90
Once again, a maravel of gaming. [Sept 2004, p.84]
80
Ultimately, Madden is a sensational game in the literal sense, delivering unparalleled replayability for those with open minds.
100
The defense upgrades bring a lot of welcome strategy to the game, and the new AI is simply superb. Its amazingly deep, well thought out franchise mode is the best I've ever seen, while the basic gameplay still can't be beat.
10
Madden NFL 2005 is one of the most iconic football games ever made, thanks to its smooth gameplay, deep Franchise Mode, and the introduction of the revolutionary “Hit Stick,” which gave defense a whole new level of excitement. The game balances realistic football strategy with fast, fun action, making every matchup feel intense and rewarding. Franchise Mode kept players hooked for hours with scouting, drafting, and managing a team through multiple seasons. With its sharp presentation, memorable soundtrack, and addictive gameplay, Madden 2005 still stands as a fan favorite and one of the best entries in the series.
0
Fantastic game and it is very in depth new maddens aren't even comparable!!
Madden NFL 2005
Xbox
Released On:
Aug 9, 2004
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
91
User score
Generally Favorable
7.9
My Score
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
91
97% Positive
38 Reviews
38 Reviews
3% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
In its 15th year, this well-oiled machine enters the 2005 season with one of the finest football games ever crafted. Raising the bar to an unheard of level, Madden 2005 is football at its very best. [Aug 2004, p.73]
95
The coolest new [online] addition is the sports ticker. With it you can see the scores of your friend's games on the ticker as you're playing so you can quickly check the results of people on your Buddy List.
93
Xbox users benefit immensely from the addition of online play, a feature that was noticeably absent from past games due to a tiff between Microsoft and EA.
92
Easily the deepest version of the successful franchise yet. A radically expansive franchise mode and an incredibly reactive defensive control scheme combine to make one of the best updates to a football game to date.
90
Madden NFL 2005 is my favorite NFL football game of the year and it sacks "ESPN NFL 2K5" in the backfield for a loss. Not a huge loss though.
83
With all the mixed reviews with some saying "ESPN" is the best, and some saying Madden is the best, this reviewers money is on Madden this year as to me it is worth the extra 30 dollars for what you do on an off the field.
74
The implementation of the Hit Stick (use the right analogue stick for some hard hitting defensive plays) is a nice touch and the rest of the game's mechanics have received a subtle overhaul to ensure it plays better than ever.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.9
78% Positive
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
11% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
11% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Aug 14, 2025
10
Madden NFL 2005 is one of the most iconic football games ever made, thanks to its smooth gameplay, deep Franchise Mode, and the introduction of the revolutionary “Hit Stick,” which gave defense a whole new level of excitement. The game balances realistic football strategy with fast, fun action, making every matchup feel intense and rewarding. Franchise Mode kept players hooked for hours with scouting, drafting, and managing a team through multiple seasons. With its sharp presentation, memorable soundtrack, and addictive gameplay, Madden 2005 still stands as a fan favorite and one of the best entries in the series.
Dec 25, 2020
0
Fantastic game and it is very in depth new maddens aren't even comparable!!
SummaryForce the action on defense in Madden NFL 2005. New defensive tools allow you to make more plays and be in on all of the action. The all-new Hit Stick lets you lay the big hit to turn the momentum of the game in your favor. Modify pre-snap assignments, including double teams and player-specific match ups, for any defensive player on the ... Read More
Rated Efor Everyone
Platforms:
- PC
- Xbox
- GameCube
- PlayStation 2
- Game Boy Advance
- PlayStation
- DS
Initial Release Date:Aug 9, 2004
Developer:
Publisher:
