Usually, I open a review with a witty comment about what the series has done for the Xbox, or with a short synopsis of what to expect. I’m taking a slightly different approach with ESPN NFL 2K5. Instead of starting the review with a sentence about how gorgeous this game is, or about how First Person Football is one of the most unique gaming experiences you can possibly have, I’m going to instead say this…ESPN NFL 2K5 seriously rocks!!

Gameplay:

2K5 is loaded with features. Whether it is the impressive new First Person Football (think Halo, except trading in your Assault Rifle for a football and cleats) or the fully customizable stadium music, 2K5 has no shortage of innovation. You can download updated rosters via Xbox Live, play online with or against a friend, or spend hour’s offline in the Career mode.

The controls are tight and responsive, and they work out well with the Xbox Controller. On offense, nearly every move you could ask for is there – for running backs and wide receivers, you have stiff arms, jukes, spins, and charges. For quarter backs there are ball fakes, spins, and a dodge move to shrug off would-be sacks from oncoming linemen. Each team has a unique playbook designed to fit their style of play on offense and defense, and you can even tweak plays by flipping them in the huddle, or by calling an audible at the line. No worries, though, if you aren’t exactly Jimmy Johnson. For those of us without a real mind for football, 2K5 can simplify things with the Coach’s Pick – a feature that automatically chooses the best play or defense – based on the game’s AI.

All of this, coupled with the small attention to detail like including retro uniforms and legendary teams, make ESPN NFL 2K5 the best American football game available. Yes, better than Madden.

Graphics:

Visually, 2K5 is a treat. Not only are the player models gorgeous (especially considering how many models there are on the field at any given time) but the stadiums are beautifully rendered as well. Even the audience and fans, while still pretty damn ugly, are finally 3D, instead of being moving cardboard cut-outs. The presentation is incredibly slick here as well, and is ESPN accurate with Chris Berman screaming at you. In game presentation is also great, with everything from a sports ticker showing updated stats across the bottom of the screen to beautiful instant replays. Halftime and post game reports are impressive, too, with the game remembering the highlight plays and statistics. It even shows your best plays from start to finish!

Sound:

The sound is top notch, and in every way it feels like an ESPN broadcast. On the field it sounds everything like a football game, and player chatter isn’t just mindless banter to fill the air. Players will talk about coverage and what to expect from the offense, and trash talk from time to time, as well. The stadium music, while not the exact same licensed tracks, resembles the same popular tunes used in NFL stadiums. If you don’t like it, however, no worries – 2K5 allows players to use their custom soundtracks for stadium music. So, if you want to listen to Limp Bizkit, 50 Cent, or Beethoven during a football game, knock yourself out, chief. You finally can.

Overall:

This isn’t an EA game. There’s no advertisements for Burger King, Best Buy, or Coke, and no licensed music from Snoop Dogg or Method Man. You won’t have a pop up constantly reminding you of who you’re listening to, and you won’t have to pay extra for stuff you don’t want like you do in every EA game. That’s right. Not only is ESPN NFL 2K5 a better game, but it’s cheaper, too. Sega Sports went out of their way to lovingly craft an excellent piece of software, and at the price it just can’t be beat. This game will give you hours of entertainment, and if the rosters continue to update via Xbox Live Downloads offers plenty of replay.