In a few years, 2004 will likely be remembered as a banner year for football video games. While only two NFL games were released on the major consoles, the level of quality of both titles spoke to the evolving rivalry between the games' publishers and the technical sophistication of the game platforms on which they appeared. In a crowded field of sports finalists, ESPN NFL 2K5 excelled in so many areas that it was the clear choice for Best Traditional Sports Game of 2004.

Ever since last year's relaunch of the NFL 2K series under the ESPN banner, the series' already stellar production values have reached new heights in quality. The inclusion of the ESPN logo, the network's familiar graphics style, and even Chris Berman's pregame breakdowns and Suzie Kolber's postgame interviews add a level of immersion to NFL 2K5 that just can't be found elsewhere. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the game looks simply incredible. Forget Halo 2, Fable, and Metal Gear Solid 3--if you really want to see what the PS2 or Xbox can do graphically, pop in ESPN NFL 2K5, strap on your helmet, and prepare for your jaw to hit the floor. As we said in our review, "Hands down, flat out, undeniably, inarguably, this is the best looking football game ever made." Need we say more?

ESPN NFL 2K5 is much more than a pretty face, however. The game's plethora of features range from the sublime (the deep online tournament and league play, and the innovative VIP system, which allows you to download and play against profiles of players across the world) to the ridiculous (cameos by Carmen Electra, Steve-O, and David Arquette as "celebrity" opponents). The game also plays a brand of football that is at once familiar to fans of the series and enhanced with subtle tweaks, such as an improved momentum-based physics system that does wonders for the running game. 2K5's deeper franchise mode also takes into account weekly preparation for each position on your team, giving you the ability to set up weekly training regimens for your players that can include film study, a variety of scrimmages, gym time for tossing iron, or time off. With features such as these, you feel you have more control over your favorite team's chances for success than ever before.

Oh yeah, and did we mention that this game costs only $20?

From top to bottom, ESPN NFL 2K5 was as complete a sports game as could be found on retail shelves in 2004. With all the first-rate content stuffed into the game, Sega could have easily charged a premium price for it and felt perfectly justified. That this much game was available for this little money makes it the best value, and the best sports game, of the year.