 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.
84 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.
83 Play Magazine
It just shies away from greatness given how good last year's game was. [Dec 2004, p.103]
80 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.
80 Electronic Gaming Monthly
2K5 looks better, moves better, and controls more intuitively than EA's hoopster. [Dec 2004, p.158]
80 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.
80 GMR Magazine
It's a close one, but ESPN bows to "Live 2005" on the final shot. [Dec 2004, p.118]
80 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]
80 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.
80 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.
79 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.
75 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.
75 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.
70 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.
70 Gamers Europe
It might not be a slam dunk, but NBA 2K5 is as sweet as the swish of any three pointer.
70 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.

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