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ESPN NFL 2K5 ps2 Game Reviews
ESPN NFL 2K5
Critic Score
Metascore: 90 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.9 out of 10
based on 37 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 65 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

ESPN NFL 2K5 is uniting fans with a coupling of the most responsive and intense gameplay and the richest multi-player gaming experience possible. Maximum Tackling brings unique on-field control allowing gamers to go for the wrap-up tackle or deliver the big highlight hit. The addition of the V.I.P. System™ allows gamers to play friends, even if they're not there! Players are invited to show off their coaching skills in Franchise mode and utilize Weekly Prep to fully plan the training schedule, intensity, and regimen each week. Full online leagues and tournament play with living rosters rounds out the most complete online experience. [Sega]

PUBLISHER: Sega
DEVELOPER: Visual Concepts
GENRE(S): Sports, Football
PLAYERS: 16
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: July 20, 2004

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
PSX Nation
With better graphics, deeper gameplay, a polished ESPN interface to die for and an outrageously low price ESPN NFL 2K5 offers the most bang for your gaming dollar, period.
Read Full Review
100
Maxim Online
But the graphics and game play have been juiced up, too, with improved passing, a slightly tougher running game, and lots of combo-move action via manipulation of the right analog stick.
Read Full Review
100
Stuff
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
100
GamePro
This year, the design guys as Visual Concepts have turned ESPN NFL 2K5 into the most entertaining show in video-game football. [Sept 2004, p.98]
Read Full Review
100
Play Magazine
For a mere $20, Sega's game is every bit as deep, feature-rich and addictive as EA's powerhouse. I'm not saying that 2K5 is better than "Madden"...but it's just as good - no joke. [Sept 2004, p.84]
97
Game Chronicles
NFL 2K5 not only has the best gameplay, both in accuracy and pure fun factor, but the entire game is wrapped up in an ESPN presentation that is worthy of being watched on Sunday with a group of friends.
Read Full Review
95
Game Informer
Don't just get this game because it's 20 bucks, buy it becuase it's the best football title there is and the only one that's a must have. [Sept 2004, p.100]
Read Full Review
95
BonusStage
The few rare problems in this game are able to go unnoticed without a second thought. For any true football fan that doesn’t own this game, you should feel very empty inside...very, very empty.
Read Full Review
93
IC-Games
Not only do you have a game that you can play with friends, but one that can be played solo with goals that make the game last a long time.
Read Full Review
93
IGN
Are you kidding me? This game rivals "Madden" in every way and surpasses it in feature set. Plus it's only twenty dollars.
Read Full Review
93
GameZone
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
93
Game Over Online
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
93
Next Level Gaming
I have found almost NOTHING wrong or flawed in NFL 2K5. It is what I would consider right now the perfect Football game. It is a must have game.
Read Full Review
92
Sports Gaming Network
The additions of the VIP, online seasons and tournaments, and weekly schedules make this game hard to pass up.
Read Full Review
91
GameSpot
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
91
Cinescape
My jaw dropped when I saw the Raiders white road jerseys, the shadows and player models and even the animation. This game looks absolutely stunning and is the best looking football game have ever seen.
Read Full Review
90
PSM Magazine
"Madden" fans will be awed by ESPN's superior presentation....All in all, ESPN Football 2K5 is more ambitious, polished and enjoyable than this year's "Madden."[Sept 2004, p.14]
90
Yahoo! Games
With unparalleled visuals, a deep franchise mode, and tons of new and improved features, "Madden" is facing a 4th and very, very long this year.
Read Full Review
90
GameSpy
It has great graphics, exciting gameplay, and a solid online mode. If you can skip over the slightly gimmicky modes and stick to the excellent Franchise mode, you'll be happy that you whipped Mr. Jackson out at the game store.
Read Full Review
90
AceGamez
I daresay that many of the Brits reading this will be as baffled as I was with ESPN NFL 2K5, but there's a whole shed-load of quality present in both the gameplay and presentation.
Read Full Review
90
Thunderbolt
Whilst I prefer the simplicity of EA Big's title, ESPN has got me hooked on the professional side of football, if not only to fill up my virtual house full of football clobber.
Read Full Review
90
Pelit (Finland)
An addictive football game with awesome gameplay, although the practice mode should have been more detailed. The franchise mode is very close to the real thing. [Apr. 05]
90
RewiredMind
Challenging, smooth, plays incredibly well and is as accurate as you would like.
Read Full Review
90
WHAM! Gaming
Sega's best football game to date.
Read Full Review
89
netjak
We may be stuck with this edition for the next five years, but it’s an outstanding little sports gem to be stuck with, and for a price tag that can’t be beat.
Read Full Review
87
PSX Extreme
While the majority of the gameplay is above average, the game’s bevy of technical issues kill any hopes that a hardcore fan would be satisfied with this game in the long term.
Read Full Review
85
Gamers Europe
Regardless of whether you wish to tackle the game’s in-depth franchise mode, or return once or twice a month for a quick blast, there is one word that can sum up the experience: solid.
Read Full Review
85
1UP
Despite all these improvements, I can't help but feel that last year's "Madden" still has the edge over this year's ESPN, thanks to fundamental pacing and controls. ESPN has great visuals, has tons of new features, all kinds of new animations, ... but the same gooey controls - they're just not as responsive as "Madden"'s.
Read Full Review
84
RealGamer
If only we could arrange some sort of trade-off, whereby each decimal point of the score I have awarded could be traded for a thousand Americans not using the word ‘soccer’.
Read Full Review
83
Gaming Age
The good parts of ESPN far outweigh the bad and combine to make one of the most satisfying and challenging sports games ever. It's such a steal you might want to wear a ski mask to the store – just in case.
Read Full Review
83
Game Revolution
It does a nice job offering a much cheaper alternative without sacrificing too much quality. It’s just a shame that the online play is broken, though I suppose you get what you pay for after all.
Read Full Review
83
Electronic Gaming Monthly
ESPN's franchise mode is much improved, but I'm not entirely sold in its biggest addition, Weekly Prep, either. [Sept 2004, p.94]
80
GameBiz
Purists of the game will still prefer Madden’s physics and controls as it plays a realistic game.
Read Full Review
80
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
It's worth pointing out that most of these new options simply add a layer of polish to preexisting aspects of the game. [Sept 2004, p.93]
80
Gamestyle
Surprisingly absorbing once you have mastered the intricacies of the game, this is a fine release, at a bargain price.
Read Full Review
80
GMR Magazine
While "Madden's" a better game in the way that Peyton Manning is better than Steve McNair (marginally), it'll be fun to see if ESPN can beat the daunting spread with its budget-priced equalizer. [Sept 2004, p.87]
80
G4 TV
NFL 2K5 has leveled the field of play significantly with its wallet-friendly price and killer presentation.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 65 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Bryan M. gave it a10:
This is a game that true football fans want to get! It makes madden 2005 look old school!

Rashad C. gave it a10:
Good Game i love to play this game all night long its an addictive game.

Keith L. gave it a10:
Best Football Game Ever, Period! Get it now!

[Anonymous] gave it an8:
More of the same game we've seen for years except for some minor improvements. lots of little extras and such, training mode is kinda cool. if gameplay is what you want though then espn 2k5 is where its at... unfortunately it probably won't be around for another 5 years. heres to hoping madden gets better with out any competition.

Ace4567 backer gave it a9:
Kicks maddens @$$!!!

Mitch S. gave it a7:
I really like this game but I do have a few complaints. This game is easier to pass on but running is difficult. Also it will seem like you just sacked the QB for a big loss but then it turns out it was only a 3 or 4 yard loss. All in all I really like this game.

Trey P. gave it a 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 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.

Read more user comments...

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