ESPN NFL 2K5 screenshots   The Final Say! Gameplay 8.9 Graphics 9.0 Sound 8.8 Value 8.9 ESPN NFL 2K5  Review Date: January 2005 Review Score: 8.9/10  Distributed By: Take2 Interactive

"Inspirational football at its best!" The latest NFL football frenzy has finally landed on the XBox and what was once a market dominated by Electronic Arts,  now has a new contender. For those that are unaware of the ESPN NFL franchise by gaming geniuses SEGA and Visual Concepts, ESPN NFL 2K5 takes gamers on the America football circuit that not only supports state of the art graphics and gameplay but also up to four players in some of the most exciting football fun to hit the XBox world of sports in the long time. Although the title features the usual gaming features of all good NFL games, tte most noticeable aspect of this franchise is the first person football mode that allows players to go head to head with a variety of realistic players that is as close as us mere mortals will ever get to actually playing the game. Apart from the exciting and sometimes difficult first person football mode, 25K also features two new gameplay modes that includes a V.I.P system and a weekly prep system. The V.I.P system is a strange new addition to the franchise that basically records and mimics your actions throughout the game so that other players (e.g. friends) can "play" against your ghost games which basically allows them to discover your flaws and weaknesses.  Another interesting addition is the inclusion of the weekly prep system that although is only available in the franchise mode, basically lets you handle the  micromanagement of the NFL football system that allows you to perform a variety of actions such as scouting for new players and also creating new training regimes for your team to name a few of features. This new feature is strictly for the hardcore NFL gamers who want that extra touch of realism to their gaming diets. ESPN NFL 2K5 also features a variety of gameplay modes that are ideal for a variety of players from the novice to professional. Modes such as exhibition, practice, first person football, ESPN 25th anniversary, situation and tournament modes are some of the exciting and not-so-exciting gameplay options. For instance, one cannot beat the exhibition modes for that quick game of football, whereas the 25th anniversary mode is truly another addition for those hardcore gamers that wish to replay classic NFL moments from the last 25 years of American football. The game also contains a plethora of extras that includes various unlockable items such as merchandising, improving your player statistics and even some memorable appearances by celebrities such as Carmen Electra and Jackass' Steve-O in the crib mode! Clearly the developers have decided to include these new mini-games to help with the longevity of this addictive NFL sports title which gets my thumbs up. The control system of ESPN NFL 2K5 is also quite intuitive which allows the gamer to do a variety of manoeuvres from jukes to leaps and also some clever turbo boosts that are littered throughout the gaming environment. The game uses a sensitive pressure system that allows you to pass the ball with perfect accuracy or run at various speeds. The play books also features dozens of different plays that can be flawlessly implemented into your gaming repertoire.

Graphically, ESPN NFL 2K5 is a visual treat and contains excellent visual graphics from highly detailed players to some of the most realistic football stadiums that I have ever laid my eyes upon. Everything in the game also has this beautiful bright colour palette to it and match that with some realistic player movements and you have one realistic game. 

When it comes to sound effects, the title contains impressive commentary by Chris Berman and Suzy Kobler who really help give gamers a true play-by-play of the events that are happening in the game. It should also be noted that nothing sounds too forced or contrived with the commentary that flows perfectly without any stuttering or lag whatsoever. 2K5 also contains an addictive soundtrack and match that with some realistic sounds of American football from the tackles of 6'4 players to the sounds of scrums, thuds and a crowd going wild when their home team gets a goal and it's almost as if you are really there.

ESPN NFL 2K5 is a great game that contains some extremely realistic and enjoyable gameplay with state of the art graphics and also a game that is filled with as much replay value as you could poke a stick with. Although some may say it may not be on par with EA's latest NFL game, I beg to differ and say that both games are different but 2K5 has quite a few more gameplay modes that really spreads the life of this awesome American football game. An inspiration sporting experience that's definitely worth checking out!

- Andrew B