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How Metascores Are Calculated
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 GAMES: 
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]
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
Operation Sports
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!!
 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]
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.
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]
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.
98
Game Chronicles
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.
98
XboxAddict
The best sports game I have ever played. The graphics, immersion, and mechanics are all near-perfect.
96
XGP Gaming
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.
95
Team Xbox
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.
95
Gaming Nexus
In a move that shows that the designers had far too much free time on their hands, each of the bobble head dolls can be manipulated and bobbled, just like in real life. Hell, I’d pay $20 for this aspect alone.
95
GameZone
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.
95
VGPub
Outclasses "Madden NFL 2005" in all areas except for Franchise, but I would rather have the game that is simply more fun to play than having my eyes glare at stat menus for hours on end since that is what matters the most in a football game to me.
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.
95
eToychest
It trounces "Madden" in nearly every in-game and out-of-game aspect. And since "Madden" is a newbie to the Xbox Live arena, ESPN’s Live support, replete with fully customizable leagues and comprehensive player profiles, it is simply unmatched.
95
3DAvenue
Where NFL 2K5 really shines from an Australian perspective, however, is that it really nails the TV presentation aspect.
95
IC-Games
Without doubt the best game of this genre, ever.
94
Game Over Online
If you happen to be a fan of football, even if you bow down to the altar of "Madden", you should go out and buy 2K5 simply because this is a great simulation of football.
94
IGN
Are you kidding me? This game rivals "Madden" in every way and surpasses it in feature set... and it's only twenty dollars. Plus, it's out three weeks ahead of "Madden." Fans of the series will love the improvements and continue to sing its praises.
94
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.
93
Official Xbox Magazine
Not only is ESPN an outrageously inexpensive AAA-level game, it's also the best NFL title on the Xbox at any price. [Sept 2004, p.83]
93
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]
92
Xbox Evolved
A great game. It just has an arcadey feel to it, but I guess Sega is trying to appeal to the common user and not the hardcore football fan.
92
netjak
Worth noting is that ESPN NFL 2K5 is one of the few third-party games to take advantage of the Xbox’s custom soundtracks, and it even goes a step further by allowing the player to set up Stadium Music that plays at certain points in a game, such as when the home team scores a touchdown or forces an interception.
92
Armchair Empire
The best football video game of 2004.
92
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.
92
Xbox World Australia
The decision to take out LIVE compatibility is a major downer, but don’t let that prevent you from playing one of the most superb NFL games on the market.
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.
90
Xbox Nation Magazine
The single most glaring problem with 2K5...is the crowd A.I. The audience is just flat-out stupid, and this is terribly unfortunate because it distracts from what would otherwise be a totally immersive NFL gaming experience. [Sept 2004, p.86]
90
Xbox Advanced
The replay value in this game is phenomenal. What other game includes online play, all the modes like Practice, Quick Game, Tournament, Situation, and Franchise, the brand new VIP addition, ability to add in your own music, and team preparation? Better yet what other game does all that for only $20?
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.
90
GamerFeed
Besides the online problems, that are getting better, the game is one of the best football games ever made.
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.
90
WHAM! Gaming
Plain and simple, ESPN NFL 2K5 is Sega's best football game to date.
90
GamingTrend
While the game is too easy on Pro and very difficult on All-Pro, some slider adjustments can help the situation.
85
GameBiz
A title which a lot of Australians will have fun with. A lot of gamers here are curious about American Football with the hype, big hits and spectacular plays but get turned off by the strategies in which ESPN NFL 2005 will be a perfect match.
85
1UP
As it stands now, ESPN looks better, but it doesn't feel better. It's pleather not leather, nutri-sweet not sugar, and that's not going to get them far in the long run.
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.
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.
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
Gamestyle
A few less than spectacular extra features complete the package. Worth mention only for reference these include annoying celebrity matches, and a frustrating ESPN 25th anniversary mode, where the top 25 plays in football are reenacted by the player.
80
G4 TV
NFL 2K5 has leveled the field of play significantly with its wallet-friendly price and killer presentation.
80
NTSC-uk
Where Madden’s defensive co-ordination has been tightened up, ESPN’s is a little slacker, with offensives able to turn up the heat on the occasionally sleepy and slow rearguard with little effort.
Tyler G. gave it a10: Tim S. gave it a10: Bryan M. gave it a10: Fred B. gave it an8: Will H. gave it a3: Justin C. gave it a10: Sam F. gave it a10: |
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