ESPN NFL 2K5

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Jul 20, 2004
ESPN NFL 2K5 Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 115 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • 10
  • 9
  • 8
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • Summary: ESPN NFL 2K5 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most responsive and intense gameplay and the richest multi-player gaming experience possible. Maximum Tackling brings unique on-field control allowing gamers to go for the wrap-up tackle or deliver the big highlight hit. The addition of theESPN NFL 2K5 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most responsive and intense gameplay and the richest multi-player gaming experience possible. Maximum Tackling brings unique on-field control allowing gamers to go for the wrap-up tackle or deliver the big highlight hit. The addition of the V.I.P. System? allows gamers to play friends, even if they're not there! Players are invited to show off their coaching skills in Franchise mode and utilize Weekly Prep to fully plan the training schedule, intensity, and regimen each week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds out the most complete online experience. [Sega]… Expand
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. PSX Nation
    100
    With better graphics, deeper gameplay, a polished ESPN interface to die for and an outrageously low price ESPN NFL 2K5 offers the most bang for your gaming dollar, period.
  2. Play Magazine
    100
    For a mere $20, Sega's game is every bit as deep, feature-rich and addictive as EA's powerhouse. I'm not saying that 2K5 is better than "Madden"...but it's just as good - no joke. [Sept 2004, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GameZone
    93
    Visual Concepts has done an awesome job of squeezing every ounce of power that the PlayStation 2 has to offer while developing this game. The player’s faces look like their real life counter parts, and everything is smoothly animated.
  4. Thunderbolt
    90
    Whilst I prefer the simplicity of EA Big's title, ESPN has got me hooked on the professional side of football, if not only to fill up my virtual house full of football clobber.
  5. GameSpy
    90
    It has great graphics, exciting gameplay, and a solid online mode. If you can skip over the slightly gimmicky modes and stick to the excellent Franchise mode, you'll be happy that you whipped Mr. Jackson out at the game store.
  6. 1UP
    85
    Despite all these improvements, I can't help but feel that last year's "Madden" still has the edge over this year's ESPN, thanks to fundamental pacing and controls. ESPN has great visuals, has tons of new features, all kinds of new animations, ... but the same gooey controls - they're just not as responsive as "Madden"'s.
  7. Gamestyle
    80
    Surprisingly absorbing once you have mastered the intricacies of the game, this is a fine release, at a bargain price.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 74
  3. Negative: 6 out of 74
  1. akelz7
    Apr 22, 2011
    10
    This game defined my LIFE from 2005-2009. Yes, 4 years and this game was my most played game. The controls are excellent (the first and onlyThis game defined my LIFE from 2005-2009. Yes, 4 years and this game was my most played game. The controls are excellent (the first and only football game that makes it humanly possible to kick/punt, play defense, or call a **** play), the graphics while far from state of the art don't hinder the game's fun. The mini-games found in the "crib" are fun as hell, and the teams and players were APPROPRIATELY rated (3rd string QBs do NOT get an 80 rating, Madden.) I never downgrade to madden after this masterpiece of sports gaming. The only flaw that I found was having to play within punching distance of my older brother.… Expand
  2. TotallyCubie
    Apr 20, 2023
    10
    The best NFL football video game ever released. While it lacks the features of Madden 2005, such as the team creator, and the franchise modeThe best NFL football video game ever released. While it lacks the features of Madden 2005, such as the team creator, and the franchise mode isn't as in-depth as Madden 2005's, the core gameplay is more realistic and is, in my opinion, superior to Madden's. The ESPN presentation is fantastic, the VIP and Crib system provide incentives to work towards, and the extra modes, such as situation mode and the ESPN moments, are very fun and add even more reason to keep coming back.… Expand
  4. Madden'saGiant
    Aug 9, 2004
    10
    The best thing about this game is that u dont have to listen to john maddens painfully stupid commentary. while the commentary can be a bitThe best thing about this game is that u dont have to listen to john maddens painfully stupid commentary. while the commentary can be a bit repetetive it is not nearly as irritating as madden overstating the obvious. the graphics and the physics are incredible and there are plenty of options to keep the game interesting. plus the sportscenter feature is sweet. ill never waste money on madden again, even if IT goes down to 20 bux.… Expand
  5. BikoG.
    Aug 13, 2004
    10
    After having played both NFL 2k5 and Madden 2005, ESPN truly wins the battle. The realism, graphical smoothness, and new preparation mode After having played both NFL 2k5 and Madden 2005, ESPN truly wins the battle. The realism, graphical smoothness, and new preparation mode clearly outmatches any new feature that madden has brought to the table. Also, NFL 2K5's counterpart to ESPN Basketball's isomotion system makes the game even more spontaneous, allowing a player to perform combinations of jukes, as opposed to the running game of madden, which is slower and less real. The new wrap up tackling system is also another plus, which forces both players to "fight" just like in real life. Rushers can now drag tacklers unlike madden which stops after contact has been made( unless one performs a stiffarm, which is inconsistent in itself). And even though Madden made major leaps in presentation, it still cant compare to the professionalism and reality of the ESPN-based commentary. Overall, both are good football games, but ESPN football takes the cake. And Bob S., jump off the bandwagon; you're making me sick.… Expand
  6. Dave
    Jul 26, 2004
    9
    I read an article the other day about games getting better without really changing much. Anyway the subject of conversation was EA's I read an article the other day about games getting better without really changing much. Anyway the subject of conversation was EA's NCAA 2005 and it seems to be the curse for many of the EA franchises and even caused me to leave the NHL series behind for ESPN's awesome NHL series. This year the $20 price tag made me take a gamble on ESPN that was totally worth it. I have been a long time Madden fan, but this year ESPN has made a great football game. Still have to wait and see if Madden has improved or just hidden the same game under new features and cool animations. This is a great game with great graphics and responsive controls and it plays like real football. No up by two tuchdowns and the computer scores 3 in a matter of :40 seconds.… Expand
  7. kk333
    May 26, 2017
    9
    Amazing game! Best nfl game for ps2 out there. Controls are excellent, teams are well-rated and it is actually fun to play a football game onAmazing game! Best nfl game for ps2 out there. Controls are excellent, teams are well-rated and it is actually fun to play a football game on a console.… Expand
  8. BobS.
    Aug 5, 2004
    0
    This game can't even carry Madden's jock strap. This game is worse than the 989 games. I can't believe I wasted 20 dollars on This game can't even carry Madden's jock strap. This game is worse than the 989 games. I can't believe I wasted 20 dollars on this horrible excuse for a game.… Expand

See all 74 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS2 Game of 2004
10
#10 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004