Madden NFL 2005

"First Person Mode? What's that? Ohh yeah..."

I, for one, am one of the people who bought ESPN NFL2K5. I also have a copy of 2K4. I'd like to think my opinion is unbiased, as I admit, I did spend 2 days playing 2K5 thinking "wow, I might not need Madden after this" but after realizing how boring and pointless ESPN's franchise mode was, I cut my playing hours from about 3 hours a day to about halfway through the first quarter thinking "wow, this game's AI sucks."

So, I'm going to review the BETTER game, Madden NFL 2005.

Visual: Sure, I've got my gripes about Madden's visual. The graphics and player models are great, far above ESPN's unrealistic character models (I don't like the way the players look so...square). However, ESPN football does have better moments. I love watching ESPN's replays and whatnot. Madden, however, when showing a replay gives it that "vintage" feel, which is nice, but not for a football game. Also, there are a couple of other things (having that chalky look showing what 2 teams are playing to begin the game) that get on my nerves. But the presentation (scoreboard, menus) are all great looking and the new animations are far above what I was looking for. Good job, Madden
Overall: 9/10

Sound: Okay, so this is the only area where I'll give it to ESPN football. Their commentary is way better than Madden. Al Michaels isn't horrible, but Madden is just plain annoying. Also, there are a couple of bugs. I returned an interception for a touchdown with Marcus Trufant and then Madden went onto say something about TO having great speed and being able to take it all the way for a touchdown. But that's fine. The soundtrack is good, but I'd like different stadium music than just the rock and rap.
Overall: 7/10

Gameplay: The hit stick has already provided great entertainment for me (hit stick with 10 seconds left caused a fumble causing me to beat my friend's team, although I missed a tackle with the hit stick and he scored on it earlier in the game) and it's really a great option. Playing defense is finally fun now as there's so many options as you play it. Also, no more throwing off the back foot and it's a lot harder to scramble in the game. Great adding realism while keeping it fun.
Overall: 10/10

Features: Storyline central rules. Franchise mode rules. Everything is so realistic. Finally, players won't just sign on the highest paying contract, which is great because it's always been easy to sign the top notch free agents and take that team to the Superbowl in simulation. Madden is always finding new ways to improve the franchise mode, and I really don't know how it can get any better. Way better than ESPN's Weekly Preparations.
Overall: 10/10

Overall: 9/10 - This game is the best football game to date, but there's always room for improvement.

Buy or Rent? This is a must have. If you're happy with ESPN NFL 2k5, go rent this game and see which one you end up playing more. Otherwise, BUY. BUY. BUY.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/13/04