A review from IGN reports, "It will own your soul". They were talking about the new NFL 2K5 release from Sega. This years incarnation of the NFL series is absolutely amazing. It excells in all areas; gameplay, graphics, presentation, replayibility. To begin with, this is one of the best 'looking' games I've seen in a while. And, I know, I always say that about every game I play. So, it's probably becoming hard to convince you that this one is different than the previous 5 games I've said that about. On a sidetrack note, in general, video games are just looking better and better all the time. Over the past year, I've played some games with awe-inspiring graphics. The lighting and ambience in Riddick. The environments in Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six 3. The unnerving realism of Project Gotham Racing 2. I could name plenty more, but this is about NFL 2K5. Let me start, well, I think I started about 20 lines before...by saying, there are way too many features for me to cover in this short blog. I probably won't even touch on the incredible depth of the Franchise Mode. The variety of Game Modes; situational, practice, online tournament. The awesome VIP system and Crib feature. There is so much to do. And the worst part, is the basic gameplay is so good, that I really don't even have time to get into all the other features. Like online leagues, playing with different teams (because I'm always in Franchise Mode). But, I'll move on to the things that really blow me away about this game. When halftime came during the first time I played and it cut into a halftime show with Chris Berman, and actually had highlights from the game I was playing, I knew this game was hands-down, the coolest football game ever made. I mean, what is better than seeing the replay of the sweet 32-yard pass you made to Randy Moss in the end-zone. I was blown away by that. And, another thing that impressed me was the commentary. With the introduction of color commentary in video games in the early 90's, their have been mixed reviews. Naturally, their are some games that have decent, interesting commentary. But, too often, it's usually, lackluster, repetitive, and boring. But, Dan Stevens and his partner do a great job of keeping the call smooth, humorous at times, and fun. It does get repetitive, but, because it's done nicely, it really doesn't bother me. But, the feature that is the reason you should run out and buy (not rent) this game; gameplay!! Taking control of your running back, running him to the outside right; you charge up your special moves button, and throw a stiff-arm into the defender, sending him to the turf. The next defender that comes your way overshoots you because of the sweet juke to the left. Then it's straight tapping the speed button to the endzone for 6! The point, that, you actually benefit from using the new special moves. Usually a game will put these moves in and their useless. They usually look good, but really do not add to the gameplay. However, they seem second nature, and even essential in NFL 2K5. And, it doesn't stop with offense. The defensive play is just as fun and rewarding.
I have played every single 2k football game since the Dreamcast and there is doubt that NFL 2k5 is still the best out of the 2k football series. Many people bought this game because of the $20 price tag but just about ev... Read Full Review
The day that Microsoft added ESPN NFL 2K5 to the backwards compatible list I rushed to my nearest GameStop and found a used copy for $1.99 - For me, this game shot to the top of my playlist. Everything I loved about it ... Read Full Review
