With its ESPN-license backing up this altogether Great game, VisualConcepts redefines the gridiron game without gimmicks
ESPN prides itself through its excellent broadcast of sports-related material. And although videogames and broadcasting are two different mediums that share loose things in common, the excellence that permeates ESPNs very pores is replicated in this title. Visual Concepts has listened to its fans and fixed the quirks that riddled the last installment of this title (i.e. Jerry Rice dropping perfect passes while wide-open, a somewhat confusing running system). It has also signed with Take-Two to distribute its game, which led to a favorable price-drop in its MSRP, going from $49.99 to a delicious $19.99. You might be thinking to yourself, "Most crappy games have a low MSRP in order to reel in buyers". I agree with you there, but once in a while you have a game that defies its competitors and leaves its 'ball' hanging in the open. Such a game is ESPN NFL 2005. With a robust Franchise mode, excellent presentation of its ESPN license, and an altogether great gameplay style, don't be alarmed if this title stays in your XBox for many, many months.
The gameplay of this game, at first, is quite confusing to understand. ("I'm supposed to press this and that while holding this to run with my QB? What the flip!") I agree that it takes a while to understand, but like another great title of the same sport pronunciation yet different actual sport definition (Winning Eleven) it's not the difficulty of learning that takes center-stage but how it translates to the all-around playing experience. Let me assure you, the translation is more than fluid: It's perfection. When you break a tackle and sprint across the field for 80 yards, not only will your ball-handler be sweating, don't be surprised if your forehead is moist with perspiration as well. Every yard is earned, every sack feels glorious, and interceptions make you want to jump in joy as you mock your opponent's decision to throw the ball in Ty Law's direction. (As an afterthought to this paragraph, you CAN return a kickoff return for a touchdown; I've done it once and the feeling is beyond orgasmic.)
When it comes to capturing the sound of playing football, Visual Concepts has done a stellar job. From the bone-crushing hits to the sometimes goofy yet spot on announcing by Dan Stevens and Peter O'Keefe, VC has made the experience of playing a real game of football audibly marvelous. (I'll agree that sometimes they're comments might get a bit repetitive, but anything is better than hearing Madden say "90 Percent of the game is half mental") You'll give off a laugh or two as you sack the opponent and play off one of your custom songs that you have selected if such an event occurs.
I won't go into details about the Crib or the Franchise mode as it has been many months since I've played those modes. I'll give an overall quick statement on both. The Crib points are a great way to buy things for your Crib, but it's better implemented when it comes to giving you awards for breaking certain records (such as kicking a 55-yd field goal or returning a 90 yard interception for a touchdown). Playing celebrities is somewhat enjoyable, but this won't be garnishing your attention for too long. As for the Franchise mode, expect to be hooked on this for many, many months. It's presentation is at first a bit too much, but once you get the hang of being in the front-office and calling the important shots (such as trading Jay Fiedler and AJ Feeley to the nun's league, never to return ever to the Dolphins roster) you'll feel right at home.
Madden was aware at the greatness that Visual Concepts brought about. In order to combat this EA took out an exclusive licensing deal with the NFL and, due to this, Visual Concepts is not allowed to create games with the NFL license for the next 5 years. Shame this is, really, as Visual Concepts showed EA's developers what a true simulation-style game of football should be made. If you haven't picked up this copy of ESPN 2005, I recommend you stop reading this now and go forth, brethren! Sure the rosters are outdated, but somehow due to this, the game has become more of a chess-like match between opponents as one capitalizes on minor mistakes the opposite team commits. Hopefully Visual Concepts has a surprise up its sleeve and creates a "Blitz The League"-esque game for the 2006 football season. For now, throw away that copy of Madden 06 that you've been trying to enjoy (I say trying because it's basically a rehashed version of the previous year with a badly implemented QB Vision [A good example of a good idea badly drawn]) pop into your console this great title. You'll realize you've wasted a year playing a watered-down version of a football game.
-Mike Palma.