This is the best football game made to date! Madden still can't compare with the realism of the 2k series. Madden is an established franchise. It isn't a bad game. Most people are afraid of changes and don't like trying new things. Anyone that has played the 2k series knows how good it is. I personally think the growing popularity of the 2k series is part of the reason for madden snatching up the nfl license. The other side of that is probably the fact that the NFL didn't like sega selling it's games for $20. Madden is now a monopoly. Competition is a good thing! It makes sure that everything put on the market is 'the best you have to offer.' Now madden can just push what ever they want on the public since it's the only source of real football. Back to the goodness of the sega series: No one has ever gotten the first person footbal game down until sega's version. It's flawless! Madden tried with the superstar mode. It has real camera issues. How mad does it make you when you stop a running back on 3rd and short but he drags your lone tackler 3-4 more yards for the first? Didn't you know? Once the runner is engaged with 1 tackler, no one else can assist. Sega keeps it real. If a runner is pushing you back, a nearby teammate can help you stop him dead in his tracks. The maximum passing is very intuitive, helpful,and realistic by sega. Madden's is difficult and has minimum effect. The controls are excellent by sega as well. Running backs can seamlessly string together multiple jukes and spins making varied combinations. DB's also have better response when it comes to tackling, batting down a pass, or trying to break it up after the catch. The overall presentation has always been better than madden's. You have a real half time show! With real highlights from the game. Sports center also shows the exact same footage in the weekly wrap-ups! The commentary is play specific and doesn't seem as scripted as the same old madden phrases. The vip management is a bonus too. It allows you to play against yourself to help better your game. Or import other users and have the computer play just like them. That includes the #1 guy worldwide from the net! The sound/tracks manipulation for different events in the game is a nice extra too. It's not necessary but who wouldn't like to play their own entrance track? Touchdown song? Or just gloating when you get a sack,fumble, or INT? I could go on for days preaching the greatness that is still sega football. I'll end re-iterating...bottom line, madden can't compare!
Superb if you have to describe this game in one word.Lets start off with gameplay its great for anyone.for newcomers its not that hard or not that easy for expereinced players like myself you can even take the challenge ... Read Full Review
By yankeeswin24 | Review Date: Dec 11, 2005 | XBOX
ESPN NFL Football was truely a great game. It was significantly better than Madden at the time. The gameplay and graphics were smooth, and they tackles especially looked smoother than anything seen previously. The onl... Read Full Review
