ESPN NFL Football

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 3, 2003
ESPN NFL Football Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

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  • Summary: ESPN NFL Football brings the complete NFL experience. Whether it's by making an opponent lose his shorts from a stop-and-go juke, by scraping your toes down as you make an acrobatic first-down catch along the sideline, or by piling on top of a swarming gang tackle on fourth and short -- youESPN NFL Football brings the complete NFL experience. Whether it's by making an opponent lose his shorts from a stop-and-go juke, by scraping your toes down as you make an acrobatic first-down catch along the sideline, or by piling on top of a swarming gang tackle on fourth and short -- you will truly feel everything that makes the National Football League so intense. Don't look. Don't listen. Feel.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. GamePro
    100
    The potential replay value for the game is enormous. Of course, until ESPN has had a full season under its belt, the jury’s out as to whether first-person view is major revolution or a nifty diversion...but it’s very cool.
  2. Game Chronicles
    96
    A near-flawless gameplay experience that not only rivals "Madden" and "Fever" but storms past these two former contenders and into the end zone for a clear and decisive victory.
  3. Gamezilla!
    94
    A superb football game. The graphics and level of realism are just unbelievable, although the Xbox version is a hair better and framerates seem a tad smoother.
  4. PSX Nation
    90
    The complete and total lack of a buddy list in any shape or form, simply reinforces how amazing this year's Madden is in that respect. Lobbies are simple to navigate, but without a list to assist you, tracking down your friends is essentially an impossible task.
  5. Yahoo!
    90
    The competition may have a few small details and features over Sega, but no one can touch this gameplay. With subtle but effective tweaks made to all areas of the offensive and defensive games, ESPN NFL is certainly the toughest and most satisfying simulation currently available.
  6. GamingTrend
    88
    The PS2 gets points for tighter controls and easier to see play selections of where your players are going on plays.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Even with these changes and enhanced running game, ESPN NFL Football remains second-string behind "Madden"; its franchise options don't stack up to Johnny boy's title. [Sept 2003, p.125]
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See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. JordanT.
    Aug 31, 2003
    10
    Flawless. Die Madden!
  2. DougE.
    Aug 16, 2003
    10
    espn nfl football is by far the best football game made today....way better then madden 04 where the guys get tackled and just fall espn nfl football is by far the best football game made today....way better then madden 04 where the guys get tackled and just fall over....the best of the best 2k sports player around......deely… Expand
  4. RyanC.
    Jul 22, 2004
    10
    Best football game period, Madden has got too much competition this year cuz this is the best football game i have ever played. there is even Best football game period, Madden has got too much competition this year cuz this is the best football game i have ever played. there is even a "crib" that you can deck out with cool stuff u earn its a sweet game and even better only $20 so screw madden.… Expand
  5. MarcosN.
    Sep 6, 2003
    10
    It's like your watching a Sunday Night Football Game and playing in the NFL simultaneously.
  6. B.D.
    Sep 25, 2003
    10
    This game is SWEET! Nice change of pace from Madden!
  7. KeithF.
    Nov 21, 2003
    10
    I used to be a madden fan, but after playing this game and comparing how sloppy the gameplay physics really are in the EA sports game, I I used to be a madden fan, but after playing this game and comparing how sloppy the gameplay physics really are in the EA sports game, I wonder how I thought it could have been better. The ESPN animations are incrdible, the only bad one is the cheerleaders. Static bodies + Bouncy boobs does not = good looking animation.… Expand
  8. BigRevD
    Nov 5, 2003
    3
    Andrew and John C. each of you should be sh#@% for saying that this poor man's version of Madden is better. I find this game to borish Andrew and John C. each of you should be sh#@% for saying that this poor man's version of Madden is better. I find this game to borish and if being able to put up 10,000 total yards makes a game good then you suck. With this game I am unstopable I score at will on all-pro if I dont score it because I want more yards to pad my stats. The Ai does not compensate and once a teams weakness has been exploited they will never recover. I like the first person even though the controls need a little work and the Crib where you earn things, but I have never played a game where the defensive ends can not be blocked by ant team. If you rush using 5 down lineman from the end position you should have at least 5 sacks at the end of the game. Sega it's a little better, but keep trying. … Expand

See all 17 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PS2 Game of 2003
75
#75 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003