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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. ShawnG.
    Aug 10, 2004
    10
    This game is outstanding! The graphics and presentation alone make you feel like your watching an ESPN Sunday Night game. Anyone who bashes this game in favor of Madden is biased with a capital B. I'll be the first to admit that Madden was the better game of 2004, but in 2003 the 2k was just as good as Madden. When I saw that there were Madden lovers rating the 2k5 at a 6 and lower I This game is outstanding! The graphics and presentation alone make you feel like your watching an ESPN Sunday Night game. Anyone who bashes this game in favor of Madden is biased with a capital B. I'll be the first to admit that Madden was the better game of 2004, but in 2003 the 2k was just as good as Madden. When I saw that there were Madden lovers rating the 2k5 at a 6 and lower I had to put in my 2 cents. Thats foolish! Im not sure which game they played. Save your hard earned money, listen to someone who has an unbiased opinion and just wants the best football game year in year out regardless of the title. ESPN has slightly harder controls only because there is more options and decisions for you the gameplayer, but after playing a few times it becomes easier. I've also seen complaints about dropped passes in the ESPN 2k5. I dont think that every pass that hits a receivers hands is caught during the NFL season. Overall the game is realistic, the players get tired, tackles are broken and the more you play and learn the controls the more you can affect each and every play in the game. You should definitely give this game a chance. … Expand
  4. VernonB.
    Jul 25, 2004
    9
    ESPN NFL 2K5 totally rocks! The graphics are great, and the espn style presetation is awsome. The gameplay is also good, it does seem a little bit choppy to me. It is very easy to run. Other than that there are some small glitches that I noticed. But no game is perfect.
  5. MikeN.
    Aug 15, 2004
    10
    Best Football game ever made. Hands down. Those that give it a low rank are disengenuouse. Madden is a great game,..no doubt about it. I own madden 01, 02 and 03. I have also played 04. I was and am a madden fan. However ESPN is a better game. Face it, ESPN is the best Football SIMULATOR. And those that rank it below an 8 out of 10 will never get a second look from me when I am looking Best Football game ever made. Hands down. Those that give it a low rank are disengenuouse. Madden is a great game,..no doubt about it. I own madden 01, 02 and 03. I have also played 04. I was and am a madden fan. However ESPN is a better game. Face it, ESPN is the best Football SIMULATOR. And those that rank it below an 8 out of 10 will never get a second look from me when I am looking for a good game review. … Expand
  6. Mike
    Aug 20, 2004
    10
    Dont bother buying Madden for $50, get this one.. $20 and a better game. Graphics and gameplay are outstanding.. the best football game out there!
  7. DevonO.
    Aug 20, 2004
    10
    Great game all around! Superb graphics, realistic gameplay, smart AI, excelent franchise mode. What more do you need?
  8. KhrisB.
    Jul 22, 2004
    10
    The best football game ever...hands down a must buy.
  9. [Anonymous]
    Jul 23, 2004
    10
    This game is simply amazing. I have yet to experience a game so well made. The graphics on PS2 are comparable to graphics for other games on XBOX and there is a lot of detail put into this game. This game has gotten a HUGE facelift since 2K4 such as the Franchise mode and the new VIP feature. The VIP allows you to play against different profiles and NFL coaches and it also allows you to This game is simply amazing. I have yet to experience a game so well made. The graphics on PS2 are comparable to graphics for other games on XBOX and there is a lot of detail put into this game. This game has gotten a HUGE facelift since 2K4 such as the Franchise mode and the new VIP feature. The VIP allows you to play against different profiles and NFL coaches and it also allows you to view an offline person's VIP and view their tendencies! I absolutely love this game and apart from some minor glitches, it is perfect.… Expand
  10. BillK.
    Jul 27, 2004
    10
    I've been playing Madden since the FIRST one came out and I'll probably guy the next one too. I only played Sega's franchise once previously on Dreamcast. Having said that, I was completely blown away at how much it has changed and how good it is. First off, there is an in-game manual among other "books"... football terms, a football primer (MUCH better than the I've been playing Madden since the FIRST one came out and I'll probably guy the next one too. I only played Sega's franchise once previously on Dreamcast. Having said that, I was completely blown away at how much it has changed and how good it is. First off, there is an in-game manual among other "books"... football terms, a football primer (MUCH better than the Madden's explaining just a few plays), a tips section. The game is so deep its ridiculous; there's just so much to do. Obviously there's a deep Franchise mode, and its great that you can prepare/scout all week for each game. I also love the detailed stats (pie charts even!) they give you on your style of play. This ends up being your VIP and when your friends play you can save theirs and practice playing them when they're not even there. The Crib feature is pure genius and gives me far more incentive to keep playing than collecting Madden cards, which I never use anyway. Celebrities calling you at your Crib and challenging you to games (through their VIP) with their own created teams is a fun touch too. Best part about ESPN is it doesn't feel like AI is cheating or letting you cheat. I don't like how Madden has to punish whichever team is losing just to make games close and exciting. That's so cheap. I'd prefer the exciting games just happen. The thrilling comebacks would mean so much more...and in ESPN it feels honest. Now I've knocked Madden in this review and I might end up buying it because I'm a huge football fan, and there are a lot of good features in it. But as of right now it feels like Madden is playing catch-up to ESPN. Also, thank you for making this game $20 and I hope more developers follow suit...another reason ESPN has won me over.… Expand
  11. 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 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 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
  12. TuomasK.
    Aug 15, 2004
    10
    This game owns Madden in any category! Graphics and Gameplay are milestones ahead of ANY EA game! And the price!! 20 BUCKS! If you don't own this, go check your head!
  13. TonyC.
    Aug 4, 2004
    10
    I'm a former Madden lemming that gave ESPN a try last year, it was so good I'm now an NFL 2K... devotee. The fluid animations are so much better than Madden, and the running game is simply awesome. The running is a lot tougher this year compared to last, but all aspects of gameplay are tunable via sliders, so the game can be challenging to the newbie or die-hard pigskin fan. VIP I'm a former Madden lemming that gave ESPN a try last year, it was so good I'm now an NFL 2K... devotee. The fluid animations are so much better than Madden, and the running game is simply awesome. The running is a lot tougher this year compared to last, but all aspects of gameplay are tunable via sliders, so the game can be challenging to the newbie or die-hard pigskin fan. VIP is cool, ever wanted to play the best online player but was too scared to get your butt kicked? or you aren't good enough for him to give you a shot? then just load his vip and play him, you can learn a lot about different strategies. play against yourself to see your weaknesses. It's all about getting better, and who doesn't want to get better?… Expand
  14. JamesJ.
    Aug 6, 2004
    10
    It's the best football i have ever seen in my whole entire life any foot ball fan must get this game if u dont you are unlucky it is simply to good to pass up this game is ten times better than madden.
  15. DieHardMaddenFan
    Jul 24, 2004
    9
    I was about as skeptical as you can get... not Madden & only 19.99? This game HAS to suck right? NO!! I don't know what new additions they made to Madden 2005, but there had better be a TON if they wanna keep up with ESPN NFL 2k5! Believe it coming from a die hard Madden fan... This game is EXCELLENT!! The only flaw with the game I can see is some audio screw ups by the announcers I was about as skeptical as you can get... not Madden & only 19.99? This game HAS to suck right? NO!! I don't know what new additions they made to Madden 2005, but there had better be a TON if they wanna keep up with ESPN NFL 2k5! Believe it coming from a die hard Madden fan... This game is EXCELLENT!! The only flaw with the game I can see is some audio screw ups by the announcers that are only noticible if you're listening for them (wrong name announced made the tackle, etc.)… Expand
  16. Gov.Terminator
    Jul 28, 2004
    9
    This goes out to the folks out there giving this game under a 7. Did you guys try out maximum passing? since it is not preset...you have to select it from the "team select menu". Without this feature, the passing game is mediocre, since most of your passes will be dropped. Turn this feature on, and you'll be able to control whether you want to lead your receiver, in any which way. This goes out to the folks out there giving this game under a 7. Did you guys try out maximum passing? since it is not preset...you have to select it from the "team select menu". Without this feature, the passing game is mediocre, since most of your passes will be dropped. Turn this feature on, and you'll be able to control whether you want to lead your receiver, in any which way. Not only does every pass that you throw have your signature on it (since maximum passing allows you so much control), but it makes you earn every catch. running game is hands down better than last years, more moves...monster hits, hit the hole and the field is all urs. I bought this game a week ago and didn't figure out maximum passin till last nite...changed my whole outlook on it. i have to take a point off for recycled commentary and animations...come on sega!!! i know it's only $20 but keep it fresh.… Expand
  17. AdamC.
    Aug 13, 2004
    9
    This game is so much better than Madden PERIOD!
  18. G.H.
    Aug 21, 2004
    10
    The only reason Madden outsells the 2k series is because of brainwashed hardcore maddenites and not because it's a better game. Visual Concepts has created another masterpiece, "the best football game ever made" in ESPN NFL Football 2k5. NFL 2k5 is the most realistic football game available. You're not going to find "long bomb hailmary money-plays in triple coverage and 72-65 The only reason Madden outsells the 2k series is because of brainwashed hardcore maddenites and not because it's a better game. Visual Concepts has created another masterpiece, "the best football game ever made" in ESPN NFL Football 2k5. NFL 2k5 is the most realistic football game available. You're not going to find "long bomb hailmary money-plays in triple coverage and 72-65 scores on 5 minute quarters" in this game. If that is what you want, then buy Madden 2005. NFL 2k5 is for true football fans that appreciate "real" football. You actually have to make smart decisions on the field to be successful in NFL 2k5. The AI in 2k5 is the most realistic ever made for a football game. Simming a game in "real time" is jaw dropping and believable. Franchise mode is very good, but not as good as Madden's. Other than franchise, 2k5 has Madden beat in everything else. If "real" is important to you, then buy ESPN NFL Football 2k5.… Expand
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. AdamQ.
    Aug 4, 2004
    6
    I bought this game for one reason: Its 20 bucks. That is the only reason I dont' feel too upset I bought it. I probably expect too much because madden is done so well, but the both the gameplay and presentation aren't as good.. I went back to playing madden '04 shortly after buying this game, and i'm just waiting for madden 05 to come out. There are some kinda cool I bought this game for one reason: Its 20 bucks. That is the only reason I dont' feel too upset I bought it. I probably expect too much because madden is done so well, but the both the gameplay and presentation aren't as good.. I went back to playing madden '04 shortly after buying this game, and i'm just waiting for madden 05 to come out. There are some kinda cool ideas, where espn makes its mark. First person football is novel, but its still poor when it comes to playability. The stuff with chris berman is a good idea, but it gets boring after two games cuz there are maybe a total of 20 comments. In the franchise mode, game prep is just tedious, but i guess you can turn it off. Buy this game if you just feel like getting a football game, and aren't used to the madden series, because this doesn't hold a candle to it.… Expand
  23. Kevin.
    Aug 14, 2004
    1
    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.
  24. 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
  25. CaseyP.
    Jul 22, 2004
    4
    This game does not compare to Madden in any which way. Randall Cunningham is the greatest quarterback ever.
  26. 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 horrible excuse for a game.
  27. RobW.
    Aug 9, 2004
    1
    This game would get a zero, but I was able to return it for a $20 credit that I will put towards Madden. I agree with some other guy that said this looked, and played about as well as Madden 98.
  28. LuisM.
    Aug 9, 2004
    6
    It's essentially a poor man's Madden (and I'm not only talking about talking about the price tag). I honestly cannot come up with an element of the game that surpasses last year's Madden. The gameplay is pretty good, but can still be a bit sluggish from time to time. The franchise mode has most of the same elements that Madden offers during the regular season, but the It's essentially a poor man's Madden (and I'm not only talking about talking about the price tag). I honestly cannot come up with an element of the game that surpasses last year's Madden. The gameplay is pretty good, but can still be a bit sluggish from time to time. The franchise mode has most of the same elements that Madden offers during the regular season, but the off-season doesn't offer much at all. The draft is a crap shoot because the scouting is weak. The on-line play also needs improvement. The server often cannot establish or maintain the connection between players. The kicking game is, for lack of a better term, retarded. Despite it's flaws the game is still enjoyable. The $20 price tag is also very enticing. I wasn't going to pick up a football game this year, but at that price a person can afford to let curiosity get the better of them. My only advice, don't be fooled by the rave reviews. If you've played Madden, you'll easily figure out which of the two is better. If you're a novice football video game fan looking to kill some time then I recommend this game to you. … Expand
  29. MikeS.
    Sep 25, 2004
    0
    Doesn't even compare to Madden. Don't bother!
  30. JohnnyC.
    Nov 16, 2004
    0
    I like the player celebrations but that's it.
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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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