Madden NFL 2005 Image
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

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  • Summary: Madden NFL 2005 is the deepest and most authentic handheld sports game ever. Taking advantage of the unique Nintendo DS hardware feature set, Madden NFL 2005 gives players unprecedented control during gameplay. Gamers can now use the Nintendo DS touch screen to call plays, utilize the kickMadden NFL 2005 is the deepest and most authentic handheld sports game ever. Taking advantage of the unique Nintendo DS hardware feature set, Madden NFL 2005 gives players unprecedented control during gameplay. Gamers can now use the Nintendo DS touch screen to call plays, utilize the kick meter and select audibles at the line of scrimmage. The second screen also is home to Field Radar, which allows gamers to see where all 22 players are on the field while staying in the heart of the action on the other screen. Madden NFL 2005 breaks new ground by allowing players to go head-to-head in Madden NFL 2005 via wireless play. The game delivers unprecedented 3D graphics while featuring authentic NFL uniforms for all 32 NFL teams and player portraits for each NFL player. With a full season mode and fun game modes such as Situation Mode and 2-Minute Drill, Madden NFL 2005 for the Nintendo DS delivers its signature level of depth in the palm of your hand. [Electronic Arts] Expand
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. 80
    The controls are surprisingly solid. Once you adapt to the small venue, the mechanics flow pretty well.
  2. While it's still got that Madden gameplay, the game as a whole seems to be incomplete, like a console game with stripped-down features. The touch screen is used in the basic ways, but so much more could be done with it.
  3. What may be a surprise, however, is how poorly Madden NFL 2005 for the DS compares with some of its contemporaries on other platforms.
  4. Though the DS touch screen screams to me “Customized playbook!” it must have been screaming something else to the developers.
  5. Nintendo Power
    67
    Player control is as good as ever, offering a wide selection of moves. [Feb 2005, p.114]
  6. The game doesn't have as many options as its console counterparts, and while it's cool that it's in 3D Madden's graphics look atrocious, but it's still an enjoyable football game.
  7. 40
    While Madden NFL 2005 is playable in its current form, most will tire of the shaky visuals and slippery controls faster than Mr. Madden slaps ham on a hoagie.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. RonnieD.
    Mar 7, 2006
    10
    This game is awesome. I never get tired of playing this game.
  2. JoeB.
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    I have never liked football games and for someone who doesn't know about maden games this is AMAZING. diehard madden gfans might find it I have never liked football games and for someone who doesn't know about maden games this is AMAZING. diehard madden gfans might find it boring but if all the comparisons to other platforms isn't fair. THis is a tiny handheld game. it isn't like you can carry your ps2 around so this game is a real stroke of genious it is a must buy especialy if you don't thinkn you like football or have never tried a football game Expand
  3. PhilE.
    May 11, 2005
    9
    Superb for a portable version. True, the graphics aren't as good as the PS2, XBOX or GC but what do you expect. An excellent effort!
  4. MatthieuR.
    Jan 9, 2005
    6
    Not a bad game, but it's hard to put up with the limited options, glitches and lack of depth when you've played the console Not a bad game, but it's hard to put up with the limited options, glitches and lack of depth when you've played the console version. The game is fun, but only for a while. The control is what stinks the most. The 4 way directional pad means your players have no subtle movements, only 90 degree cuts. A decent first effort, but I hope the DS is capable of better. Expand

Awards & Rankings

4
10
#10 Most Discussed DS Game of 2004