ESPN NFL 2K5

"An AWESOME football game!"

ESPN NFL 2K5 is the latest football game in SEGA's ESPN/2K series. It adds a wealth of new features, such as the innovative V.I.P. system, and retails for only $20! ESPN NFL 2K5 is the best $20 I have ever spent!

Graphics-10/10
The graphics in ESPN NFL 2K5 are amazing. Definitely the best graphics I have ever seen in a football game. Sometimes, it even looks like you are watching a real football game. This game also sports impressive ESPN presentation. When playing the game, you will see everything that you would see while watching ESPN, such as the Sky Cam. This really adds a lot to the overall feel of the game and makes it a lot more enjoyable and engaging to play. The framerate drops occasionally, but nothing major.

Gameplay-8/10
ESPN NFL 2K5 has many unique and innovative features that set it apart from the competition (Madden). First, there is the V.I.P. system. With the V.I.P., the game keeps track of everything you do. For example, it tracks how many times you run to each side and how successful you were, what your favorite special move is, the percentage of run/pass plays each game, and much more! Best of all, you can play any V.I.P. profile. For example, you could play your friend's profile and it would play the same way as him. If he runs the ball a lot, and to the right, that's what the profile would do. If he likes a particular play and runs it often, the V.I.P would run that play frequently. This can make the AI much more challenging, and it is a good way to train your skills. Also, if you have online access, you can download V.I.P's of the best players and play them! Franchise mode has been improved, with a better user interface, and some new features such as Weekly Prep. Some other cool features in the game are the Crib, where you can spend the points you own by playing games, on buying cool items, music, and mini-games. First-Person-Football (FPF) is where you can play an entire game in the first-person view. FPF is improved from last year's, allowing you to switch from first-person to third-person pre-snap, and vice-versa. There is also maximum tackle, where you can choose to go for a hit or wrap tackle, and a neat ESPN 25th Anniversary mode, where you can re-live the greatest moments in NFL history. The animations have also been greatly improved. Every animation in the game looks very smooth, and it makes the running game very realistic. You cannot switch directions on a dime either, adding a lot of realism to the running game. Overall, the gameplay in 2K5 is a major improvement over 2K4. However, there are some major bugs/glitches that bring the score down. For example, the QB Spy function DOESN'T WORK. Also, penalities affect the players score. If, for instance, Duce Staley runs the ball, gains a few yards, but there is an offensive holding call. The yards that were taken away from the penalty subtract from the player's stats. So you could have someone who originally had 16 yards, but because of a penalty, it goes to -4! There are numerous other annoying bugs, and I don't understand how the developers didn't see them. Even with the bugs though, ESPN NFL 2K5 definitely is the best playing football game around.

Sound-9/10
The sound in ESPN NFL 2K5 is awesome. It was definitely improved from last year. Every sound in the game (hits, catches) sounds amazing. If you have a surround sound system, it will be even better! This game is optimized for surround sound systems. I don't have surround sound, but I've heard it's awesome. I took the one point away because 2K5 is missing the cool soundtrack features that the Xbox has.

Online-10/10
The online play in ESPN NFL 2K5 is super! It has features such as friend lists, leaderboards, downloads (rosters), online leagues, tournaments, and seasons, and a game browser that makes it easy to find a game to play. Also, I have not encountered any "cheesers" , or cheaters yet. Everyone I have played has played fair. Both Dial-up and broadband users can play this game online, so anyone with a network adapter can play. Lag is kept to a minimum, too.

Replay Value-8/10
ESPN NFL 2K5 has good replay value. You'll spend hours perfecting your franchise, unlocking additional items in your Crib, or just improving your rank online! You will be playing 2K5 for a LONG time.

Overall-9/10 (not an average)
ESPN NFL 2K5 is a game that no football fan, casual or hardcore, should be without. It is (in my opinion) the best football game I have ever played and will have you entertained for hours! Every aspect of the game has been improved from last year, especially the gameplay. If it wasn't for the annoying bugs this game has, I would've given it a perfect 10/10.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/04