ESPN NBA 2K5

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2004
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. GamePro
    100
    No one's going to beat 2K5 on price, and the game's as tough as nails on the court. [Dec 2004, p.142]
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  2. Game Informer
    90
    This is still the best playing, most rewarding and realistic basketball game that money can buy. [Nov 2004, p.143]
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  3. Yahoo!
    90
    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.
  5. PSM Magazine
    90
    If you crave strategy and challenge, get this. [Dec 2004, p.79]
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  6. GameSpy
    90
    While EA's series definitely has its strong points, ESPN NBA 2K5 has better graphics, AI, and that highly addictive 24-7 mode.
  7. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    86
    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.
  8. GameZone
    85
    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.
  9. BonusStage
    85
    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.
  10. Pelit (Finland)
    85
    An entertaining realism-oriented basketball game. A franchise game in both good and bad. [Feb. 05]
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  11. GameSpot
    84
    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.
  12. Play Magazine
    83
    It just shies away from greatness given how good last year's game was. [Dec 2004, p.103]
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  13. 1UP
    80
    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.
  14. IGN
    80
    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.
  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    2K5 looks better, moves better, and controls more intuitively than EA's hoopster. [Dec 2004, p.158]
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  16. GMR Magazine
    80
    It's a close one, but ESPN bows to "Live 2005" on the final shot. [Dec 2004, p.118]
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  17. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    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]
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  18. AceGamez
    80
    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.
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  19. IncGamers
    80
    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.
  20. Next Level Gaming
    79
    The controls and the gameplay just aren't what they used to be, and this has allowed "NBA Live" to catch up this year.
  21. Gaming Age
    75
    With top-notch graphics and a mostly solid game of basketball that rewards practice and knowledge, ESPN NBA 2k5 is loads of fun.
  22. Game Revolution
    75
    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.
  23. RewiredMind
    70
    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.
  24. Gamers Europe
    70
    It might not be a slam dunk, but NBA 2K5 is as sweet as the swish of any three pointer.
  25. Boomtown
    70
    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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Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best PS2 Game of 2004
48
#48 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
69
#69 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 7 out of 39
  1. CDXX
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    ESPN NBA 2K5 is a fantastic game, containing many modes and tons of players to use in said modes. If you find yourself growing tired of theESPN NBA 2K5 is a fantastic game, containing many modes and tons of players to use in said modes. If you find yourself growing tired of the 2005 roster, you can try out their other options like Scramble and Fantasy. "Scramble" collects the Starting 5 of every team and randomly places five onto two teams. You and your opponent can either get lucky, grabbing key players like Kobe or TMac. Or you can find yourself stuck playing catch up with your 70 overall PG. Don't like that idea? How about Fantasy? A mode in which you can hand-select your ten players in a back and forth draft of all players in the game. This includes NBA Legends even back in the 1950s! The best part is the creative challenges tied to your user record. Doing things like Scoring 127 points in three consecutive games or not committing a foul for an entire match can unlock things like new courts, All-Time teams, and even unique basketballs.… Full Review »
  2. AKthaBeast
    May 5, 2018
    8
    There was so many cheese moves in this game, at this point NBA Live was still better than 2K as far as gameplay.
  3. JSweeting21
    Jan 19, 2014
    5
    This game has an extensive feature list and good franchise mode, but is held back by a poor free throw shooting mechanic, and awful in-gameThis game has an extensive feature list and good franchise mode, but is held back by a poor free throw shooting mechanic, and awful in-game difficulty shifts. During the 1st quarter on the default 'Pro' difficulty you may make 60% of your shots, and go ahead by 5.. but then, in the second quarter, the game screws you by making you miss wide open shots while a 65 overall PF from the other team is lighting you up with 3's. It's silly, and frankly ruins what would have been a great entry into 2K's much revered 2004 sports game line-up.… Full Review »
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