Madden NFL 2005

The off-the-field interface is simple and intuitive, but even Madden veterans will need a little time to learn all the new defensive playmaker calls available before the snap.

The defense upgrades bring a lot of welcome strategy to the game, and the new AI is simply superb. Its amazingly deep, well thought out franchise mode is the best I've ever seen, while the basic gameplay still can't be beat.

In its 15th year, this well-oiled machine enters the 2005 season with one of the finest football games ever crafted. Raising the bar to an unheard of level, Madden 2005 is football at its very best. [Aug 2004, p.73]

ESPN might have plenty of sizzle, but Madden is still the steak...The defensive improvements alone are worth the price of admission, but when you add to that the expanded franchise mode and all of the online improvements, you realize just how different this year's game not only looks but feels.

Once you get sucked into Franchise Mode, you very well might not make it out.

To say that Madden 2005 is the best of all the games is accurate, but is it the strongest year-to-year improvement? To that, I say no. Nonetheless, Madden is king.

The defensive playmaker stick adds so much depth to this game, just like the offensive playmaker did last year.

While the new look can be a little daunting to a guy who just wants to play a few seasons, it is definitely the most sophisticated simulation ever developed for a console.

[Chris]: Madden just plays better than "ESPN." There. I said it. [Bryan]: No, Chris - It plays a LOT better. And and I'm not just talking about the improved defensive play (especially in the secondary) and, with a quick tap on the new Hit Stick, the bone-jarring tackles. It's how Madden replicates the style of play of actual NFL squads. [Sept 2004, p.94]

The largest change comes within the Draft section, which is much more defined and realistic for players wanting to track their prospects.

One of Madden's weak points has always been its commentary, and after fifteen years, it still needs work.

The defensive improvements and online leagues are a huge step in the right direction.

It actually offers less new material than "ESPN NFL 2K5", which struck a chord with its VIP system and Weekly Prep. However, Madden’s gameplay is more consistent and more solid than ESPN’s, especially in terms of playbook depth and passing, and ultimately that’s what distinguishes the champ from the challenger.

It still doesn't own the grahics category, but Madden controls better with that same great pace it's known to have. [Sept 2004, p.86]

Their new defensive tactics coupled with fluid gameplay make for a superb football experience.

Too many returning (though greatly enhanced) elements from last year’s version, combined with some ill-advised new additions (anything involving the obnoxious Tony Bruno!), conspire to bring Madden 2005 down a notch from the all-around perfection of the previous season.

A little too much like last year’s game...However, its defensive gameplay mechanics are more than enough to warrant that this is a must-play game if you’re into football, and it’s a lot more user-friendly than ESPN is.

It's still great, great football, and al the new stuff makes it the best one yet. I'm just not so sure it's worth 50 bucks if you already have last year's edition. [Aug 2004, p.87]

In many ways, Madden 2005 is just a bit too much like last year's Madden for comfort--but it's still a truly excellent game of football all around.

Still packed with Madden greatness, but not as ambitious, advanced or enjoyable as "ESPN Football 2K5." [Sept 2004, p.16]

Madden 2005 is a benchmark in football simulations, because for the first time, it implements a realistic, versatile, hard-hitting defensive game that will pin you to the chair like a 300lb tackle.

It's a fine effort, and the additions to the game generally improved the overall experience - but it just doesn't feel like enough.

Madden has a knack of making quantum leaps with each successive title. This new edition, however, breaks the streak. [Sept 2004, p.101]

An excellent game. If you don’t own 2004, it is a fantastic purchase, however, if you do, you may find too much of the same thing again. It’s time for EA to rehash this series, as each year’s offering is getting more and more stale.

With all the mixed reviews with some saying "ESPN" is the best, and some saying Madden is the best, this reviewers money is on Madden this year as to me it is worth the extra 30 dollars for what you do on an off the field.

Though it’s disappointing the presentation has taken a backseat in the development phase, Madden edges out "NFL 2K5" because, ultimately, it's the gameplay that matters after you've owned a football game for more than a couple weeks.

American football finally comes across as brutally as it should.

Unless you're a Madden Football fanatic, beware that there's not enough new features or innovations to recommend this game if you already have the 2004 version.