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15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 Hail to the new king in football gaming!Jul 26, 2004
By D.L.
"generasian"
Though it's a little too early to tell, I think it's pretty safe to say that ESPN NFL 2K5 will finally reign supreme in it's yearly battle as "Best Football Game of '04," from the legendary Madden Series. It's hard to believe that it was only a mere five years ago, when the NFL 2K Series first appeared on the cutesy Sega Dreamcast. My have they grown... No longer content with second place in the football console wars, Sega pulled out all the stops and released a living, breathing, sweating, trash-talking, smash mouth football game. If there ever was an idea of the "perfect" football game, this would have to be it. In fact, so much so, that purchasing the anticipated Madden 2005 seems like a waste of money. But hey, I'm a hard-core football fanatic, and I have no qualms splurging seventy bucks on both football titles. Regardless, I can easily see myself playing this game till the Pro Bowl when I finally remember that Madden game I purchased oh so long ago, still un-opened, collecting dust on my shelf.
The presentation on this game is absolutely phenomenal. Last year, I mentioned that NFL 2K4 did an outstanding job utilizing the ESPN license. This year is no exception. Sega should give seminars on taking advantage of a licensing goldmine such as ESPN...*cough*...Atari...*cough*..."Enter the Matrix"... The pre-game, in-game, half-time, and post-game presentations are flawless, albeit the virtual "Boomer" is a little bit creepy. Playing the game is like watching an actual NFL broadcast on the world's leading sports channel. Statistics in the multitudes will fly across the screen during the course of a game, replays from every which angle will be shown in a tiny window off to the side as you choose your next play, and the ingenious VIP system, which acts like a blueprint of your and your opponent's play calling tendencies, allows you to prepare in detail for the current or following game. Throw in the ability to schedule the tone of player meetings (angry or maybe encouraging) and allotting prep time, either through film sessions or a specific physical training regimen (arms, legs, biceps, quads), for your players in order to improve their ratings, and you have a game that puts you front and center in the driver seat of a football team. Granted, I'm only mentioning only a handful of the vast variety of features that are available at your fingertips, which is only a testimony to how deep this game really is.
The NFL 2K series has long been known for it's superior graphics engine. Fortunately, over the years, the series has become less of a one trick pony and more of a complete football experience. Regardless, NFL 2K5 is hands down the most realistic and beautiful looking football game I've ever seen. Players are size proportionate with rippling muscles and veins. Jerseys are colorful and vibrant and twist and wrinkle at the right spots. Player faces are dead on, and smile or frown depending on the game situation. Cheerleaders look less like ghouls and more like Barbie dolls. An example of the great graphics engine in this game was during a replay of an interception my defensive player grabbed in the end zone during a game. As I zoomed in, I actually caught tiny particles of dirt and grass flying around the cleats of my player as he scrambled to his feet after making a diving interception. Dirt and grass! Why is this a revelation, you say? Only because it would have been hard to notice such detail without the benefit of the zooming button during the replay.
Game play is where this game all comes together. Overall, it's basically the same as last years model which isn't a knock since it was great to begin with. If it ain't broke, then don't fix it, as I like to say. Like Madden there are three play calling windows, the top allotted for defensive side of the ball and the bottom being for the offensive side. The variety of plays are abundant and nicely varied. Running is still easy with a stud running back which makes it imperative to choose the All-Pro difficulty if you're looking for a true challenge. The AI is more stingy and intelligent on this setting without being frustrating. A major gripe I had with last year's game was the poor tackling even on the most difficult setting. This year, it's fixed, not only making individual tackling a possibility, but allowing you to choose the type of tackle (bone-rattling or shove) you want to unleash. Also added is an evade move that can be utilized by the quarterback if he's about to be sacked by tapping the right control stick. The player animations are a sight to behold, especially during running plays. Watching a running back scrape for an extra yard or two after being tackled, a defensive end grab for the leg or a quarterback, and a cornerback leap for an interception just brings tears to your eyes.
The NFL 2K series has grown tenfold in it's short existence. So much so that I think it will be a challenge for Sega to top what has to be the perfect football game for next year's entry. Though I'm sure that Madden 2005 will still lead in overall sales, I think it's safe to say that ESPN NFL 2K5 will lead as an overall football gaming experience. Much congrats to Sega.
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
The ScoopJul 13, 2004
By Hossmann
"The Mann"
Here is what I know about ESPN NFL 2K5 as we speak right now.1. The Live feature will be enhanced with leagues and tournaments, just like XSN Sports...until it folded. 2. The release date has been pushed back... pushed back as in it is being pushed back the good way (from September 2 to August 10 to now July 20!) 3. The Crib mode has been expanded to include more unlockable goodies than ever before. 4. There is a new VIP Mode where via memory card, you can play an arch rival of yours wihtout really playing him (you play his tactics and try to master them!) 5. First Person Football is back and it's better than ever! 6. ESPN NFL 2K5 has centered it's attention solely on the Xbox, therefore look for a major graphics boost on the Xbox! 7. The Sportscenter from ESPN NFL 2K4 has been vastly improved, giving us a 3D vision of Chris Berman (Tear!) 8. Suzy Kolber is also 3D, giving us interviews with the star player, I have seen an itnerview with Garrison Hearst on his star performance and it rocks! 9. Trey Wingo is in the game giving the injury reports for the week and Mel Kiper Jr. is in the game as well, giving us scouting reports from top draft picks for the next year (no 3D model though, bummer!) 10. Draft Picks have faces that are combined from the physical features of today's players! 11. The Halftime has been vastly improved as well, instead of screenshots in last years version, we now have streaming video of the best plays of the half! 12. Franchise has improved as well. Giving we, the people the power to manage our teams on a daily basis (have a pass-savvy team you're facing next week, send them to film to analyze the pass) 13. There is an ooption in the game as QB evade, where the QB , insead of just standing there helpless when the line is crumbling, you can use the QB evade to evade the defenders and throw the ball away. And last but not least... ITS A BUDGET TITLE!!!!! $20!!!!!!! I recommend if you have not even played the game or resistant to change as a Madden fan, I still reccomend that you buy or at least rent the game, on the basis that it is only $20. And it could be the best $20 you have ever spent. (...) Enjoy!
15 of 17 found the following review helpful:
What a refreshing change from MaddenAug 03, 2004
By N. Rice
"nathan1980"
I have been an avid and loyal Madden football fan since Madden '92 came out, but ESPN NFL 2k5 has given me reason to rethink this.
First of all, for the money, you really can't go wrong. While EA is suckering all its loyal supporters out of their hard earned cash for little more than updated rosters, minor upgrades in gameplay, and a few extra bells and whistles, Sega is offering an incredible value with the latest installment of their football series.
I was truly impressed by the quality of NFL 2k5, regardless of the price. Not only is the gameplay the most realistic I have ever played (a solid balance exists between passing and running attacks), the graphics are far superior to anything else out there. I nearly wet myself with how good the rendition of Cowboy stadium was, along with the fans, officials, players, and of course, cheerleaders.
I would write more, but I have to go- just take my word for this: if you buy the game you'll get far more than your money's worth and you won't be disappointed.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 CANNOT BEAT THE BARGAIN AT 20 BUCKSAug 24, 2004
By Tim Janson
When my son wanted this game I admit that I was hesitant. Afterall...why would you play any football game other than Madden.
But then I read a review in X-Box magazine where they actually gave it a higher rating than Madden 2005 raising an eyebrow. Then the Detroit News had two columnists debate the two games each taking the stance that one was better.
What the heck..for 20 bucks you can't go wrong. I don't have Madden 2005 yet and I'm still playing 2004. But ESPN 2K5 is one helluva game. I love the real game feel of having Chris Berman and Susie Kolber do pre, post, and halftime shows.
Reminds me of the old days of madden when they did cideo captures with James Brown in the studio. Really makes you feel like watching a TV presentation.
Let's be honest here...the graphics are BETTER than Madden...at least better than 2004 and from what I've heard, better than 2005. Much more realistic looking and fluid movements.
I also really like the playbooks. I've been playing Madden for about 14 years and frankly I am sick of seeing the same old plays every year. My detroit Lions have been through about 6 coaches and a dozen offensive coordinators in that time and yet I keep seeing the same plays over and over. VERY BORING!!!
I've found that It's easier to play defense in ESPN 2K5 as well, making it a bit of a better challenge to newbies.
It doesn't have the detail of Madden when it comes to scouting and drafting players in franchise mode but does have very detailed game preperation. some might say too detailed as it takes time to do before games.
I agree with some that the Cribs feature is a bit cheesy as well as the celebs calling you to play a game.
I did love the inclusion of 25 of the greatest plays/situations in NFL history that you can try and replay such as "the catch" and the Immaculate Reception. Very cool.
I could care less about the music. being over 40, I can't stand most of the music in Madden 2004 anyway although my kid likes it. I don't buy games for the soundtrack.
is ESPN 2K5 better than Madden 2005? I don't know. But i will tell you that it's a great game and more than worth the 20 bucks.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
ESPN NFL 2K5Aug 04, 2004
By Vinny
First of all gameplay.
Espn's gameplay is the most realistic I have found yet. Do not get me wrong it is not perfect. You cannot simply chuck a fifty yard bomb every play and excpect to get away with it. The new momentum based running system is fun but not pefect. You can no longer turn on a dime but sometimes your players momentum carries him further that it would in real life.
Second the graphics. These are second to none is football gaming. I would say 75% of players and all the big stars have faces that are 99% accurate. The player models are suberb. They are not short and full of steroids like the madden counterpart. The triple pass rendering in espn has the player uniforms their muscles and skeleton all working seperate (just like yours would) to make it the most spectacular animations. The crowd and player cutscenes are great. Injuries are awesome(feel bad for the guy but just watching the trainer ask him what day of the week it is is priceless). I even saw a cutscene where the pirate ship in Tampa shot off its cannons after tampa scored on me! The espn presentations is suberb and you could swear your watching sunday night football.
At the end of the half you get the Chris Berman halftime show and at the end of the game. With the Xbox you see highlights from the game you played.
Finally the franchise mode. This is extremely deep. You can sign players to contracts over several years and have the contract go ascend, descend, front load, back load, up down, etc. Trade draft picks two years in advance. Scout upcoming rookies. After each week watch sportscenter to see scenes from games, trades, signing, and even draft shows.
Everything said I would defenitely buy this game for $20. The best game for that price in my opinion ever.
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