ESPN NFL 2K5

 Xbox
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 135 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 135
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 135
  3. Negative: 22 out of 135
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AnimStat64
    Jul 15, 2023
    10
    Simply THE Best NFL Videogame Ever Made! For $20 (or less if you buy a used copy like I did) you get sooo much content and fun that it absolutely stomps all over the awful sports games of today that cost 10 times as much! Create-A-Player, Team Creator, The Crib, the fantastic Career mode, highly accurate physics, superb graphics, excellent controls, loads of fun extras including an awesomeSimply THE Best NFL Videogame Ever Made! For $20 (or less if you buy a used copy like I did) you get sooo much content and fun that it absolutely stomps all over the awful sports games of today that cost 10 times as much! Create-A-Player, Team Creator, The Crib, the fantastic Career mode, highly accurate physics, superb graphics, excellent controls, loads of fun extras including an awesome SportsCenter Halftime show, and so much more await you in this gem of a sports game that's still getting fanmade roster updates almost a full 20 years later! For those tired of the greedy asinine modern Madden titles, dig out and/or buy an old OG Xbox and play through this spectacular masterpiece to get your American Football fix!… Expand
  2. SamOliver
    May 22, 2023
    10
    The premier sim football game even after nearly 20 years. Unlike Madden, where the meta is to run backwards 20 yards and throw it to deep crosser routes, the gameplay and presentation of NFL 2K5 actually resemble football. Modders still regularly update the game with current rosters/uniforms/stadiums/face scans.
  3. Pointersever
    Feb 8, 2022
    10
    Coming from the trashy modern madden games, this game plays amazing!!! The presentation, gameplay, depth, its absolutely amazing! I am only 14 and once I was able to get my hands on this game I fell in love with it. Absolutely fantastic. The ability to play a version of yourself, and also the updated rosters sums it up for me. Perfect score all round.
  4. easuc
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    This game could be the best sports video game of all time with amazing presentation and gameplay an incredibly deep and addictive franchise mode along with the crib and vip profiles this game also has the best ai ever in a sports game heck with your vip profile you can play yourself or friends if theirs was saved on yours that’s right you could play your friends even if they weren’t there
  5. Jakemup
    Dec 3, 2020
    10
    This is the best football game of all time, period. The game is so much more immersive than any Madden you'd get nowadays, the presentation, the AI, the animations, everything. Any flaws the game has is easily overshadowed by the extreme highs. It's a timeless classic.
  6. Codebreaker
    Sep 4, 2020
    9
    A fantastic NFL game!

    Played this game for years. Still a beloved game and one that has high praise from most everyone who played it.

    High quality mechanics for the time.
    Realistic gameplay for the time.
  7. Hehdh
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good ghjxghgfyuufgjuhggggghhjjkkk hhhtrdrrttd. He fax djd did did did throne rbrudherbrhdbr thfbfbdjdbfhd ruff fnd did rjfjd Rene ddijrr fifjdjfnrfjfjffbddhdjdnhbrhrfjdddndjddnnrddnddjdjndbdbfbfnfn… Expand
  8. tftsauce
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    This is the best football game there is. Hands down. No game is without flaws but this is the closest thing to perfect we have at the moment.
  9. MaddenEsMierda
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ESPN NFL 2k5 was basically the first football game I ever really played (aside from Madden 2001, when I didn’t know anything about football). I remember how advanced everything about it seemed then...All the content that was provided and the excitement with trying to picture all the features we would have years later. “If it’s this good in 2004, imagine how good it will be in 10 years!”

    Spoiler alert...16 years later and football simulation is worse than ever. Thank you, 2k5 for being everything Madden has failed to be. Truly the GOAT simulation football game.    … Expand
  10. breadcrumbs97
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    After all of these years, this game is still so much fun to play. It's a shame they don't get to make football games anymore. This game is superior to any Madden that has been made since.
  11. TheChrisPhoenix
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    The fact this game to this day, made nearly 16 years later still holds up to the day when it comes to both game play and presentation show something. First, that how behind EA is when Madden but also how ahead of it's time 2K was with this football title. Translation? It's still the GOAT of football titles.
  12. GAMER836
    Aug 13, 2019
    10
    This game is the greatest football game ever created enough Said!!! Madden 20 is trash next to 2k5 I still update the rosters manually every yr for 2k5 and I enjoy it everytime
  13. xXWarLionXx52
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    I only recently purchased this game due to the praise surrounding it, I've heard plenty of people calling it the best football game of all time, I repurchased an Xbox 360, and got a hard drive for it, just to play this one game, I had to find out if it was as good as everyone said. After playing the game for a good 6 hours now I think it's safe to say they were right, this is theI only recently purchased this game due to the praise surrounding it, I've heard plenty of people calling it the best football game of all time, I repurchased an Xbox 360, and got a hard drive for it, just to play this one game, I had to find out if it was as good as everyone said. After playing the game for a good 6 hours now I think it's safe to say they were right, this is the definitive football game for any fan of the sport. There's a lot of things to talk about, but a main part of the praise is the presentation of the game, it has the best ESPN presentation I've ever seen in a football game, from the moments with Chris Berman on the halftime shows and Sportscenters after weeks are finished in Franchise mode, which, on the topic of that, is so very in depth and just really, really fun to play. But they even have many good presentation aspects in the middle of games when talking about in game stats and everything like that. You can hear players on field insulting some of the top stars on the other team, which I think is a very nice touch for getting the player immersed. Not to mention the graphics, top notch, at least for the Xbox era, they were pretty much the best you could get, top that all of with the easy to learn controls and all around great gameplay, you have a very fun, very well made Football game that will forever be compared to the next madden games coming out for years to come. Like I said, it is the definitive football game for any fan, and easily deserves a 10/10.… Expand
  14. PrimetimeGoody
    Jan 18, 2014
    10
    Still the best football game to date. To think that this came out 9 years ago for only 20 dollars... wow.
    Graphics were ahead of its time.
    Gameplay wasn't the best, but for 2005, it was fantastic. CPU AI and teammate AI was more intelligent than any Madden. ESPN presentation, pregame-halftime and postgame show, player interviews and Sportscenter weekly wrap ups still = the best    Still the best football game to date. To think that this came out 9 years ago for only 20 dollars... wow.
    Graphics were ahead of its time.
    Gameplay wasn't the best, but for 2005, it was fantastic.
    CPU AI and teammate AI was more intelligent than any Madden.
    ESPN presentation, pregame-halftime and postgame show, player interviews and Sportscenter weekly wrap ups still = the best presentation in a sports game.
    Even though the announcers are fictional, they are still great.
    The "Crib" is still one of the coolest features in a sports game... if only 2K would add that to NBA 2K...

    All in all, the greatest football (and maybe sports) game ever.    … Expand
  15. 2ksnipefest
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    This has got to be the greatest football to todays date. Amazing graphics for its time. gameplay is fast and in a good way unpredictable. running the ball and shoulder charging ppl is so satisfying.
  16. 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.
  17. Jobadkins
    Feb 6, 2011
    10
    Just to let everyone know,I'm Job A. but that was the other version of metacritic.Here we are at 2-11 and I will stick to what I said in my other review,this game knocks the shxx out of every madden including Madden 11 when it comes to straight up game play.2K was WAY ahead of there time with football,all of there past football titles were top notch but ESPN NFL 2K5 just blew the doors offJust to let everyone know,I'm Job A. but that was the other version of metacritic.Here we are at 2-11 and I will stick to what I said in my other review,this game knocks the shxx out of every madden including Madden 11 when it comes to straight up game play.2K was WAY ahead of there time with football,all of there past football titles were top notch but ESPN NFL 2K5 just blew the doors off of what was or is expected in a football game.Please after you read this play this game on your original xbox and you will see really how amazing it is!10 10 10 10 10.… Expand
  18. JobA.
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    Where is the 11?It is October of 2009 and I've been still playing this game since it came out.Look-Madden has absolutley nothing on this game.Madden 10 is out now and still none of the Madden's have anything on Espn Nfl 2k5.It is the best football game ever made and will always be until 2K gets the exclusive license back.Allstar football 2k8 was good but disappointing.I cant say Where is the 11?It is October of 2009 and I've been still playing this game since it came out.Look-Madden has absolutley nothing on this game.Madden 10 is out now and still none of the Madden's have anything on Espn Nfl 2k5.It is the best football game ever made and will always be until 2K gets the exclusive license back.Allstar football 2k8 was good but disappointing.I cant say enough great stuff about this game even 5 years after it came out.That is the mark of an unbelievable game and that is how a game should be made.EA had the money and got scared cause they new the 2K series was just getting better and better.I'm disappointed what they have done with the baseball licence but the point is,is that I get the chills still playing this game after all these years.I'm sure there is thousands if not millions of people that agree with me because I'm not saying a word that isn't true.5 years from now when Madden 15 is out they still wont have the knowledge or capability to understand how to make a football game this good because this is in the minds and hearts of the 2K people and sega.Unbelivable game!… Expand
  19. TylerG.
    Aug 7, 2007
    10
    Truly the greatest football game ever created. I think everyone can agree this game is perfect in every area.
  20. TimS.
    Mar 27, 2007
    10
    Best FootBall game ever! Traded in my Xbox360 , and went back to PS2 fo rthis game, modified to 2007 rosters, and it TOTALLY - to this day - still blows me AWAY how good this game was, and still is. Maddens not bad, but its NOT CLOSE to ESPNs game.
  21. BryanM.
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    This game is the 2nd best football game the only one better is madden 04. This game has great graphics and there is no dum ask madden junk. If you have a xbox or even a PS2 I recommend you get this game. I only hope it will be playable soon on the xbox 360.
  22. FredB.
    Oct 16, 2006
    8
    I think its one of the best football games ever but, what brings the game down is the fact that they drop the ball a lot, even if they are wide open. But other then that the game rocks.
  23. WillH.
    Aug 17, 2006
    3
    In theory, this is a great game. Been playing for quite some time. However, the overwhelming number of punks that get beat, and pull the plug on the game before they can officially take the loss is unbelievable. I suggest that if a record indicates a quit within the last two minutes, that the quitter be listed as low in rankings as possible. I wonder if Sega could tackle that.
  24. JustinC.
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    Best football game ever. I still play it 2 years later. I wish they could make new ones, b/c Madden is just plain terrible.
  25. SamF.
    Jun 4, 2006
    10
    This game has so much to offer. I loved this because all the modes and controlls were spectacular. You can never get bored of this game it's absolutely worth a buy. So exit this get youre shoes on and get this game! I'm not kidding!
  26. MartyM.
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    best dam football game i ever played. Friend of mine told me at work he was playing football on ps2 all weekend. I said what man i dunno how u do it those Madden games suck. He said no no i play espn 2k5 yea that madden s..t sucks ass. Told me i should buy the game and try it i would like it. I bought it and fell in love with it and it was only 20 bucks i might add alot better than any best dam football game i ever played. Friend of mine told me at work he was playing football on ps2 all weekend. I said what man i dunno how u do it those Madden games suck. He said no no i play espn 2k5 yea that madden s..t sucks ass. Told me i should buy the game and try it i would like it. I bought it and fell in love with it and it was only 20 bucks i might add alot better than any madden game i ever played. Its a shame their not making 2k6 for football.… Expand
  27. ZachB.
    Nov 8, 2005
    9
    Great features overall.
  28. RichardS.
    Aug 19, 2005
    10
    As usual, the competition out-do EA Sports. Every EA Sports game is a disappointment and over hyped: FIFA is rubbish compared to Pro Evo; Rugby 2005 was a joke; Cricket is an embarassment with Brian Lara a better game. EA Hockey sucks compared to ESPN's and the same goes for NFL (though Madden is the ONLY EA Sports game they do remotely well). ESPN is a better all-round game and as As usual, the competition out-do EA Sports. Every EA Sports game is a disappointment and over hyped: FIFA is rubbish compared to Pro Evo; Rugby 2005 was a joke; Cricket is an embarassment with Brian Lara a better game. EA Hockey sucks compared to ESPN's and the same goes for NFL (though Madden is the ONLY EA Sports game they do remotely well). ESPN is a better all-round game and as usual, a much more playable game than anything EA produce.… Expand
  29. JohnR.
    Aug 14, 2005
    10
    ESPN is the best football game ever made. the players look real.madden players look fake they got big heads and little bodys and they run slow they hated on ESPN because it was going to take over EA sports. now what football game we got to play i aint going to buy madden because it's no compition.
  30. RockyK.
    Jul 31, 2005
    10
    This game is way better than Madden. The gameplay is so smooth and fluid in this game. There is nothing madden has over this game, nothing at all. too bad there wont be a 2k6. what a disappointment.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Xbox Game of 2004
4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
12
#12 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Gamestyle
    80
    A few less than spectacular extra features complete the package. Worth mention only for reference these include annoying celebrity matches, and a frustrating ESPN 25th anniversary mode, where the top 25 plays in football are reenacted by the player.
    Read full review
  2. Operation Sports
    100
    You just never know how the AI will react, but at least they do take the timeouts and run the hurry up offense when they are down. It doesn't play dumb. In fact, the AI will go into a no-huddle offense, just to throw you off occasionally. How cool is that!!
    Read full review
  3. Stuff
    100
    The biggest advancement is the VIP system, which studies your habits on the field and develops a profile based on how you play the game.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »