Product details

Abstract

Plan out defensive formations, offensive plays, and sign new players to your team in ESPN NFL 2K5, in this entry in the ESPN NFL series.

ESRB rating

Suitable for Persons Ages Six and Older

Full description

Make the right drafts and trades for the right players, properly prepare for game day each week, and execute on the field; then watch coverage of your winning performance on the nation's most popular and respected sports television network. Professional football fans find a new game with a familiar name in Visual Concept's ESPN NFL 2K5. Though the direct follow-up to 2004's ESPN NFL Football, Sega has returned to it's "2K" naming scheme -- perhaps to remind sports gamers of the series' respected heritage.

There's more new to this year's version of the game than just the name, though, as ESPN NFL 2K5 brings a number of additional features to the established football series. The game's "Maximum Tackle" system is designed to put gamers in more direct control. Defensive players can now "wrap-up" a ball carrier to slow him down (if not bring him down), or perform harder hits if their aim is true. Ball carriers still have a chance to break free, however, if they can keep the defenders from holding on or lining up a straight hit. Generally, ESPN NFL 2K5 has been designed to offer a better balance between big hits and broken tackles than the previous year's game.

Other new gameplay features include an "Evade" move that has quarterbacks twisting and ducking to avoid sacks with a deft flick of the right analog stick. A "Virtual Identity Profile" ("V.I.P.") feature records the behavior of a human player, which can later be reloaded to influence a computer opponent's playing style. The games' "First-Person Football" mode returns, allowing players to see the action from behind the quarterback's facemask.

Realistically, some of what determines the winners and losers on the field come Sunday afternoon now relies on all the practice and preparations made the week before. In the week leading up to a contest, gamers can review films, statistics, and other information. Once they know what they are up against, they can have a key player practice certain skills to compensate, or even give him a day off to rest up for the big show.

Building on the previous year's presentation, NFL 2K5 flaunts its ESPN blessings with a television-style production that includes pre-game shows, post-game interviews, and even a highlight reel of games played around the league. Broadcaster personalities include SportsCenter anchor Trey Wingo, Mel Kiper Jr. to dish dirt on the drafts, Suzy Kolber reporting from the field, and Chris Berman wrapping it all up.

Special features

ESPN Presentation: Chris Berman and new sideline reporter Suzy Kolber headline an updated ESPN presentation complete with an expanded half-time & post-game show, player of the game award, skycam and pass/run analysis.

V.I.P. System: After your game, save your friend's profile to compete when he is not available! Learn his tendencies, moves, and logic for more heated battles or play against the profile of coaches around the league to better your skills.

ESPN 25th Anniversary Mode: Play those classic NFL situations over the past 25 years including "the immaculate reception," "the catch" and more. Here is your chance to rewrite history!

Always Online: Real-time stats, buddy lists, and friend connection updates all add to our seamless online play for the ultimate online community experience.

Maximum Tackle: Experience control like never before as defenders decide whether to go for the basic wrap-up tackle or debilitating big hit. Ball carriers have the ability to break out of tackles for extra yardage at a increased chance of fumbling.

New in The Crib: Now you can truly customize your pad with the new points system, allowing you to shop for unique items to style your place. Increase your items by competing against celebs -- all you need to do is answer the call!

Innovative Franchise Play: Manage the week-to-week preparation of your team including workout schedules, film breakdowns and more as well as watch and react to simulated games.

SportsCenter with Chris Berman anchoring and Mel Kiper and Trey Wingo bringing you the latest happenings around the league.

Breakthrough Moves: Dazzling animations such as back of the end zone catches, quarterback evasions, all-new runs, and slips, falls and trips due to real weather changes.

The Emotion of the NFL: Frantic turnover reactions, intense first down signals, quick timeout calls on the ground and the ability to manage your own outrageous touchdown celebrations!

Updated First Person Football: Our exclusive first person mode steps it up with new camera switching, improved audio, passing control options, and more!

Your Game, Your Music: Customize the sounds of the game by using your own ripped music to add some true stadium atmosphere.