Customer Reviews

ESPN NFL Football

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Okay I will not compare this to Madden, because this version justs beats Madden with the ugly stick. Espn combines a killer presentation, top notch gameplay, a good amount of modes/options and the best graphics out period all in one game. 2k3 had problems, this does also but they are minor and do not take away from the gameplay.
Graphics: The best out period, the players are proportioned well, the Stadiums are done perfectly, the fans and sideline graphics are great. It is a poetry in motions because the animations are so good, anyone that says madden has better graphics needs glasses.
Presentation: Its called ESPN for a reason and from the bootup you see why. It feels like Monday night football every time you play, Berman does a very nice job. Not perfect, but way ahead of other games.
Sound: I love the sound here, bit hits, fans screaming, coaches screaming, music blaring over the Pa. The commentary may seem repetitive, but when you make a great play a new line usually shows up.
Gameplay: This game fixed jsut aobut everything from 2k3 that was wrong, not everything but very close to it. They turned the ship and made it sail right. The passing, running, animations, play calling menu, amount of plays, the game speed. It all flows so smooth together that my head shakes in disbelief sometimes, "No he just did not do that!!!" Now as for things being too easy, on the default pro level it is easy. However bump that up a few notches and that is not the case, also use the sliders to find the game you like best. The sliders do work.
The only downfall I can find is that tackling maybe a little too hard for the casual fan, but this game has always had a steep learning curve. Once you play enough, you can take someone one on one, I do it often. Just take into account who it is, Ricky Williams has a break tackle rating of over 90!! That means he is goign to be hard to tackle. You can edit rosters so i just knocked him down a little. Take good angles to tackle, don't dive, charge, use zones, etc and the tackle issue is no more.

**First person Football and the Crib: These are 2 new features that were put in and I love them. First person Football has done before, it is you playing inside the helet. While this limits you straight forward vision, the control system to it is nicely done (Halo). Once you get used to it you will love it, could use some polish but makes you feel like your in the game.
The Crib I was skeptical of, but it is actually pretty fun. Basically you get this 1 floor pad to pimp out, and the way you get that is by doing hella good on the football field. Get 3 sacks, a long td pass, a td return, etc and you are rewarded. There is a entertainment room, bar, game room, living room, and even a hot tub. There is also a waterfall, etc. I like the diverse selection of unlockables, including cheats. I thought it would suck, but is pretty fun. Hopefully they expand on the idea more next year, maybe a car outside to pimp out and 1 more level. Still great fun and glad they put it in.

***The only bad thing is the challenge system is not tuned up all the way, but is still far more advanced then anything else in any other game.

Overall this is possibly one of the best football games ever made, as close to perfect as anyone has ever come. You will not be dissapointed in it, but if you have never played it before I suggest you stick to the default level for a while. This is a challenging game tha tmakes you read the defense, throw timed passes and play a good football game. Just like in the NFL, ONE MISTAKE CAN KILL YOUR MOMENTUM IN THE GAME. Excellent job on this and I look forward to seeing wha tthey can do in the future.

This game is simply the best football game I have ever seen. The player models are in a league of their own, the stadiums look beautiful, the animations are unparalleled, and the game engine moves as smoothly as silk. The ESPN presentation takes the cake, but even without the halftime highlight shows and the ESPN overlays, this would still be the best looking football game I've ever seen.

It looks great, and it plays even better. ESPN has the best offensive and defensive playbooks around, pre-snap adjustment options that are comparable to Madden (not as elegantly done, but arguably more useful), the best lineplay I've ever seen, great run blocking, true pockets on passing plays, pass routes that are actually based on drops, defensive backs and linebackers that play great zone coverage, and it goes on and on and on. The special teams play is weighted too far towards the offense- it is possible to return multiple kickoffs and/or punt returns for touchdowns, but this adds needed stress to an area that ends up being pretty dull in most football games. The franchise mode is solid, and the online play is second to none. VC has done a nice job of fixing several of the cheats players used last year, and while there undoubtedly will be new ones found, the overall experience is excellent.

I could have made the review a lot shorter. If you own an Xbox and have any interest at all in football, you need to pick this game up immediately.

It took almost four years, but Sega Sports finally got it right. As an avid football gamer, I would always buy the current editions of the Madden and NFL 2k series since both offered the most exciting and realistic game play I've ever seen. But year after year, Madden would always beat out the NFL 2k series in terms of overall game play, yet the margin grew gradually smaller as the years progressed. However, I can truly say that this year's version of Sega's NFL game truly outshines Madden 2004.

This year, Sega fully utilizes the ESPN brand name after obtaining the license late in the development cycle of last years game. Playing the game is like watching an actual NFL broadcast on the world's leading sports channel. The presentation is phenomenal. Those who watch Sunday Night Football on ESPN will immediately recognize the slick graphics and music during the intros. Getting Chris Berman to do the commentary during the pre-game, half-time, and post-game shows was a home run. His unique witticisms add a certain amount of flavor to the game. Tell me if one doesn't get goose bumps when he spits out his famous, "He-could-go-all-the-way!," during post game replays. ESPN NFL Football should definitely be the blueprint as to how to successfully take advantage of a license.

Those that are familiar with the NFL 2k series know that the graphics have been one of the game's biggest selling points. This year is no different, if not better. The player models are the most realistic and detailed I've ever seen. Players are size-proportionate to their real life counterparts and sport specific playing gear only unique to them. No fan will mistaken Ricky Williams with his imposing black visor and the dreds sticking out from under his helmet. A nice touch was added cut-scenes in-between plays that showed player and fan reactions after a big play or a costly turnover. Jerseys would also get dirty and worn as the game wore on. And depending on the playing surface, the field would gradually deteriorate during the course of a game. I just loved these little details. The stadium recreations were also amazing. Being from San Diego, I was amazed at how accurately Qualcomm Stadium was rendered including the surroundings outside the arena. I even recognized some of the buildings that were adjacent to the stadium. You can tell how much care was put into the look of the game.

However, a game cannot just go on presentation alone. Thankfully, NFL 2k4 also offers fantastic game play. Gamers will immediately recognize the new play calling system. Borrowing from Madden, plays are now selected from a menu at the bottom of the screen by pressing an assigned button. Gone is the awkward cursor that you had to direct in order to highlight a play you wanted to execute. Passing and running plays are varied and there are plenty to choose from. Of course, if you're not satisfied with those that are available, you can create your own playbook which seems to be the latest craze in football gaming. An added feature this year allows the "coach" to suggest a play for you by pressing the left-trigger button. A major gripe I had with last year's game was that during passing plays, the receiver would almost always drop a pass once he was immediately tackled. This year's game fixes the problem. Granted, there will be instances when the receiver will drop a ball after being floored, but it happens much less frequently. Running is a little too easy though, especially if you have a stud running back. It isn't hard to make a ten or twenty yard rushing gain, especially with the bevy of moves that are now available for your running back. By charging up a power meter, you can pull off more effective jukes, spins, and stiff arms than ever before. The power meter stays charged for only a few seconds which makes it important to choose which move to utilize in order to gain the first down. A small gripe I have with this year's game is that on defense, it is difficult to bring down a receiver or a ball carrier with an individual tackler which makes gang tackles almost crucial to bring down an opponent. Regardless, the player animations are beautiful. For instance, when a running back is met head on at the line of scrimmage, he may continue to push back the defender in order to gain that extra yard or two. Or on defense, a cornerback will dive in front of a receiver to snatch a one handed interception. I don't think I have yet to see the same player animation twice.

The NFL 2k series have definitely grown since it's inception on the Dreamcast. Only time will tell if Sega Sports can maintain it's excellence. However, after playing this game, I think it's safe to say that they will.

Sega/ESPN vs. EA/Madden, the ultimate debate. Madden's got better graphics, better extras, and better stats. Not to mention you can build your own stadium and even set the price the fans pay for a burger. As a guy who bought his first EA game in 1990, it actually pains me to say it but, ESPN is just the better game. Why? If only EA had spent as much time on the game play as it did at the concession stand. Sega spent their time making a game that has tighter controls, a better running game, and a easier play calling interface then EA's latest installment. Admittedly, it would be nice if you could save mid-game like Madden (a feature that is way overdue) and the first person view is a gimmick, but Sega/ESPN just makes a more playable, enjoyable, and fair game. I say fair because EA's shot at solid IA is the computer picking a run defense if you are going to run and a pass defense if you are going to pass. Despite the down or yardage to go, the computer chooses the right set, in advance, EVERY time. Trust me, if you run on 3rd and 20 out of the shotgun, the computer will play the 4-3. That kind of "cheating" makes Madden VERY frustrating, along with it's nonexistant running game and completely inaccurate kicking system. As far as extras go, ESPN does have fan celebrations including painted fat guys. Sure they are gross but they are also cool and add to the fun of a solid ESPN title. Sorry EA, maybe next year. Bottom line if you want to sell burgers, buy Madden. If you want to play football, choose ESPN.

First, I must admit that I've been along time fan of the Madden series and have alot of respect for it. Madden 2004 is a great game, BUT is no where near ESPN Football.

This game is loaded and was very well thought out from the ground up. The running game is fantastic, and I love how you can charge your player up for a super move. It takes some pretty good timeing to get used to, however its fun and sometimes effective. Should we even mention the passing? It's awesome. I love having the ability to check out the defensive formation, see who is going to have one on one coverage and try and exploit the weakness its awesome. Oh, yeah and its also nice knowing that the computer on offense or defense is not going to auto adjust its-self to counter act what ever play you pick. And lastly there is the defense end of things. Gang tackling is a must and is very incouraged. However the ability to read what the offense is doing or what you think they are doing, just adds so much realism.

Next, I would like to mention the presentation. The graphics are almost perfect. The cheerleaders actually shake there money makers. And your fans go crazy, with face paint, signs, the whole 9 yards. Not to mention the half time summary is truly amazing. And then there are the instant replays WOW!!
Oh, my and then there is audio. The crowd ambience, music playing on the pa, the players constantly punking each other out. Some times calling the QB or HB by there first names.

This game is by far the best football game I have ever played. We have weekly touranments in the dorm, and it doesnt matter if you are playing or not, people still come and watch. This game is exciting, the graphics are outstanding, and the sound is out of this world.

Good game Sega sports. GG.

I played this game at E3, I think it was around 50% and I also played Madden 2004. EA Sports' Madden 2004 feels the same way, I seriously don't know any of the improvements that they "claim" have been done. On the other hand, this year the graphics have been improved in some ways for ESPN Football such as more facial expressions, sharper graphics, more detail environmnet (field, fans, lockers, etc.). In addition, Sega now has official ESPN commentators and the commentary is STILL the best in the market (check all websites that review games). Also, the new "first person view" camera feels great. Other games have tried this before but they felt lame.
Anyway, as always, Sega has taken Football simulation to the next level by improving graphics, adding many more sequences not only for players, but for fans as well (raider nation fans, cheese heads, etc), exclusive ESPN license, more extended "franchise mode," innovating first person view, and perfect control response.

It took almost four years, but Sega Sports finally got it right. As an avid football gamer, I would always buy the current editions of the Madden and NFL 2k series since both offered the most exciting and realistic game play I've ever seen. But year after year, Madden would always beat out the NFL 2k series in terms of overall game play, yet the margin grew gradually smaller as the years progressed. However, I can truly say that this year's version of Sega's NFL game truly outshines Madden 2004.

This year, Sega fully utilizes the ESPN brand name after obtaining the license late in the development cycle of last years game. Playing the game is like watching an actual NFL broadcast on the world's leading sports channel. The presentation is phenomenal. Those who watch Sunday Night Football on ESPN will immediately recognize the slick graphics and music during the intros. Getting Chris Berman to do the commentary during the pre-game, half-time, and post-game shows was a home run. His unique witticisms add a certain amount of flavor to the game. Tell me if one doesn't get goose bumps when he spits out his famous, "He-could-go-all-the-way!," during post game replays. ESPN NFL Football should definitely be the blueprint as to how to successfully take advantage of a license.

Those that are familiar with the NFL 2k series know that the graphics have been one of the game's biggest selling points. This year is no different, if not better. The player models are the most realistic and detailed I've ever seen. Players are size-proportionate to their real life counterparts and sport specific playing gear only unique to them. No fan will mistaken Ricky Williams with his imposing black visor and the dreds sticking out from under his helmet. A nice touch was added cut-scenes in-between plays that showed player and fan reactions after a big play or a costly turnover. Jerseys would also get dirty and worn as the game wore on. And depending on the playing surface, the field would gradually deteriorate during the course of a game. I just loved these little details. The stadium recreations were also amazing. Being from San Diego, I was amazed at how accurately Qualcomm Stadium was rendered including the surroundings outside the arena. I even recognized some of the buildings that were adjacent to the stadium. You can tell how much care was put into the look of the game.

However, a game cannot just go on presentation alone. Thankfully, NFL 2k4 also offers fantastic game play. Gamers will immediately recognize the new play calling system. Borrowing from Madden, plays are now selected from a menu at the bottom of the screen by pressing an assigned button. Gone is the awkward cursor that you had to direct in order to highlight a play you wanted to execute. Passing and running plays are varied and there are plenty to choose from. Of course, if you're not satisfied with those that are available, you can create your own playbook which seems to be the latest craze in football gaming. An added feature this year allows the "coach" to suggest a play for you by pressing the left-trigger button. A major gripe I had with last year's game was that during passing plays, the receiver would almost always drop a pass once he was immediately tackled. This year's game fixes the problem. Granted, there will be instances when the receiver will drop a ball after being floored, but it happens much less frequently. Running is a little too easy though, especially if you have a stud running back. It isn't hard to make a ten or twenty yard rushing gain, especially with the bevy of moves that are now available for your running back. By charging up a power meter, you can pull off more effective jukes, spins, and stiff arms than ever before. The power meter stays charged for only a few seconds which makes it important to choose which move to utilize in order to gain the first down. A small gripe I have with this year's game is that on defense, it is difficult to bring down a receiver or a ball carrier with an individual tackler which makes gang tackles almost crucial to bring down an opponent. Regardless, the player animations are beautiful. For instance, when a running back is met head on at the line of scrimmage, he may continue to push back the defender back to gain an extra yard or two. Or on defense, a cornerback will dive and grab a one handed interception from a quarterback. I don't think I have yet to see the same player animation twice.

The NFL 2k series have definitely grown since it's inception on the Dreamcast. Only time will tell if Sega Sports can maintain it's excellence. However, after playing this game, I think it's safe to say that they will.

This is the football game you have been waiting for! The graphics are astonishing. Every player has their own face, and the animations rule. The dynasty is deep and awesome. You can challenge plays and do gang tackles. One of the best parts is you can go in to first person mode. You feel like you're inside the helmet of a football player! The presentation and audio is also great! With the ESPN look, it feels like you are watching a real football game! Don't get Madden! I repeat don't get Madden! You will love ESPN a lot more. Fever 2004 comes close but ESPN beats by a 99 yard touchdouwn. Get this game! You don't even need to rent it because, you will love it once you play it. Get this game and enjoy... Everything about this game is just perfect.

Okay... here it is. I'm going to put it nice and simple, whether you're one of those EA Sports loyalists or not: Madden is STALE. There - I said it. Get over it. I own Madden '04... (the entire series, from the Genesis days; I also have all of the 2K series) don't get me wrong, it's a nice game. But let's face it - it's Madden '03 with a nose job. That 'Playmaker Control' mode is alright, but it's hardly revolutionary. It's what we call a GIMMICK - nothing wrong with that at all. But if your game is going to be more or less solely marketed on a gimmick, you need to make it one that definately has a major impact on the overall gameplay. Madden '04 - make your QB point at people. Oooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh... (come on, admit it - I'd say at least 80% of the time my blocks never get there in time) Oh yeah, you can build a stadium and set concession prices. ...right.

Now, for ESPN Football...

Sega knows how to do things - they have consistently made drastic improvements over the previous year's installment since they debuted on the Dreamcast back in 2000. This year, they've outdone themselves. The presentation is second to none. It's like watching a game on TV - really. You can literally sit there and just watch demo games... and not care. The gameplay is extraordinary. No major flaws at all, and not many minor ones. For newbies, this game definately isn't as easy to just pick up and play as Madden - you'll need to spend some time practicing. Fans of the series will find it familiar, but still different enough to warrant a few Quick Games and a thorough review of the instruction book. (Why does Madden come with a manual anymore?? It's like the Tetris of sports video games.) Everything has been tweaked over the years, so it's really hard to find anything to complain about. They've revamped the running engine - maybe a little bit too much. It's pretty easy to pull off 10-20 yard runs with a decent running back. (I still prefer the more fluid running animation on Madden, though... Sega still has players looking like they're highstepping the entire time, however the reactions to tackles and how your back reacts to the line - i.e. pushing his own blockers - is what gives this running game an 'A' in my book) Passing is simple enough, though repeated attempts at long bombs or forcing into coverage will result in you turning the ball over, much to the dismay of your teammates, coach and fans. (And you get to see them all interact with the game situations!!) One gripe I had with 2K3 was if you got hit after you made a catch, the ball was coming loose. That's been addressed realistically this year - you'll still have it pop out a few times, especially after getting blasted or blindsighted. But that's to be expected. Maybe next year the helmets will fly off... or maybe it does it on this one and I just haven't had it happen yet. You keep seeing different stuff throughout the games... I have yet to see everything twice. That's crazy...

Anyway, the graphics have to be seen to be believed... each player looks exactly like himself. (Not like those retarded Madden models) Everything from the field textures to the stadiums, to the uniforms, cheerleaders (WAAAAAAAAAAAY better than Madden's) and the fans - truly an NFL experience. Anyone familiar with the Sega franchise knows about the audio commentary - it's the most detailed and realistic (not to mention funny) commentary on any video game, period. Even die-hard Madden nuts have to admit that one over the years. I can't think of anyone who could be a worse commentator or more annoying than Madden, except maybe Prince or Mike Tyson. These guys are good... they refer to past performances and have relevant (hear that, EA Sports?!) information to present to the game. It's the total package. (They do seem to mess up a bit when commenting on the punts though, in my opinion: a 35-40 yard punt that pins the opposing team inside the 20 or better isn'a terrible kick, as they'll be quick to label it.)

The franchise mode (one of EA's staples) is nice - nowhere near as in-depth as Madden's, but honestly I'm not going to play this game for 30 seasons, simulated or not. I have a life. I just want something fun for the time I'm playing it now. And Sega has their own little 'gimmicks': there's The Crib, a virtual showcase for all of your trophies and hidden/unlocked items (pretty addictive after awhile, and something else to do with the game after you've been playing for awhile); and there's the First-Person Mode. This gameplay is pretty smooth, and makes the best use of the in-the-helmet view to date. The action is pretty intense - I couldn't imagine playing an entire game, let alone a season like that. There's a button to slow down the action (Matrix-like) for a few seconds so you have time to react... nice touch. This game has it all.

Bottom line: EA Sports (save for Live last year, maybe) isn't doing anything new. Madden's a good game, but only because it was a good game last year and the year before. Sega Sports (look out for that ESPN NBA Basketball!!!!) is raising the bar considerably. This is - by two touchdowns - the best football game of all time, and quite possibly the best game out period. People, stop the predjudice - get this game if you enjoy watching football, and love playing it. It's the best of both worlds. Anyone care to argue - let's settle it online. (Ooooohhhhh, I know. Poor Madden fans - that was below the belt. I'm sorry... HA!)

I had rented this not knowing how good this would be. I had rented this out of the frustration of Madden's weak gameplay and unrealistic ratings and that there was nothing else there. When I came home, I popped in the CD, and I was hooked! And if all goes well in NFL 2K5 I could safely say that "I am no longer a slave to the EA corporation!"

Pros: 1. Realistic Simulation of the game of football

2. First Person Football a smash hit (feel the game without breaking your bones and tearing up your ACL's)

3. ESPN License used to perfection (and the scary part is, It can go even deeper into the license)

4. The Crib is just what NFL 2K3 was missing, something to do outside the franchise mode (much cooler to go through a pimped-out house than a generic menu)

5. Progression of players much less erratic

6. The O-Line Blocks! See how it is much easier to run up the holes than in Madden! (Only on ESPN)

7. The Secondary Defends! There will be more battered balls and less one-on-ones where the reciever usually wins, meanwhile not having such a strict secondary so how CB's are picking off balls left and right (Makes you proud to have Champ Bailey!)

8. More Fluid Running in Players (more button mashing and players no longer run like mechs!)

9. Xbox Players can import their Crib music to to main menu.

10. E-Mail system makes it easier for gamers to cruise around the franchise mode

Cons: 1. Franchise mode has done minimal to respond to Madden's Owner Mode (last year's Iron Curtain is this year's Achilles Heel)

2. False start is never called

3. Online play hasn't improved much as well (just tweaks, no major overhauls, but still a great experience)

4. Corners usually tend to tackle the reciever when the ball is in the air, and pass interference is never called except for some exceptions!

5. Tackles dont keep up with defensive ends when rushing for the QB in the Pocket

6. Some crib accompilshments are too easy to get (enter Franchise mode) while some are near impossible (0 total yards allowed the whole game?)

7. Cutscenes of fans and cheerleaders are good, but too generic

QUESTIONS: Do all cheerleaders have implants? Which move like stone? Wouldn't you have started out in apartment in a ghetto or skid row THEN move your way up to a pimped-out house?

FINAL VERDICT: Buy it! if you are anti-EA, it is all the better to buy this game! I will guarantee you that you will play this game for hours on end!