ESPN NFL 2K5

 Xbox
ESPN NFL 2K5 Image
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 134 Ratings

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  • Summary: ESPN NFL 2K5 kicks off the football season with an improved ESPN presentation, a variety of player moves, and more. Now you can perform all-new moves during an entire season, while earning points to customize your crib with different items. The game also features new modes, including ESPNESPN NFL 2K5 kicks off the football season with an improved ESPN presentation, a variety of player moves, and more. Now you can perform all-new moves during an entire season, while earning points to customize your crib with different items. The game also features new modes, including ESPN 25th Anniversary mode, where you can play in classic NFL situations over the past 25 years. First-Person Football mode returns with new camera switching, improved audio, passing control options, and more.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Operation Sports
    100
    You just never know how the AI will react, but at least they do take the timeouts and run the hurry up offense when they are down. It doesn't play dumb. In fact, the AI will go into a no-huddle offense, just to throw you off occasionally. How cool is that!!
  2. Game Chronicles
    98
    Sure, there are thousands of die-hard Madden fans who will remain in denial and line-up for their copy of "Madden 2005" like the Lemmings they are, but anyone who plays ESPN NFL 2K5 will know the truth after their very first game.
  3. eToychest
    95
    It trounces "Madden" in nearly every in-game and out-of-game aspect. And since "Madden" is a newbie to the Xbox Live arena, ESPN's Live support, replete with fully customizable leagues and comprehensive player profiles, it is simply unmatched.
  4. GameSpot
    92
    For all of its excellent modes and gameplay, however, ESPN NFL 2K5's greatest asset comes in the form of its graphics. Hands down, flat out, undeniably, inarguably, this is the best-looking football game ever made.
  5. Cinescape
    91
    My jaw dropped when I saw the Raiders white road jerseys, the shadows and player models and even the animation. This game looks absolutely stunning and is the best looking football game have ever seen.
  6. Yahoo!
    90
    With unparalleled visuals, a deep franchise mode, and tons of new and improved features, "Madden" is facing a 4th and very, very long this year.
  7. NTSC-uk
    80
    Where Madden's defensive co-ordination has been tightened up, ESPN's is a little slacker, with offensives able to turn up the heat on the occasionally sleepy and slow rearguard with little effort.

See all 42 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 84
  3. Negative: 2 out of 84
  1. VicM.
    Jul 24, 2004
    10
    The football game to have. ESPN NFL has gone and beyond my expectations this year. The replays at the half and at the end of the gae are so The football game to have. ESPN NFL has gone and beyond my expectations this year. The replays at the half and at the end of the gae are so realistic it's scary. I tend to forget I'm playing a video game. And the controls of the game are better than last year. Madden is and always has been about the hype, what do I care if some of the NFL players are in the Madden game saying if it's in the game it's the game, who cares. ESPN at a price of $20 or if it would have been $50 this is the game to get!… Expand
  2. L.john
    Jul 20, 2004
    10
    Many improvements over last years make this the best one yet. This is a very good game...and for 20 bucks it cannot be beat.
  4. PrimetimeGoody
    Jan 18, 2014
    10
    Still the best football game to date. To think that this came out 9 years ago for only 20 dollars... wow.
    Graphics were ahead of its time.    Still the best football game to date. To think that this came out 9 years ago for only 20 dollars... wow.
    Graphics were ahead of its time.
    Gameplay wasn't the best, but for 2005, it was fantastic.
    CPU AI and teammate AI was more intelligent than any Madden.
    ESPN presentation, pregame-halftime and postgame show, player interviews and Sportscenter weekly wrap ups still = the best presentation in a sports game.
    Even though the announcers are fictional, they are still great.
    The "Crib" is still one of the coolest features in a sports game... if only 2K would add that to NBA 2K...

    All in all, the greatest football (and maybe sports) game ever.    … Expand
  5. HarrisonB.
    Aug 8, 2004
    10
    I just bought this game yesterday(8/7/04). I love it. Outstanding graphics, and it's only $20 dollars. $20 DOLLARS!!!! It's the I just bought this game yesterday(8/7/04). I love it. Outstanding graphics, and it's only $20 dollars. $20 DOLLARS!!!! It's the cheapest sports game I've ever bought. My mom bought me ESPN NFL Football for Christmas and I thought it was very good. But this one is better. Even, you know it's kinda the same. But nevertheless, it is my favorite football game. Unbelievable.… Expand
  6. SamF.
    Jun 4, 2006
    10
    This game has so much to offer. I loved this because all the modes and controlls were spectacular. You can never get bored of this game This game has so much to offer. I loved this because all the modes and controlls were spectacular. You can never get bored of this game it's absolutely worth a buy. So exit this get youre shoes on and get this game! I'm not kidding!… Expand
  7. GAMER836
    Aug 13, 2019
    10
    This game is the greatest football game ever created enough Said!!! Madden 20 is trash next to 2k5 I still update the rosters manually everyThis game is the greatest football game ever created enough Said!!! Madden 20 is trash next to 2k5 I still update the rosters manually every yr for 2k5 and I enjoy it everytime … Expand
  8. TimJ.
    Aug 1, 2004
    3
    This is a very pretty game. It has outstanding graphics and presentation, combined with a very nice sound package. As such, playing this game This is a very pretty game. It has outstanding graphics and presentation, combined with a very nice sound package. As such, playing this game for the first time is very enjoyable. But the more and more one plays it, the more glaring the gameplay issues are. This game has very poor gameplay and it sacrifices strategy, playcalling, and general realism for video game skill. The notion of two opponents trying to tap A the fastest, with the faster tapper able to complete a tackle or break a tackle, is an affront to football video game strategy.… Expand

See all 84 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Xbox Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
12
#12 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004