ESPN NFL 2K5

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Jul 20, 2004
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 115
  3. Negative: 9 out of 115
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  1. Zski
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    Years later, this football game with outdated rosters still stands against the test of time. The gameplay is just so tight and refined that while it’s a little primitive in terms of some of the mechanics compared to what we have today, it’s just so well woven together into a complete package that you can still pick it up and enjoy it all the same today in 2023. The graphics are good withYears later, this football game with outdated rosters still stands against the test of time. The gameplay is just so tight and refined that while it’s a little primitive in terms of some of the mechanics compared to what we have today, it’s just so well woven together into a complete package that you can still pick it up and enjoy it all the same today in 2023. The graphics are good with consideration to them being on PS2. The game has always shined with the sound, commentary, and presentation. It’s weird that Madden just cannot get it together after this game made a massive effort 20 years ago. It’s still incredibly exciting to pick up and play whether it’s against the computer or against a friend. With consideration to the generation that this came out in, it’s easily among the most legendary sports titles.… Expand
  2. BlakkSteel
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    A masterpiece!! As close as you'll ever get to perfection, in a video game about American football. The game modes, the movements, the presentation,are all still unmatched, even in 2023!!
  3. anthonybobby
    Jul 2, 2023
    10
    ''Anyone that rates this game higher than Madden should be publicly stoned to death so that everyone knows that there is a price to be paid for being a dumbass. Madden rules. ESPN's playability is comparable Madden 98. On defense, the control is garbage, and on offense it's way too easy. I guess if you suck, this game might be the one for you.'' -Kevin

    ''Anyone that rates this game    ''Anyone that rates this game higher than Madden should be publicly stoned to death so that everyone knows that there is a price to be paid for being a dumbass. Madden rules. ESPN's playability is comparable Madden 98. On defense, the control is garbage, and on offense it's way too easy. I guess if you suck, this game might be the one for you.'' -Kevin

    ''Anyone that rates this game higher than Madden should be publicly stoned to death so that everyone knows that there is a price to be paid for being a dumbass.''

    Ok, Kevin. How about you stone yourself to death for being a disgrace to human life and us. And you should know that there is a price for you to pay for being a scumbag. Also, you're a disgusting, retarded, awful EA fanboy. You must still live with your mom, huh? Loser. I bet people hate you for that

    Go back playing with your toys that EA Sports made called Madden NFL 13, EA fanboy loving 12 year old kid. See you later, failed being.    … Expand
  4. 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 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 situationThe 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
  5. sandspeedruns
    Feb 25, 2023
    10
    An undisputed classic. While I never was able to get the game on release (in fact, I only picked it up last year), the presentation and gameplay blew me away. Even though it is a 20-year-old game now, it has stood the test of time. The gameplay still feels really fluid and realistic, much closer to how NFL games feel than any modern attempt. The VIP system is ingenious (who wouldn't wantAn undisputed classic. While I never was able to get the game on release (in fact, I only picked it up last year), the presentation and gameplay blew me away. Even though it is a 20-year-old game now, it has stood the test of time. The gameplay still feels really fluid and realistic, much closer to how NFL games feel than any modern attempt. The VIP system is ingenious (who wouldn't want to play themselves every once in a while?), and the Crib also gives you a great space to unwind. There are some limitations - modes are limited, and there are only so many things to do. And of course, it might take some time to get used to the worse graphics. But after playing modern Maddens for almost a decade, this felt like a breath of fresh air.… Expand
  6. apocalyptic
    Dec 9, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game. Better than any modern football game hands down. From gameplay to depth to controls this game is fabulous.
  7. stepbackthree
    Aug 24, 2021
    10
    The greatest football video game ever made. There are no negatives -- the complete football video game.
  8. NOTFOUNDkkkk
    Mar 14, 2021
    10
    this is the greatest sports game of all time and madden is the worst game ever created why did they kick out their founder they are bad and very greedy and those who say its a bad game should paralize themselves and have the police cut their head of f you dumb people who say espn nfl 2k5 is bad i will hunt you down and chop your head of f you haters of espn nfl 2k5 here are one of thethis is the greatest sports game of all time and madden is the worst game ever created why did they kick out their founder they are bad and very greedy and those who say its a bad game should paralize themselves and have the police cut their head of f you dumb people who say espn nfl 2k5 is bad i will hunt you down and chop your head of f you haters of espn nfl 2k5 here are one of the people i saw with negative reviews @jhonnyc @mikeS @ robW @ bobS @ caseyP And last and the least @kevin all of those name i listed are ****… Expand
  9. 2KsniperStud
    Mar 9, 2021
    10
    Absolutely great football simulation game. This game is well balanced fun to play on the defense offense and special teams. A very well polished game. Tackling is realistic and so is the way every NFL player moves. I have been playing this game since 2004. I love popping it into my PS2. Over 1300 hours of gameplay and still having fun. Best pick up a copy worth every penny. The franchiseAbsolutely great football simulation game. This game is well balanced fun to play on the defense offense and special teams. A very well polished game. Tackling is realistic and so is the way every NFL player moves. I have been playing this game since 2004. I love popping it into my PS2. Over 1300 hours of gameplay and still having fun. Best pick up a copy worth every penny. The franchise mode is the best one ever in any football game. I love how you can edit rookies and make real players in the draft like editing a player and naming them Rob Gronkowski and draft him. I even edited a rookie and made myself then drafted myself. The commentators are so entertaining and very funny. The Crib mode is cool you customize and unlock items to decorate your suite. They give you a large trophy room. Watch as your trophies pile up and everyone has a date and time when achieved. This is the best Football game and I say it will all sincerity. I'm in 2021 and still play religiously. This game is hard to put down. The franchise is so immersive. Trading for star players is exciting and fun. Enjoy this gem and Keep rocking the Playstation 2 Nostalgia.… Expand
  10. RegularNintendo
    Nov 14, 2020
    9
    Great presentation, great gameplay, and great fun! This game I would say is one of the best video game NFL licensed foodball games ever made! This is a must play.
  11. fjtrull
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    here is 2020 trying to piece together in my mind how madden was ever the franchise that survived this battle. This game is still ,16 years later, the best football sim I have ever played in my life. There are 3 games I grew up with that regardless of their graphics I will still play today with a wide grin. Metal Gear Solid , Second Sight and ESPN NFL 2K5. Back then i was a 15 year old kidhere is 2020 trying to piece together in my mind how madden was ever the franchise that survived this battle. This game is still ,16 years later, the best football sim I have ever played in my life. There are 3 games I grew up with that regardless of their graphics I will still play today with a wide grin. Metal Gear Solid , Second Sight and ESPN NFL 2K5. Back then i was a 15 year old kid who thought games would only get better and more in depth and immersing... now I'm 31 realizing how naive I was.… Expand
  12. CarsonTK
    Apr 14, 2020
    10
    This game is my life. It’s the greatest game I’ve ever played. They had The Crib, Create-a-Team, Historical teams, EVERYTHING! It’s awesome! The game also feels like I’m watching a real ESPN football game. Love 2K. We need 2K football games again.
  13. SanderI
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    I loved this franchise, too bad it was fine now although I'm looking forward to whatever that new deal with the nfl will mean

    I might actually buy another football game and have fun at the same time
  14. JayhawkerZoomer
    Mar 10, 2020
    10
    The most accurate representation of football in a video game ever made, and it's over 15 years old.
  15. MasonDavidson
    Oct 21, 2017
    10
    Nearly 14 years post-release and 2K5 is still THE premiere football game to play. 2K5 still manages to leave me floored with its surprisingly deep and realistic gameplay and thorough, meticulous simulation aspects. I don't typically enjoy sports games in any capacity but a friend of mine who knew my love of simulation and management games recommended this to me last year, so I have noNearly 14 years post-release and 2K5 is still THE premiere football game to play. 2K5 still manages to leave me floored with its surprisingly deep and realistic gameplay and thorough, meticulous simulation aspects. I don't typically enjoy sports games in any capacity but a friend of mine who knew my love of simulation and management games recommended this to me last year, so I have no nostalgia for this title or attachment to the sport, as a grown man who would've passed this game up in its day I can safely say that 2K5 surpasses even the most current game in the Madden series in content and quality. Though the simulation and management aspects of this game are great, the gameplay itself got plenty of polish too. The controls are tight, responsive, gameplay is easy to get the hang of while still being challenging (and rewarding) to master. Surprisingly, while not feeling at all current, the graphics hold up in a way that stops them from being distracting, it must've looked pretty stellar in 2004, but these days it still gets the job done visually.

    It's incredibly sad that EA gained exclusive rights to make games based on the NFL because although the Madden games typically feature tight controls, good gameplay and solid graphics, they lack the depth and features that the 2K series delivered. Maybe Madden is a good football game, but 2K5 was a great football SIM, giving an expansive and rewarding gaming experience on and off the digital field.    … Expand
  16. 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 on a console.
  17. ramah71
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    ESPN NFL 2K5 is still one of the most beloved sports titles ever, and for good reason. The gameplay is arguably better than Madden iterations released over a decade later and on platforms two generations ahead. The run game in particular stands out; blocks develop naturally, player tackles feel like they have weight behind them, and even screen passes (long a sore spot for Madden) unfoldESPN NFL 2K5 is still one of the most beloved sports titles ever, and for good reason. The gameplay is arguably better than Madden iterations released over a decade later and on platforms two generations ahead. The run game in particular stands out; blocks develop naturally, player tackles feel like they have weight behind them, and even screen passes (long a sore spot for Madden) unfold in a satisfying manner. 2K5 also gets a lot of aspects of the pass game right. The dropback feels fluid and pass accuracy is actually improved when the quarterback delivers a strike after completing his drop. The ability to put touch on passes is also welcome, and it is extremely gratifying to drop the ball into the hands of a receiver streaking 30 yards downfield. This is not to mention the laundry list of game modes that are included within the title, including a franchise mode experience that is deep and benefits immensely from the ESPN association. Sports games aren't supposed to have this kind of longevity due to their iterative release cycles, which makes this as deserving of a 10 as any football game ever released.… Expand
  18. 2ksnipefest
    May 11, 2013
    10
    The year is 2013 and this game is still amazingly fun. I've played 2k5 for over a thousand hours. I will play against anyone in the known universe. As it stands only seven challengers have ever beat me. The rest of my foes were utterly annihilated.
  19. rtkiii
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    For the time it was the best FB game of all time. Graphically and mechanics have faded away with the times but the presentation is HANDS DOWN the best I have every experienced in a video game and I still wish 2K Sports would bring out another FB game to put Madden in it's place. Come on NFL 2K14!
  20. 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 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 wereThis 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
  21. SpankBank
    Mar 27, 2011
    10
    Even after all these years, this stands the time as one of the best football games ever made. The presentation is unparalleled and the game is so packed with features that it still has life nearly 7 years after its initial release. ESPN NFL 2K5 is our generation's Tecmo Bowl.
  22. DavidMasters
    Dec 12, 2008
    9
    This is a great game for the football fan. Its not easy to score like most of the older games i played on sega it can be very challenging and addicting for sure! Decent commentary and play by play though some is repeated but to be expected it is a game lol. I enjoy the game it beats madden
  23. RashadC.
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    Good Game i love to play this game all night long its an addictive game.
  24. KeithL.
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    Best Football Game Ever, Period! Get it now!
  25. AnonymousMC
    Mar 7, 2005
    8
    more of the same gam we've seen for years except for some minor improvements.

    lots of little extras and such, training mode is kinda cool.
    if gameplay is what you want though then espn 2k5 is where its at... unfortunately it probably won't be around for another 5 years. heres to hopeing madden gets better with out any competition............
  26. Ace4567backer
    Jan 9, 2005
    9
    Kicks maddens @$$!!!
  27. MitchS.
    Jan 1, 2005
    7
    I really like this game but I do have a few complaints. This game is easier to pass on but running is difficult. Also it will seem like you just sacked the QB for a big loss but then it turns out it was only a 3 or 4 yard loss. All in all I really like this game.
  28. TreyP.
    Dec 3, 2004
    10
    If Madden 2005 is so good then how come its price dropped to $30? Especially if it "has no competition." Madden 2005 is a great game if your playing football for the first time in your life. You can throw 60 yard passes at anytime, and the cornerbacks jump like 10 feet in the air. E.S.P.N is the best football game out there looks better, feels better, is better. The only reason people If Madden 2005 is so good then how come its price dropped to $30? Especially if it "has no competition." Madden 2005 is a great game if your playing football for the first time in your life. You can throw 60 yard passes at anytime, and the cornerbacks jump like 10 feet in the air. E.S.P.N is the best football game out there looks better, feels better, is better. The only reason people like Madden more is because it's been around longer. Oh yeah and whoever the guy is who got 100 sacks in a season either plays to much football or you had the game on rookie.… Expand
  29. JohnnyC.
    Nov 16, 2004
    0
    I like the player celebrations but that's it.
  30. BenP.
    Nov 4, 2004
    7
    This game just doesn't flow well enough for me, that and I spent a whole Franchise season passing the ball the Owens for about 50 td passes and racked up over 100 sacks with Kearse(sp?). Even after all that, the only part that I liked better than Madden was the defensive line's controls, but that was only until I understood how to control it on Madden. I haven't been able This game just doesn't flow well enough for me, that and I spent a whole Franchise season passing the ball the Owens for about 50 td passes and racked up over 100 sacks with Kearse(sp?). Even after all that, the only part that I liked better than Madden was the defensive line's controls, but that was only until I understood how to control it on Madden. I haven't been able to go back to 2k5 after the first day of Madden. Madden just controls SO much better.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Game Over Online
    93
    Deep, customizable gameplay along with a number of innovative features go a long way to giving "Madden" a run for its money.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    91
    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.
    Read full review
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