ESPN NFL 2K5 is still the king of the virtual gridiron. That is a strong statement considering the numerous improvements to this year's version of EA Sport's Madden NFL '13.
ESPN NFL 2K5 football released just over eight years ago for the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox game console. While the game's graphics are pretty dated, the added features still stands up to this year's edition of Madden. The core game play mechanics are still good enough to run with Madden, but are starting to show the engine's age.
The game featured unparalleled presentation delivering the complete Sunday NFL experience. NFL 2K5 utilize the ESPN license for every aspect of its presentation, including pregame previews, halftime shows and mini-episodes of "Sportscenter."
The replays, menus, stat overlays, crowd cutscenes, and real-life ESPN personalities like Chris "Boomer" Berman and Suzie Kolber are better done than this year's Madden. Although the game hired voice actors instead of real-life commentators, the commentary is top-notch. The jokes are actually funny.
Kolber interjects the game with updates on injured players reports and appears at the end of the game to interview the top player of the contest. Just like an actually NFL broadcast. Additionally, the game was the first good NFL game to feature ESPN anchor Trey Wingo and draft guru Mel Kiper Jr, which gave players the illusion of an actual NFL season. While Madden NFL '13's inclusion of Tweets from analyst is a cool feature it just doesn't compare to hearing the "Sportscenter" theme song and watching highlights segment.
The game's V.I.P. System really allowed gamer to build up their online rivalries, being able to save your friend's profile so not you can practice against his or her tendencies, moves, and logic, was a far better innovation than EA's connected careers mode. The game let you feel like a coach by managing the week-to-week preparation of your team including workout schedules, film breakdowns and more. EA forces you to simulate or participate in tedious practices to earn experience points.
It is hard to compare the on-field play because there is a generation game in the technology, but NFL 2K5 felt more organic on the field, even though it used predetermined animations. There are very few moments when you feel like the computer AI is cheating you out of a game. Madden new infinity engine is step in the right direction, but there is this suction feeling that is still persistent in the game. The 2K game engine is dated, but is more polished.
Madden's new aggressive defensive backs are unrealistically gifted. The NFL's best shut down corner Darelle Revis only had 16 pass defenses last season. It is not uncommon for an unheralded DB to have 8-10 in one game of Madden NFL '13. Madden NFL '13's passing game has moved light years passed what NFL 2K5 presented gamers back in 2004. But it is still a very competent system.
Away from the field as extra EA simply can't touch NFL 2K5, the crib mode gave player incentive to keep playing. You can customize your pad and increase your items by competing against b-level celebs.
The ability to add your very own soundtrack thumps the past in-game Soundtrack of Madden and this year's relatively generic NFL Films music. Customize what song plays when you get a first down, a sack or a touchdown really adds to the immersion of the experience.
Madden NFL '13 is a move in the right direction but still lacks the execution or polish of a title that was released on the previous generation of game consoles. Madden NFL '13 is a great game but NFL 2K5 is a great product. Hopefully for the sake of EA Sports and virtual football games, the NFL will allow EA's exclusive license deal to expire. Competition produces greatness.
Watch NFL 2K5's TV spot below...