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
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  1. 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
  2. MIKEG.
    Jul 29, 2004
    6
    The graphics and presentation are really cool but the gameplay and control of the action are not near as good as the Madden series.
  3. PaulC.
    Aug 4, 2004
    10
    20 bucks ??? are they kidding?? my wife came in the room and asked if football season started already she thought i was watching a game nuff said
  4. NeilV.
    Sep 5, 2004
    10
    I'm with Jake here, trying to balance out an erroneous rating. To me, particularly on X-Box, the 2K5 controls are less cumbersome, more intuitive and the game is more enjoyable. Additionally, there is no comparison with the presentation. Yes, Madden did make strides with appearance and options this year, but Sega's series is hands down the champion, as it pretty much has been. I I'm with Jake here, trying to balance out an erroneous rating. To me, particularly on X-Box, the 2K5 controls are less cumbersome, more intuitive and the game is more enjoyable. Additionally, there is no comparison with the presentation. Yes, Madden did make strides with appearance and options this year, but Sega's series is hands down the champion, as it pretty much has been. I first saw 2K as a development for the Dreamcast at E3 in May of 1999 and I knew it was going to be something special. BUY THIS GAME.… Expand
  5. Matt
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    One of the best football games ever made. its a shame we probably won't see this game next year due to EA buying the nfl license for 5 years.
  6. CoryK.
    May 7, 2005
    10
    This is the best football game of 2005. Yes, that is correct. It is better than the almighty Madden 2005 and it's only $20. Too bad there won't be a ESPN NFL 2K6 because EA Sports can't take losing.
  7. 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
  8. TylerG.
    Aug 7, 2007
    10
    Truly the greatest football game ever created. I think everyone can agree this game is perfect in every area.
  9. 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
  10. DonP.
    Jul 20, 2004
    10
    A new Standard in sports gaming!
  11. Bob
    Jul 22, 2004
    10
    This game is amazing! The control is sharp, the interface even sharper and the graphics could cut diamond. The new features patched every hole in last year's release. The graphics in this game are truly stunning! The VIP system is pure genious and the new Crib features add to the replayability of the game. $20 and you have the best football game ever made? God I love Sega!
  12. VicM.
    Jul 24, 2004
    10
    The football game to have. ESPN NFL has gone and beyond my expectations this year. The replays at the half and at the end of the gae are so realistic it's scary. I tend to forget I'm playing a video game. And the controls of the game are better than last year. Madden is and always has been about the hype, what do I care if some of the NFL players are in the Madden game saying if The football game to have. ESPN NFL has gone and beyond my expectations this year. The replays at the half and at the end of the gae are so realistic it's scary. I tend to forget I'm playing a video game. And the controls of the game are better than last year. Madden is and always has been about the hype, what do I care if some of the NFL players are in the Madden game saying if it's in the game it's the game, who cares. ESPN at a price of $20 or if it would have been $50 this is the game to get!… Expand
  13. DonalN.
    Jul 24, 2004
    10
    Astonishing, this game is outstanding, top quality presentation all the features you could ever dream of and the best gameplay I've experienced in a sports game since I first played Sensible Soccer back in the vortex of time. I would go so far as to say this IS the best sports game EVER made and literally the only game in it's league is Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series Astonishing, this game is outstanding, top quality presentation all the features you could ever dream of and the best gameplay I've experienced in a sports game since I first played Sensible Soccer back in the vortex of time. I would go so far as to say this IS the best sports game EVER made and literally the only game in it's league is Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series in terms of graphics, features and playability. Notice I haven't mentioned the price yet? Everybody thought Sega was taking a big risk releasing this game at only 20 bucks but after playing it you know there was no risk at all. When I went to pick it up at Harold Square in NYC the queue was out the door everyone wanted a copy. A lot of people who didn't consider last years installment were picking up this copy simply because of the price. What chance does Madden have now? At $50 it would need to be more than twice as good a game as this, which simply it wont be. How could it? On a final note the VIP feature is going to revolutionise gaming...… Expand
  14. B.K.
    Jul 25, 2004
    10
    1 word for this game:AMAZING.
  15. ChrisC.
    Jul 30, 2004
    9
    Great fun. The graphics, presentation, and gameplay are fantastic. Only complaint is that I wish the crowd noise could be more pumped up. Nevertheless, a superb game and you can't beat the price!
  16. FuriousS.
    Jul 31, 2004
    10
    I have played every football game from the Intellivision,Atari, and Coleco football games to the Genesis and other 16-bit sytems as well as our present day consoles. ESPN NFL 2K5 on the XBOX is the ultimate NFL football simulator. It is EVERYTHING a sport simulator should be. Congratulations to VIsual Concepts and SEGA for an amazing title!
  17. JaredR.
    Aug 12, 2004
    10
    I have always been a casual NFL videogamer. My favorite football game of all time is Sega NFL2K for the Dreamcast. I always thought it was far superior to Madden based on enjoyability alone. Now on to the review. Game will be scored on Graphics, Sound, Features, Presentation, Gameplay, Playability and Overall Level of Fun. Graphics: 9.5/10 Visually, this is one of the best sports games I I have always been a casual NFL videogamer. My favorite football game of all time is Sega NFL2K for the Dreamcast. I always thought it was far superior to Madden based on enjoyability alone. Now on to the review. Game will be scored on Graphics, Sound, Features, Presentation, Gameplay, Playability and Overall Level of Fun. Graphics: 9.5/10 Visually, this is one of the best sports games I have ever seen in my LIFE. You can see bulging veins on the character's arms. Faces are well captured. This was another one of those games where my dad walks in the room and asks 'What are the Pats doing on ESPN this early?' and I have to explain that videogames are this graphically amazing. The character's movements are very fluid and they react to impacts exactly as you would expect... to chilling extents in some cases. The crowd is paper thin when in play and during the opening fly over sequences it looks like the stadium is empty from some angles. However there are crowd closeups and these models are quite well done. The only graphical flaw I have seen is in First Person Mode. When you get hit in the head, there is a SLIGHT clipping problem. Those two minor problems aside, this game definately deserves the 9.5. Fix the clipping problem and make the seats look a little more filled and it will be complete. Sound: 10/10 Unbelievable. The ESPN Sportsound is great. The included music is not the greatest but that is why the Xbox is so good, you just add your own. The commentary is flawless. There's a ton of dialogue and it all flows together seemlessly. On the field sound is perfect. The crowds heckle VERY accurately based on circumstances and the commentary is spot on. As good as the hits look in the game, the way they sound is even more disturbing. I've seen at least two or three really big hits in my few hours of playing that shook the controller, pounded out of the speaker and made me wince. There's a little bit of mumbling too. When a bad play is made, they sometimes cut to the coach and you can hear him mumbling madly under his breath. The same goes for players that are disappointed in the last plays they made. Features: 9/10 Everything you can ask for in a football game and a little more. The franchise mode fits you more into the role of the coach rather than the owner. This mode is alot more fun than the Dynasty Mode of the EA games. Finances aren't my bag. You can get right into the coaches shoes and really nail down to just ONE player what kind of training needs to be done during the week of a game. The 'Crib' mode is kind of a cute feature. Not entirely necessary but it lets you reward yourself. First Person Mode is a neat feature but it's more of an 'interesting' feature rather than one that adds to the experience. XBL supports your standard Optimatch and Quickmatch as well as season, playoff and league modes. Very cool. I can't think of anything else I'd want, but lets leave that one point out and maybe next year they can fill it up to a 10/10. Presentation: 10/10 Holy crap, it's ESPN. Right down to the results and the Sportscenter format. I can't even describe how well presented this game is. It features all the big ESPN faces and their voices and it's just a flawless presentation. Get a look at it yourself and you'll understand. Gameplay: 9/10 Game plays just like you'd expect it with no surprises in gameplay. Take the quick tutorial to get used to some of the advanced controls. First Person mode needs a bit more tweaking though. Playability: 9.5/10 Very easy to bring to a party and get it playing without too much work. You can definately pick it up and play without looking at the directions but it's worth learning. Overall Level of Fun: 10/10 It's hard for a game like this to NOT be fun. You'll be screaming at the screen and jumping for joy at all your good plays. Just remember to have your headset turned down on XBL though Overall: 9.6/10... if you average it out... but I give this game a 9.8/10 because it's only $19.99. Value value value! If you have an Xbox, get this.… Expand
  18. MarcusA.
    Aug 2, 2004
    9
    this game has great graphics and gameplay,but they could have made it better by making the franchise better. Don't get me wrong i'm a major madden fan,but by the way this game is looking I might have a change of heart.
  19. [Anonymous]
    Aug 2, 2004
    9
    First football game I've had on a console system and it's great fun! Poor gameplay?! I'm not sure where that fits in the game. No strategy? How can you have a football game without strategy? Also, tapping the A button has a small effect in the game, it's certainly not a game breaker move...I've broken at most 5 tackles in like 6-7 games...
  20. PaulR.
    Aug 3, 2004
    9
    Great game. $20 is a steal. The VIP system is amazing and will give you and edge when playing that friend that always kicks your butt!!!
  21. MikeB.
    Aug 6, 2004
    9
    This is the best football game I have played! The gameplay and graphics are top notch as are all the added features. Halftime highlights, challenging plays, First Person mode to play as a player... all very neat! I have bought Madden in the past and the only reason I picked this up was it's price tag of $19.99. It is well worth it. I like Madden, but this game is just flat out better...
  22. AlanC.
    Aug 7, 2004
    8
    This game is great...but its still the 2nd best football game on the market....2k5 has awesome presentation..the halftime replays are fun to watch and u even get a polygonal chris berman doing the show..the commentary is pretty good...but since espn is so all over this game..with even a weekly sportscenter to watch..they should replace the fictional commentators with their own crew..danThis game is great...but its still the 2nd best football game on the market....2k5 has awesome presentation..the halftime replays are fun to watch and u even get a polygonal chris berman doing the show..the commentary is pretty good...but since espn is so all over this game..with even a weekly sportscenter to watch..they should replace the fictional commentators with their own crew..dan patrick and joe theisman...that would be great...the graphics are top notch...best looking football game ever made....but the gameplay is where it comes in 2nd place.....the game is a blast to play...the running game is great...but the passing game stinks...it just doesnt feel as real as madden.....and ill take gameplay over a halftime show anyday.....this game could.....go.....all...the.....way.....but it tripped and fell at the 1.… Expand
  23. BenL.
    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    Excellent. The most FUN football game ever made. Period. Oh, sure, gameplay is what football games should be all about right? Not entirly. It's if it's fun or not. This is, and has been right next to halo in my top games to play in the dorm.
  24. Psymons
    Sep 5, 2004
    9
    All hail the new king. Everyone I have talked to about this game bashes it due to the fact that it threatens their beloved Madden. This game is more fun, realistic looking and the AI seems to be a step ahead of Madden.
  25. 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
  26. JeffM.
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    This is by far the best football game of all time curse you EA for taking it away from us.
  27. BobM.
    Feb 1, 2005
    9
    This is an awesome game! When i score a TD snoop comes on while Chad Johnson does a TD dance. The run game is so much better than madden. The routes the WR's run are clear as to where they are going. Great game.
  28. Paul
    Feb 26, 2005
    10
    Looks real to me, got in an argument with my brother about madden ve espn. He said the players don't look like there running fast, like on madden, I told him after looking at espn players I could not even play madden as the all look the same. At least on espn you can tell the difference between a guy 200 an someone 300, shows height correct also, hands down way better, FORGET MADDEN!!!
  29. AngelR.
    Mar 10, 2005
    10
    is the best game period even better than all the maddens combined.
  30. BlueFalcon
    Apr 16, 2005
    10
    In 2001-2004 I was a big Madden fan and didn't really consider giving any other franchise my football gaming money. But this year ESPN was released 1st so I gave it a shot. Now I regret buying this years Madden since it's so outclassed. Graphics, gameplay, and all the subtle but significant touches are better in ESPN. I don't intend to ever return to Madden unless In 2001-2004 I was a big Madden fan and didn't really consider giving any other franchise my football gaming money. But this year ESPN was released 1st so I gave it a shot. Now I regret buying this years Madden since it's so outclassed. Graphics, gameplay, and all the subtle but significant touches are better in ESPN. I don't intend to ever return to Madden unless Sega's franchise ends.… Expand
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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

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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.
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  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
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