Xbox Critic Reviews

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!!

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.

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]

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.

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]

Sure, there are thousands of die-hard Madden fans who will remain in denial and line-up for their copy of "Madden 2005" like the Lemmings they are, but anyone who plays ESPN NFL 2K5 will know the truth after their very first game.

The best sports game I have ever played. The graphics, immersion, and mechanics are all near-perfect.

ESPN NFL 2K5 is the single greatest football game ever made. Even with a $49.99 price tag, this game would surely have been a huge seller. However, the $20 price makes this game a steal.

No other type of sports games requires such strategy while under pressure. Online leagues and tournaments are an improvement over XSN's online leagues, but are still in their fledgling stage.

ESPN NFL 2K5 has the best graphics that I have witnessed in a sports game to date... The V.I.P system is the coolest thing since controllers with shoulder buttons.