My Madden Nfl 2005 Impressions.

[GIVEME6]

First off, whoever said the graphics weren't upgraded is a retard. The players look alot better even though they are stylized like those found in NCAA, but with better shading and shadowing. Obviously they are no match for ESPN's, but then again the PS2 was the lead SKU. One thing I thought was cool and I hope you notice it, is the jumbotrons in the stadiums. They actually have a nice glow to them that really makes them look real, unlike the past Madden games where it was more like a PIP. The animations are better this year and there aren't any awkward "transition animations" like those found in ESPN. Everything is very fluid, especially the hits and tackles which have a "feel" to them unlike ESPN.

The running game is vastly improved, and the players plant and cut like they do in NCAA but they don't feel "floaty" at any point like they do in ESPN at times. I had trouble breaking off any really long runs, but I finally did with Tatum Bell. This year it seems as if not just any running back will do like last year's Madden. I could bust out a near 2,000 yard season with any back as long as he was decently fast, but there is a big difference between a Garrison Hearst and a Quentin Griffin. The "cover up" button is something you'll wanna use if your RB has a low "carry rating" as this cuts down on fumbles when getting nailed by two LBs, and it does help you bust tackles but that seems to be kinda rare and is nowhere near the results of ESPN's charged move.

I could bust out a near 2,000 yard season with any back as long as he was decently fast, but there is a big difference between a Garrison Hearst and a Quentin Griffin. The O-line blocks really well and realistically(Denver's O-line anyway) and I love how you can send a WR in motion and snap the ball while he's behind the line and use him as an extra blocker. That was one of the reasons why I was able to take Bell to the house for that long gainer.

The passing game isn't as realistic as ESPN's, as you can still drop back pretty far and still deliver a spot on pass. The "alternate routes" your receivers have access in certain plays and formations are cool as hell, but they sometimes don't make the "right decision" due to a lower awareness rating. For example Rod Smith's primary route was a curl, but his alternates were a fade and a post. When I saw the DB stay at home in the cover two and the SS drift of to the left side of the field I was hoping he would run the post and he did and I got a nice gain off of it. All in all, the passing game hasn't changed that much and the playbooks are a bit too familiar but they did "characterize" the teams better in terms of playbooks. The BRONCOS now have some nice PA rollout plays that they run IRL which really adds to the "authenticity" of the game.

The D is VASTLY improved. I went ahead and got the strategy guide with the game strictly to help me implement all the options and shifts you have at your disposal, and I've yet to really get a handle on half of them so far. I really like the ability to bring your safeties in the box to help out in the run, or disguise to coverages. I got two INT's by making my buddy thinking I was playing the run, only to have Ferguson and Lynch drop into coverage and pick one off. The HIT stick is a TON better than Maximum tackle.

The hits are brutal, and they don't cause a fumble fest like most of you feared. You can feel the hits, and for the first time ever in a Madden game I saved a replay of Kenoy Kennedy taking off Eddie Kennison's head. You can make any LB blitz no matter what the play, but there is no delayed blitz like in ESPN sadly. I hear that you can change formations at the line like they do in the NFL sometimes(not talking about audibles) but I haven't looked at the book long enough to learn how. The CPU AI is AWESOME, as you HAVE to mix up your play calling or you'll pay the price with punts. It's not "cheap" awesome, it's just smart. I didn't experience any catch up AI like last year,so all is well.

The Radio Show is ok, but the newspaper is worthless. Especially in preseason. Nothing informative, cool, or otherwise useful comes out of this feature but you can check out the position battles in preseason. BUT, it says the same **** over and over every week so the first time you look at it, you won't ever have to again. Player signings are cool as hell too, as the players now take into account the prestige of your team instead of just money. You can pull up a menu to see what exactly a player is looking for in his new team is NUMEROUS categories that are broken down. I'm nowhere near finished with my season, so I can't comment on RFAs and franchise tags.

Player customzation options are nice. You can make the Madden players look damn near identical equipment wise to their real life counterparts. All the helmets are represented and whatnot, but the tattoos for the players are still pretty limited. Players get dirty ALL THE TIME like always, which is something ESPN ****ed up on because dirt is dirty even when it ain't wet.

I'm a little disappointed with the roster omissions like every year, but the updates will cure that. Some omissions may boggle your mind depending on how hardcore you are concerning your team.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

All in all I'm VERY please with Madden 2005 and their are alot of things I've yet to implement such as the defensive audibles so it's just gonna get beter, and that means it's off to GameStop with ESPN. What Madden may lack in presentation and graphics, it more than makes it up in gameplay and detail even though the players in Madden look alot better than I thought. If you enjoy ESPN, you still owe it to yourself to try this game out especially if you liked 2004. 2005 improves alot of what was wrong with that game, mainly the D, and adds alot of USEFUL stuff to the franchise mode such as franchise tags and RFAs. If I had to put a score on this game, I'd give it a 9.5.
__________________

[BDubSkizills]

Thank you for that detailed review of Madden 05' it was really helpful and informative

[Broncos28]

Yes, I give it a 9.5 as well. It's just so hard to score in this game, it's a struggle, I love it. The D is great and the Player Models are beautiful. Graphics are a lot better in my opinion. I LOVE THIS GAME!

[OrangeShadow]

best game ever

[NZrichy]

You LUCKY, LUCKY people!

Im waiting for the UK release date, counting down the days!

weve got to wait till September/October though :(

[baileysboys]

Bottom line with madden....

VERY DISAPPOINTING


First the good:


1. The DB play is much better, and the defence in general is fun to play. I don't feel like the computer will pull out a last minute drive to win all the time.


2. The gameplay is good. They got rid of speed-cheating. Very good.


3. The draft is f***ing amazing. It is done very very well. I'm not going to get into it too much. There's too much good to mention.


4. The lighting system is pretty good.


5. The pre-snap defensive adjustments are great. Really gives you alot of control over what you want to do. Sometimes not enough time to do everything, but it's still great.


Now, the bad....(hang on, it's a long ride)


1. The graphics are ugly. By far the ugliest madden ever, for it's time. (I'm not saying madden 95 looked better than this year's madden. But for it's time and graphical expectations, this is the ugliest madden ever.)


2. Storyline Central is the most disappointing "new addition" to a madden game ever. Sooooooo generic and unrealistic. It also makes no difference to your team, unless you let a chimp manage your roster.


3. The ratings are inflated. A team with all 80's at every position is a BAD team in madden 05. This also adversely affects the draft. What is the point of having such a great draft system, if you can't start ANY of the rookies, unless your team is complete s***. A waste of great programming.


4. Position battles have a certain charm, however, you can just go and start whoever you want anyways. Also, the player that won the job, then when I take him out, hardly ever complains. If they wanted to make storyline central and position battles relevant, they would have had every player that wins a job then loses it, absolutely fuming and demanding a change RIGHT AWAY.


5. Did I mention the game is ugly? How come my created running back, at 216 lbs., without touching any arm or body sizes, looks like a f***ing gorilla?


6. The hit stick is pointless. Unless you create a fumble, which has happened to me only once, and I hit a guy almost every third play with the hit stick, there's no momentum shift like the game claims. At least in ncaa, you can rattle a guy and get the crowd going. Madden? Nothing.


7. The commentary is pure trash. If madden is in fact leaving the series next year, then this is actually a GOOD thing for the game. I have never been more disappointed with the audio in a game as much as madden.


8. The RFA system, franchise tag, salary cap increases, and contract demands are ALL flawed. The RFA's, the computer never matches your offer, the franchise tag is useless cuz it never gets to that point where you need it, the cap increases have been a problem for years and this year is no different, and re-signing players for the lowest amount is too easy because of the interest meter and they already tell you upfront what the lowest amount is that they'll accept. Who negotiates by starting low and hoping to go high?


9. Did I miss something? Oh yeah, this is the ugliest sports game since High Heat Baseball. I don't think I can state enough times how brutal the graphics are.


10. They didn't touch owner's mode. At least a minor tweak here and there. But nothing. Bad, very bad

[GIVEME6]

The graphics aren't bad. I'll admit that they are nowhere near the level of ESPN, but they are still damn good. The lighting is killer, especially when the game features a realistic day/night cycle.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by PLUMMERFAN16
The graphics aren't bad. I'll admit that they are nowhere near the level of ESPN, but they are still damn good. The lighting is killer, especially when the game features a realistic day/night cycle. Madden shouldnt be compared to espn. Maybe espn has better graphics( I dont know), but madden gameplay kills. I have both games and they are not on the same playing field. ESPN is good to the guys who cant play madden.

[GIVEME6]

ESPN is a better TWO PLAYER GAME, while Madden's AI makes it awesome to play against the CPU. Madden=WAAAAY better than ESPN.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by PLUMMERFAN16
ESPN is a better TWO PLAYER GAME, while Madden's AI makes it awesome to play against the CPU. Madden=WAAAAY better than ESPN. Madden is way better than espn, but is also a gr8 two player game. I mostly play two playa.

[AlWilsonOwnsU]

GREAT GAME!!! Very realistic movements and post-play actions. I just wish all players didnt celebrate! There should be certain players that celebrate and others that dont!


EX: Q wouldn't throw the ball at the wall and taunt the crowd after a TD and Rod Smith wouldnt shake a leg after catching a TD pass.

Players like TO, Clinton Portis, Randy Moss, Joe Horn, and Michael Strahan should celebrate and stuff not guys like Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, and Marvin Harrison.


If Madden is leaving will EA just find another name for it?

[EMCF]

Personally NFL blitz is more fun than ESPN. Madden rules, they give the broncos the respect they deserve as opposed to ESPN who give the Broncos complete **** ratings. Madden graphics aren't quite as good but the gameplay is much better.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by AlWilsonOwnsU
GREAT GAME!!! Very realistic movements and post-play actions. I just wish all players didnt celebrate! There should be certain players that celebrate and others that dont!


EX: Q wouldn't throw the ball at the wall and taunt the crowd after a TD and Rod Smith wouldnt shake a leg after catching a TD pass.

Players like TO, Clinton Portis, Randy Moss, Joe Horn, and Michael Strahan should celebrate and stuff not guys like Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, and Marvin Harrison.


If Madden is leaving will EA just find another name for it? If you play the colts, Manning calls alot of audibles at the line. very realistic.

[GriffinRB22]

wuts the cover up button

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by GriffinRB22
wuts the cover up button triangle is the button, you cant hurdle anymore.

[ReleaseTheBeast7]

Originally posted by bleedbluorange
triangle is the button, you cant hurdle anymore. That's a cop-off of ESPN... ESPN had the cover-up, shoulder thrust button last year, and this year it's even better.


ESPN IMO-9.5


Madden IMO-9.0

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by DBfan4lyfe
That's a cop-off of ESPN... ESPN had the cover-up, shoulder thrust button last year, and this year it's even better.


ESPN IMO-9.5


Madden IMO-9.0 so what. espn should steal alot more stuff off madden. Keep sticking up for your cheap game though, I think you have heart.

[NameUsedBefore]

First things first: I play both Madden and ESPN; so any of you complete die-hards, 'fanboys', and what not of either game, leave me be. Can't stand your utter bias for whichever game.

With that out of the way...

I also think Madden's graphics just aren't on par with today. Plain and simple as that. ESPN's no doubt blow the competition out of the water with their graphics (and surprisingly extreme amount of detail, even on the ball!). I've been playing both games for awhile and whoever said that ESPN's players are "floaty" on the ground is just completely wrong. ESPN's players/animations actually stick the ground, they plant their feet when they juke and jive; players don't spin around in one place like a joystick (at least Madden put some effort into fixing this, could NOT stand the years where you could just spin your player around in a foot by foot area, ridiculous). It just looks and feel mores natural in ESPN; every time you spin off a tackler, or just meet him head on with a shoulder charge it's just an awesome spectacle.

ESPN's running game itself is still a little off. There are STILL plays where a half-back will bust through half a defense (even on legend-difficulty my friend's Julius Jones of the Cowboys broke through three of my Bronco defenders). The difficulty settings/sliders are a little screwy as well: pro-diff. is very, very easy, while all-pro is a major ramp up, but legend is hardly a difference from all-pro. Madden's run game has always been good to me; however, I wish they'd add what ESPN did with the right analog, where you can pull stuttersteps and stoppies. Both games have some very shoddy O-line blocking at times, or just blocking period.

I think, in gameplay, ESPN beats Madden in the passing game. Although they've made it a tad more difficult this year it's still possible to bomb it to very fast receivers and almost always catch it. ESPN has made it very challenging in the passing game (yet I still rule in it anyhow :D ). One problem ESPN has, though, is that for some reason drops are kinda random. I've seen Randy Moss drop two or three wide-open passes; makes you go "hmm". Madden is just the opposite, where receivers tend to just catch EVERYTHING. One thing I do like about Madden, and very much so, is that tips are actual free for alls when there's a lot of players around. Why in ESPN they just stand around when there's a tipped ball 90% of the time is beyond me, but it's just awesome in Madden when a ball is bobbling over players and everybody's trying to snag it.

Madden's franchise, to me, was never that great. ESPN's just has more of a feel to it that I guess I just like. The progression system in ESPN is very screwy, however. I do like how that my 2,000 yard runner actually goes down in points; but I don't like how my rookie goes down a handful of points cause he had a good season, and my other rook who has a terrible season goes up a bunch. Doesn't make any sense, at all, and at the same time makes all the sense in the world. I love the draft in the both games; very well done.

OVERALL, I think both games will suit whoever buys them. Personally, I see a lot of Madden players just either not wanting to take the time to play ESPN, or just not even giving it a chance; which really saddens me as ESPN is completely on par with the Madden series right now.

[brom66an6]

Originally posted by NameUsedBefore
First things first: I play both Madden and ESPN; so any of you complete die-hards, 'fanboys', and what not of either game, leave me be. Can't stand your utter bias for whichever game.

With that out of the way...

I also think Madden's graphics just aren't on par with today. Plain and simple as that. ESPN's no doubt blow the competition out of the water with their graphics (and surprisingly extreme amount of detail, even on the ball!). I've been playing both games for awhile and whoever said that ESPN's players are "floaty" on the ground is just completely wrong. ESPN's players/animations actually stick the ground, they plant their feet when they juke and jive; players don't spin around in one place like a joystick (at least Madden put some effort into fixing this, could NOT stand the years where you could just spin your player around in a foot by foot area, ridiculous). It just looks and feel mores natural in ESPN; every time you spin off a tackler, or just meet him head on with a shoulder charge it's just an awesome spectacle.

ESPN's running game itself is still a little off. There are STILL plays where a half-back will bust through half a defense (even on legend-difficulty my friend's Julius Jones of the Cowboys broke through three of my Bronco defenders). The difficulty settings/sliders are a little screwy as well: pro-diff. is very, very easy, while all-pro is a major ramp up, but legend is hardly a difference from all-pro. Madden's run game has always been good to me; however, I wish they'd add what ESPN did with the right analog, where you can pull stuttersteps and stoppies. Both games have some very shoddy O-line blocking at times, or just blocking period.

I think, in gameplay, ESPN beats Madden in the passing game. Although they've made it a tad more difficult this year it's still possible to bomb it to very fast receivers and almost always catch it. ESPN has made it very challenging in the passing game (yet I still rule in it anyhow :D ). One problem ESPN has, though, is that for some reason drops are kinda random. I've seen Randy Moss drop two or three wide-open passes; makes you go "hmm". Madden is just the opposite, where receivers tend to just catch EVERYTHING. One thing I do like about Madden, and very much so, is that tips are actual free for alls when there's a lot of players around. Why in ESPN they just stand around when there's a tipped ball 90% of the time is beyond me, but it's just awesome in Madden when a ball is bobbling over players and everybody's trying to snag it.

Madden's franchise, to me, was never that great. ESPN's just has more of a feel to it that I guess I just like. The progression system in ESPN is very screwy, however. I do like how that my 2,000 yard runner actually goes down in points; but I don't like how my rookie goes down a handful of points cause he had a good season, and my other rook who has a terrible season goes up a bunch. Doesn't make any sense, at all, and at the same time makes all the sense in the world. I love the draft in the both games; very well done.

OVERALL, I think both games will suit whoever buys them. Personally, I see a lot of Madden players just either not wanting to take the time to play ESPN, or just not even giving it a chance; which really saddens me as ESPN is completely on par with the Madden series right now.

I play both games like you and in my opinion you are right with everything you said.

[CHRONIC2oo3]

I've yet to play Madden 2005, but if i hear one more retarded person say ESPN isn't a good game imma go crazy. Even if you're a Madden fanboy or whatever, saying the game isn't good is just plain stupid. Is it better than Madden? Maybe. Is it a terrible game? Hell no!

[DarKliger]

anyone who says that ESPN may be better than Madden is just stupid.ESPN has better graphics yes.But madden has a more in depth franchise mode (which i really like) and much better gameplay IMO.Im not trying to knock ESPN as i like that game alot but madden is still my fave.

[Broncos28]

Originally posted by CHRONIC2oo3
I've yet to play Madden 2005, but if i hear one more retarded person say ESPN isn't a good game imma go crazy. Even if you're a Madden fanboy or whatever, saying the game isn't good is just plain stupid. Is it better than Madden? Maybe. Is it a terrible game? Hell no!ESPN NFL 2K5 IS NOT A GOOD GAME! THERE, I SAID IT! WHAT!?!? LOL!

Anyway, at least to me it's not a good game because of the gameplay. That is the reason why we buy video games is to play it. Right? Yeah, you can have all this great presentation but all that is just going to be redounded and you're just going to press the X button to skip all that. I hate the way the Players look and the animation. Other than that, ESPN NFL 2K5 is great.

As far as Madden NFL 2005 graphics, I think they are great. I think they are better than ESPN NFL 2K5. The Player Models are fantastic in MY OPINION. As well as everything else. I don't know why you guys don't like it but everybody is different. The Players move real smooth as always. I prefer Madden NFL 2005 than ESPN NFL 2K5 but that's just me.

Anyway, I'm trading my ESPN NFL 2K5 for a Memory Card because I just broke mine for some odd reason.

[AznBroncoFan]

I'm tired of all these people all on madden's nutts! I'm gonna buy ESPN this year because of the reviews i saw in PSM magazine. I've been buying madden year after year, and there really is NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE in them from year to year besides cheesy little sh*t, and slightly better graphics. Why buy madden 2005 for $50, for a game that really looks the same and makes the FAT man more rich when you can TRY a new game, ESPN NFL for only $20. Plus you morons buy it for the name. Basically Brainwashed by all the HYPE. I wish a Japanese company would get into the football game genre. It would be interesting to see what kind of product they would make. Madden is OVER-rated year after year, eliminating anybody from having the balls to challenge it.

[EMCF]

Originally posted by AznBroncoFan
I'm tired of all these people all on madden's nutts! I'm gonna buy ESPN this year because of the reviews i saw in PSM magazine. I've been buying madden year after year, and there really is NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE in them from year to year besides cheesy little sh*t, and slightly better graphics. Why buy madden 2005 for $50, for a game that really looks the same and makes the FAT man more rich when you can TRY a new game, ESPN NFL for only $20. Plus you morons buy it for the name. Basically Brainwashed by all the HYPE. I wish a Japanese company would get into the football game genre. It would be interesting to see what kind of product they would make. Madden is OVER-rated year after year, eliminating anybody from having the balls to challenge it.

Yes, we've been brain washed into buying good games, how evil they are.

[Broncos28]

Originally posted by AznBroncoFan
I'm tired of all these people all on madden's nutts! I'm gonna buy ESPN this year because of the reviews i saw in PSM magazine. I've been buying madden year after year, and there really is NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE in them from year to year besides cheesy little sh*t, and slightly better graphics. Why buy madden 2005 for $50, for a game that really looks the same and makes the FAT man more rich when you can TRY a new game, ESPN NFL for only $20. Plus you morons buy it for the name. Basically Brainwashed by all the HYPE. I wish a Japanese company would get into the football game genre. It would be interesting to see what kind of product they would make. Madden is OVER-rated year after year, eliminating anybody from having the balls to challenge it.Why don't you rent both games to see which one is better? You're going off of what other People are saying. Experience it for yourself. Madden NFL 2005 isn't like previous Madden NFL games. If you think so, well than there is somethin' obviously wrong with you. And I can assure you that hardly anybody here buys Madden NFL Football games because it says Madden. It could say Raiders NFL 2005 and I'll still buy it.

[Hartley]

In Madden 05, what is the Replay challenge? Im pretty sure that in 04 it was really screwed up, cause it asked you if you would like call a challenge. And if it askes you its going to be right 75% of the time. In Espn 2k5 You can challenge on any play, seems like its way more realistic. Its actully become quite fun to challenge now, and not really bothersome.

[brom66an6]

Originally posted by I OrangeCrush I
In Madden 05, what is the Replay challenge? Im pretty sure that in 04 it was really screwed up, cause it asked you if you would like call a challenge. And if it askes you its going to be right 75% of the time. In Espn 2k5 You can challenge on any play, seems like its way more realistic. Its actully become quite fun to challenge now, and not really bothersome.

Don't forget in espn you can pick what you want to challenge which is a lot better than letting the ai pick what to challenge.

[Hartley]

Don't forget in espn you can pick what you want to challenge which is a lot better than letting the ai pick what to challenge.

Yeah it is. I also like the "Crib" rather than the madden cards.

[diesel51]

It could say Raiders NFL 2005 and I'll still buy it.

Well, I don't know about that. I would definitely switch to a different game if it was called that!!!!!!

[CHRONIC2oo3]

Everyone says the gameplay in ESPN is bad... yet no one has said was is so bad about it... Does it smell funny?

[Hartley]

Originally posted by CHRONIC2oo3
Everyone says the gameplay in ESPN is bad... yet no one has said was is so bad about it... Does it smell funny?

Yeah seriously, nobody has ever said why. its always same old, madded is better game play and detail and, espn is always better presentation and graphics (which explains its self).

no offence to any madden fans but why is the game play so much better?

[Broncos28]

Originally posted by I OrangeCrush I
Yeah seriously, nobody has ever said why. its always same old, madded is better game play and detail and, espn is always better presentation and graphics (which explains its self).

no offence to any madden fans but why is the game play so much better?Because Madden NFL 2005 is a lot smoother. You also have more control to your Players and more control of the Pre-snap Assignments on Offense as well as Defense than ESPN NFL 2K5. You just have more control and say to everything with Madden NFL 2005. Madden NFL 2005 is just a whole lot better in MY OPINION but if you like ESPN NFL 2K5 more, well then more power to you.

Just to show you how much I thought about ESPN NFL 2K5, I just turned it in and paid an extra $9.38 to get a used Memory Card for my PlayStation2 because my other one broke.

[EMCF]

[i]
Just to show you how much I thought about ESPN NFL 2K5, I just turned it in and paid an extra $9.38 to get a used Memory Card for my PlayStation2 because my other one broke.[/B] [/B]

Heh, way to go, I love my copy of Madden, the best one yet.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by I OrangeCrush I
Yeah seriously, nobody has ever said why. its always same old, madded is better game play and detail and, espn is always better presentation and graphics (which explains its self).

no offence to any madden fans but why is the game play so much better? The biggest beef I have with espn is they dont show the broncos respect. Every one of our players are underrated. I just dont see how any bronco fan would like that. The CRIB is lame to me. To each its own. I have also found that most of the people who dont like madden cant play it. Every time I read a post about how madden isnt realistic and I did this or that, I realize that many ppl cant play. Many of these guys play pro and all pro. I wont play anyone unless its all madden. Espn may be better for the guys that cant play Madden. I bought ESPN and came away with the feeling that it is really easy. Maybe Madden is to hard for many ppl. Anyway, all the real ballers play Madden and you know it.

[Hartley]

Originally posted by bleedbluorange
The biggest beef I have with espn is they dont show the broncos respect. Every one of our players are underrated. I just dont see how any bronco fan would like that. The CRIB is lame to me. To each its own. I have also found that most of the people who dont like madden cant play it. Every time I read a post about how madden isnt realistic and I did this or that, I realize that many ppl cant play. Many of these guys play pro and all pro. I wont play anyone unless its all madden. Espn may be better for the guys that cant play Madden. I bought ESPN and came away with the feeling that it is really easy. Maybe Madden is to hard for many ppl. Anyway, all the real ballers play Madden and you know it.
Yeah i guess thats gotta be it, espn just seems simpler/easier maybe. I really dont have the time to become madden master. Ha yeah playing all pro is hard enough, i cant even imagine all madden. i bet 05 is even tougher though. Yeah crib is lame, but are madden cards much better?

[thecaptainsdeck]

Going to by it the 15th when I get paid. I hope it's really as good as I think its going to be.:D

[EMCF]

Originally posted by I OrangeCrush I
Yeah i guess thats gotta be it, espn just seems simpler/easier maybe. I really dont have the time to become madden master. Ha yeah playing all pro is hard enough, i cant even imagine all madden. i bet 05 is even tougher though. Yeah crib is lame, but are madden cards much better?

The only thing that I like about the Madden cards are the cheerleader cards... but really, I play madden for the gameplay, screw the cards.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by EMCF
The only thing that I like about the Madden cards are the cheerleader cards... but really, I play madden for the gameplay, screw the cards. I dont even know how to use a madden card. All of that crap is lame.

[EMCF]

Originally posted by bleedbluorange
I dont even know how to use a madden card. All of that crap is lame.

Yes, so complicated to use the cards... try pushing A...

But anyways, cards are just a little feature, I only do it to unlock more stadiums and old teams ( 97 and 98 broncos etc) to use when playing friends.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by EMCF
Yes, so complicated to use the cards... try pushing A...

But anyways, cards are just a little feature, I only do it to unlock more stadiums and old teams ( 97 and 98 broncos etc) to use when playing friends. Dog, you are one of realist madden ballers on the board. We should play online if you are hooked up. I usually only play with the boys, but we both can choose new teams.

[GIVEME6]

I own ESPN2005 on XBOX, and I was praising it big time over Madden before it hit. Now that I actually HAVE BOTH games, I can safely say that Madden is a better overall game. Both games have their strong and weak points, but Madden is superior to ESPN in every way except for graphics and presentation.

[Hartley]

Originally posted by bleedbluorange
I dont even know how to use a madden card. All of that crap is lame.
Yeah, then i agree with you, with the extras aside, madden does have a more in depth stuff, like the minicamp and exctera. But i have to say they espn's 25th anaverisary or whatever has some good stuff, you get to play in the drive, or the catch, and the immaculate reception, and like 20 other great football moments.

[brom66an6]

Ea made one of the "it's in the game" intros with that punt return of Hall on the broncos (you know the cheap one with all the blocks in the back). I just saw it when I turned on Madden. Madden is a good game I just wish that they didn't do that.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by brom66an6
Ea made one of the "it's in the game" intros with that punt return of Hall on the broncos (you know the cheap one with all the blocks in the back). I just saw it when I turned on Madden. Madden is a good game I just wish that they didn't do that. I havent seen that yet. I am about to fire it up though, I hope it doesnt come on. It may come on and I dont pay attention, I usually go get a beer when its coming on.

[Broncos28]

Originally posted by I OrangeCrush I
Yeah i guess thats gotta be it, espn just seems simpler/easier maybe. I really dont have the time to become madden master. Ha yeah playing all pro is hard enough, i cant even imagine all madden. i bet 05 is even tougher though. Yeah crib is lame, but are madden cards much better?Honestly, if you really have to use Madden Cards or whatever it is on ESPN NFL 2K5 to boost up your Player Ratings is absolutely pathetic. I don't use them at all. I wanna earn everything I get. If you a true Baller you play it real simulated style and not cheat by using Madden Cards or whatever it is on ESPN NFL 2K5.

[brom66an6]

Originally posted by bleedbluorange
I havent seen that yet. I am about to fire it up though, I hope it doesnt come on. It may come on and I dont pay attention, I usually go get a beer when its coming on.

I saw it one time when I turned it on and I just watched all those intros by going to all cameos under ea sports extras (or something like that)

[brom66an6]

Originally posted by Broncos28
Honestly, if you really have to use Madden Cards or whatever it is on ESPN NFL 2K5 to boost up your Player Ratings is absolutely pathetic. I don't use them at all. I wanna earn everything I get. If you a true Baller you play it real simulated style and not cheat by using Madden Cards or whatever it is on ESPN NFL 2K5.

Madden cards are in madden not espn and I just use them for the stadiums and historic teams like someone else mentioned.

[bleedbluorange]

Originally posted by brom66an6
I saw it one time when I turned it on and I just watched all those intros by going to all cameos under ea sports extras (or something like that) Thx I never even bothered to look at the extra's. I get so hyped up I go straight to the game. I just try and learn every aspect of the game. I am getting really good at all the defensive additions to the game. I havent even started working on my offensive additions yet, I just play how I played on 2004. Once I get the D down than I work on the O. But, I am starting to dominate on Defense. I feel like I am in Madden training camp. LOL:D

[Broncos28]

Originally posted by brom66an6
Madden cards are in madden not espn and I just use them for the stadiums and historic teams like someone else mentioned. DUH, I KNOW THAT!

I WAS TALKING ABOUT WHATEVER THEY USE ON ESPN NFL 2K5 TO BOOST THE PLAYERS UP!

NOW HOW CAN SOMEBODY BE STUPID ENOUGH TO CONFUSE THEMSELVES BY WONDERING IF MADDEN CARDS ARE IN ESPN NFL 2K5?

NEXT TIME READ CAREFULLY!:duh:

[CHRONIC2oo3]

Originally posted by Broncos28
DUH, I KNOW THAT!

I WAS TALKING ABOUT WHATEVER THEY USE ON ESPN NFL 2K5 TO BOOST THE PLAYERS UP!

NOW HOW CAN SOMEBODY BE STUPID ENOUGH TO CONFUSE THEMSELVES BY WONDERING IF MADDEN CARDS ARE IN ESPN NFL 2K5?

NEXT TIME READ CAREFULLY!:duh:

What you said though was very confusing.. and no ESPN doesn't have "cards" that boost players performance...

[GIVEME6]

WOW! I just beat the BUCS 13-10 in double overtime with a game winning FG. I loved how it zoomed in behind ELAM and the controller had the heartbeat thing going on. And seeing that 55 yard FG split the uprights was A M A Z I N G. BEST FOOTBALL. GAME. EVER.

[Lomax]

Originally posted by I OrangeCrush I
Yeah, then i agree with you, with the extras aside, madden does have a more in depth stuff, like the minicamp and exctera. But i have to say they espn's 25th anaverisary or whatever has some good stuff, you get to play in the drive, or the catch, and the immaculate reception, and like 20 other great football moments.

ESPN's feature set destroys Madden's feature set. Graphics and presentation are not even debatable. Online features are much better in ESPN. There will never be a day when Madden fans say ESPN's franchise is better. It's a matter of preference. I personally don't see a whole lot of value in the RPG aspects of franchise mode (making players happy, etc.), but weekly prep (ESPN) allows you to affect your entire team's morale globally by having team meetings and press conferences.

Can't see where Madden beats ESPN hands-down.

[EMCF]

Man oh man I'm glad I didn't buy ESPN like my friend, I played it at his house and it was pretty good. But now that I have Madden 2005 it blows ESPN out of the water, my friend plans to return ESPN if possible. Believe me, Madden is worth every penny.

[Ohio Broncos]

Originally posted by Broncos28
Honestly, if you really have to use Madden Cards or whatever it is on ESPN NFL 2K5 to boost up your Player Ratings is absolutely pathetic. I don't use them at all. I wanna earn everything I get. If you a true Baller you play it real simulated style and not cheat by using Madden Cards or whatever it is on ESPN NFL 2K5.

True dat. I don't even pay attention to the cards. I play to get better and beat the crap out of whoever is playing me. The cards give you a false sense of security anyway. If you go online or play in a local tournament, you can't even use cards. I say just play the game as it is and get your game stronger that way.

[Lomax]

Originally posted by heaney
I thought we bought football games for the football?

Can't have it both ways. Years ago, football was enough. Now if there are no extras people moan and complain about the lack of replay value. Crib/Franchise/Owner/Create-a-fan, whatever gives you added incentive to do something else when you're not playing football.

[Broncos28]

I don't believe the guy either.

Sometimes I'll win by a big margin but you have to play smart and things have to go your way. Usually when I win big is when I create a lot of Turnovers. I beat the Patriots 45-21 on All-Madden with all the A.I.'s up to 20 but I got a lot of Turnovers and knocked Tom Brady out of the game. When I knocked him out of the game basically everything went my way. It was close when he was in at the time. Realistic!

On ESPN NFL 2K5 I'm rushing for 200-250 yards a game with my RB and throwing for 300 yards at least a game on the hardest level on there and my margin of victory is at least 30 points. And I was still trying to get used to the buttons and how to really play the game. Not Realistic!

[Lomax]

Originally posted by Broncos28
I don't believe the guy either.

Sometimes I'll win by a big margin but you have to play smart and things have to go your way. Usually when I win big is when I create a lot of Turnovers. I beat the Patriots 45-21 on All-Madden with all the A.I.'s up to 20 but I got a lot of Turnovers and knocked Tom Brady out of the game. When I knocked him out of the game basically everything went my way. It was close when he was in at the time. Realistic!

On ESPN NFL 2K5 I'm rushing for 200-250 yards a game with my RB and throwing for 300 yards at least a game on the hardest level on there and my margin of victory is at least 30 points. And I was still trying to get used to the buttons and how to really play the game. Not Realistic!

:rolleyes:

[MtRushmore]

Originally posted by Pixels
You misread, that was on Rookie, but usually I'm on All-Pro. I wanted to go on Rookie against the Bengals because they suck, but yeah - that happened on Rookie. It's nothing to get mad about jesus, too bad I don't have X-Box or PS2, because then I'd really hand it to you.

I switch back and forth between the gameplay difficulty, I'd be more than willing to show you everything, but then you'd just say I'm lying again, personally I don't care what you think, but oh well!

Hey now, you two play nice. Remember, you ARE partners in 'sleeves' (sorry, but no arms for you since you don't believe in using them)

[NameUsedBefore]

Don't think I've ever seen somebody run for over 250+ yards in ESPN and have 300+ throwing yards in the same game. I'm damn good at ESPN, and I must say that unless you're playing over 7 minute quarters or something that is amazing.

In Madden I could usually rack up the passing EASY, since I can bomb it to Lelie everytime no-trouble; I find that in ESPN throwing passes over 30 yards is a tad more difficult, since even a player that is slower than another can cover the faster person ('coverage' attribute).

Still like both games, but I must say that you fans of Madden need to open up a bit. You're missing out on a stellar running game (where it's up to you if you break the tackle, not the CPU; and there's actual foot races) and challenging passing game in ESPN.

This is what I believe: ESPN is 10x better than Madden when it comes to playing your friends. That's just my opinion of course, but they agree too. Madden, well, it's kinda more situated for thsoe that like going through the years with a team in franchise-mode, inwhich case Madden is not only more consistent than ESPN in this regard, but also just plain better in the long run (but I do love ESPN's draft).

(BTW, did anyone know that ESPN actually has a hit-stick of it's own? I didn't know till today; for the Xbox it's when you click in the right analog stick, it dishes out a punishing blow. Just thought I'd throw this out there since ESPN really didn't advertise it at all)

[Bellthebest]

Yea, the most yards i had with plummer in one season was 2,600 + but i had over 2,400 with bell and i couldnt get anything with plummer because you cannot throw long at all. My longest pass without a run after was 35 yards on all pro settings. I mainly have to use crossing routes and play action to anderson.