I just got the game today, so I haven't really had the chance to get used to it that much.

Anyways, here's what I think so far. And remember, this is coming from a Madden franchise fan since 1992.

The graphics: Amazing, hands-down. EXTREMELY realistic. Player faces were made to near perfection. Field looks VERY real. But perhaps the coolest thing, is the fans. Real-time fan animations. They REALLY kick butt. Anything from finding their seats, to tailgate parties before the game, to getting popcorn at halftime. GREAT graphics, hands-down.
Graphics Rating: *****

The Controls: Well, me being a Madden fan, I really don't like the controls all that much. Most things are the same. Here are the things that ALWAYS get me...
Pressing O to change players on defense. I go for the dang X button every time.
Pressing R1 to intercept a ball. Just hard to remember.
The WORST thing, imo, is having to TAP the X-button as fast as you can to run fast. I LOVE the 'power' feature, but hate having to tap X to run faster.
Control Rating: *** (mostly based on inexperience)

The Gameplay: I will discuss everything else as far as gameplay here...The gameplay is truly amazing. If you're used to the same 'ol Madden gameplay, you're in for a BIG suprise. The first thing I want to talk about is actual in-game play. My favorite feature is the shoulder drop. Especially in your running game. When you're about to hit head-on with a big linebacker or a swift safety, just hit the TRIANGLE button. BOOM! You hit him with a strong shoulder, running over him in the process. It feels really good to run over Ray Lewis and drop him like a rock with that strong shoulder. Another feature (new to Madden fans) is the Charge-up feature. When you're running on offense, or playing defense, you can press and hold the X button and 'charge-up' your player. I LOVE this feature. 'Charge-up' before dropping that huge shoulder to level just about anyone. 'Charge-it-up' before juking out that wily Safety and you will leave him with broken ankles. Also, believe it or not, ESPN NFL 2K5 is actually 1-up on Madden! Yes! 2K5 has a LATERAL! There are lots more to discuss, and I will finish off this review tomorrow hopefully. That's pretty much it for the MAIN gameplay.
Gameplay Rating: *****

Bonus Features: This game features a LOT of bonus features. First, lets talk about Chris Berman and all his crazy shinanigans. Berman has ESPN's "NFL Countdown" before the game, in which Chris goes over the keys to victory for both teams. Also, at Halftime, of course they have the ESPN Halftime Show, where Chris breaks down what happened in the 1st half, complete with stats and stillshot highlights. He also picks "Boomer's Halftime Hero", the best performer of the first half. I LOVE these new features. Also, after the game, the ESPN on-the-field correspondant woman actually interviews the "Player of the Game". Pretty amazing stuff. Also, perhaps the funnest part of the game, "The Crib". Ahh yes, who WOULDN'T want their dream NFL mansion, complete with trophy room, bar, stereo system, tv, and mini-games such as Darts. Also, you have a telephone in which you actually receive phone calls from celebrities challenging you to a game! INCREDIBLY cool feature. Also, you can purchase things to go in your house. But first you must unlock the many catalogs to order from. Earn points by completeing in-game tasks. So all-in-all, The Crib is da bomb. You're a playa, a big balla. Your very own NFL dream house. Livin' large, just like the pros.
Bonuses Rating: *****

Value: Must I even go there?! Gee wiz, this game ass al of this ^^^, and for only $20 F'IN DOLLARS. Geez people, on a scale of 1-10 the value is 100! It's only $20! You get everything you've ever wanted in a football game, and WAY MORE, for the cheapo price of $20. If you like football, and don't get this game, you are a fruitcake. Even if your a SOLE Madden fan, like me, just get the damn game. It's well worth it. Plus, it'll hold us over til Madden gets here.
Value Rating: ********************


(ratings based on 1-5 stars)

thanks for the review ya most of the gameplay things you mentioned were in last year and the controlls ya just hav to get used to, when i played 2k4 i had 7int's in a game as the Chiefs!! So anyway ya get used to it and you can use the triangle button as an int. And what state did you get it, sorry im not trying to ask personnel ?'s but i havent seen it in Ohio.

quote alleniverson3

thanks for the review ya most of the gameplay things you mentioned were in last year and the controlls ya just hav to get used to, when i played 2k4 i had 7int's in a game as the Chiefs!! So anyway ya get used to it and you can use the triangle button as an int. And what state did you get it, sorry im not trying to ask personnel ?'s but i havent seen it in Ohio.

Well, if you meant what state I got the game in, I got in in my home state of Virginia. Wonder why you haven't seen it up in Buckeye country?

I've seen it at my local Wal Mart in Iowa,my parents won't allow me to get it yet until they get back from vacation.They don't want me and my brother out of the house.But yeah I'll definetly buy this by Saturday when my parents get home.

i hope i can get it soon

allen u live in ohio

yep actually i just got the game a week or so ago, and i completly agree with pimpjuice, except for the controll part but thats cause im used to Segas controlls. This game wa very cool when you can play celebritie's teams, i like Jamie Kennedy the most cause he says the coolest things out of the 4 ive seen so far, Funk Masta Flex is just plain annoying

Pretty solid review, but you left out a few very important things.

Im also a huge Madden fan. But ill tell you this. Madden 05 better totally blow me away if they expect me to drop 50 bucks on it. This ESPN 2005 has everything you need, and more, for 30 bucks less.


The best part of this game for me is the weekly planning. Wow. I cant stress how great this is.

If your team is lacking, you can use player/position specific drills to coach up their skills during the week. Team meetings, coaches/coordinator film reviews, rehab injured players, the works.

This is awesome.

I put my linebackers through some grueling practices with 3 sets of pursuit drills, 3 sets of strip ball/tackling drills, and 3 sets of beating block drills. At the end of the week, my linebackers had all improved 5 points.

This is totally cool. You take the actual role of the coach, scout your opponent, and coach the positions that you are weak at, to make them better.

Not to mention that this game allows you to trade current, and draft picks from the next season this time.

The draft blows Madden completely out of the water. Madden's draft has always been a crap shoot at best, if you didnt rent or purchase the college game and import some rookies.

Presentation on this game rocks. Better commentary, full face scans, player reactions on the sidelines, postgame interview with the player of the game, Madden offers none of this.

Not to mention the first person football mode, which is really really cool.

Its fine if youre still a solid Madden fan, because I think Madden's gameplay is still awesome. But for 20 dollars, you cannot go wrong buying this game. And it knocks Madden out of the park in the presentation area.

wow. i'm a madden guy all the way, but i am totally convinced. i'm grabbing this first thing in the AM. it's especially helpful to read such a glowing review from a guy in the same (madden) boat as me.

as for madden, maybe i'll rent it just to see what it's like, but for right now i'm so looking forward to espn.

thanks for the review. that helps a lot. never can be sure aobut the game site reviews. the $20 is pretty amazing. i wonder what this'll mean for other titles in the future. it sure woudl be nice if the others felt compelled to drop their number. i can't get ncaa, espn and madden. think i'll go with espn, and rent the other two and then pull the trigger on one of them

thanks for the review. that helps a lot. never can be sure aobut the game site reviews. the $20 is pretty amazing. i wonder what this'll mean for other titles in the future. it sure woudl be nice if the others felt compelled to drop their number. i can't get ncaa, espn and madden. think i'll go with espn, and rent the other two and then pull the trigger on one of them

ok, i would like to remind all of you that the place for reviews is here, not in the forums.

ok, i would like to remind all of you that the place for reviews is here, not in the forums.