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. 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
  2. RashadC.
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    Good Game i love to play this game all night long its an addictive game.
  3. 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
  4. 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!
  5. DevonO.
    Aug 20, 2004
    10
    Great game all around! Superb graphics, realistic gameplay, smart AI, excelent franchise mode. What more do you need?
  6. SmithM.
    Aug 29, 2004
    10
    This game is great.
  7. SteveM.
    Sep 2, 2004
    10
    Best football game evaaaar!!!
  8. Ricky
    Sep 4, 2004
    10
    This is way better then madden.
  9. KhrisB.
    Jul 22, 2004
    10
    The best football game ever...hands down a must buy.
  10. [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
  11. SmithM.
    Jul 24, 2004
    10
    This game is great.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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!
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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 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 onThe 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
  18. KevinA.
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    While Madden is a great game, ESPN has it beat hands down. Better graphics, more realistic presentation (it looks like an actual ESPN broadcast!), better online features, and the extra $30 in my pocket have me singing praises for Sega's masterpeice. With the $19.99 price tag, this is the year to try out the franchise that has finally sucessfully challenged, if not defeated, the While Madden is a great game, ESPN has it beat hands down. Better graphics, more realistic presentation (it looks like an actual ESPN broadcast!), better online features, and the extra $30 in my pocket have me singing praises for Sega's masterpeice. With the $19.99 price tag, this is the year to try out the franchise that has finally sucessfully challenged, if not defeated, the mighty Madden. And John Madden doesn't do the commentary here. Rating++ … Expand
  19. KeithL.
    Apr 12, 2005
    10
    Best Football Game Ever, Period! Get it now!
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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!
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. JayhawkerZoomer
    Mar 10, 2020
    10
    The most accurate representation of football in a video game ever made, and it's over 15 years old.
  30. 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
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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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