Madden 2005 vs. ESPN NFL 2K5: A modest comparison from a modest man
Introduction: I love my Xbox. Not in the Paschal Mystery sense, but I just REALLY enjoy spending time playing games. My game rack is stocked with sports games. I don't know if it is a major issue in my marriage that the release date of each new sports game is circled in red and my anniversary is not, but let's just say that my wife isn't as impressed with my prowess in handling a controller as I am.
The Legacy of Madden: With each new football season comes a new release of football games. There is the perennial all star Madden series from EA Sports and then there is the rest of the pack. Madden has a large group of loyal followers and for good reason. The graphics are consistently at the top of the pack, the presentation is solid, and the game play is easy to learn and execute. Also, the commentary by John Madden provides some of the best comic relief for a number of reasons that I can't go into because I am a Christian.
In any case, I'm sitting in line at my local GameStop waiting for the next copy of Madden 2005 to be delivered by the UPS man, when the young man behind the counter hands me a copy of ESPN NFL 2K5 and says, "It's half the cost of Madden and I will personally refund your money if you don't like it." So I take it home with Madden and decide to give them the full test drive.
Admittedly I was biased when this comparison began. I played Madden for a good two months before I even tore open the wrapper on ESPN. By that time I had led the Arizona Cardinals to a massive dynasty of five straight championships starring their prime time running back: me. I had moved the Cardinals into their new stadium that I built and named "Todd's Field of Glory" and even managed to hire Brett Farve as my head coach after he retired. I love this stuff.
The graphics seemed to be the same as the previous year, but the addition of the "hit stick" to deliver crushing blows to my opponents had me setting defensive records for turnovers caused, and injuries. Basically, this game was rocking my face off. The only objections I had were the obsession with non-human, cookie-cutter, stereotyped cheerleaders at halftime that do the same routine. The commentary got predictable by season two. Also, there is the new addition of a talk radio host in dynasty mode who drones on and on about stuff I don't care about. The callers are the worst voice acting I have heard in a video game since the original Donkey Kong. And I am referring to the girl screaming as she is kidnapped on each level.
The Contender: ESPN NFL 2K5
So my boss is calling and asking if my case of the two month flu is making any progress, and I am about to tell them I am cured when I pop in my copy of ESPN. "Sorry, sir, looks like this flu is getting worse and worse." This must have been what Nathaniel felt like in the Gospel of John when he realized that he had met the Messiah. Read what he says to Jesus and then come back to this article.
"Truly, this is the best football game ever."
The only thing I love more than playing sports video games is watching sports on ESPN. Well, I love Jesus Christ and my wife more than that, but ESPN and sports video games are up there. It dawns on me as the game boots up that I am an idiot for not being open to the fact that this much fun can come in a $20 package.
ESPN is visually the most perfect video game for football ever made. Ever. In the history of video games. Since the dawn of the pixel. Chris Berman introduces each game. The dynasty mode is so involved I feel like Dennis Green dealing with the tough decisions: McCown, King or Navarre? Learning the controls is a snap, the game play is super-realistic, and the commentary is refreshing. But that isn't the best part. In ESPN, you have the ability to earn points to deck out your own crib. After 24 hours of continuous play, I had bloodshot eyes, cramped, blistered thumbs, and a crib filled with Cardinals memorabilia. The game will remember your style of play, so you can choose to play against yourself, or a number of celebrity coaches. (Funkmaster Flex is my personal favorite)
But the diamond in the rough is what happens each week in dynasty mode. Sportscenter! They simulate it with highlights for each game! I find myself rejoicing that I don't have to listen to drones on sports radio as I watch Jay Fiedler throw for his fourth touchdown in a game against the Jets! The music! The commentary! It is just like the real thing!
At this point, my wife comes in to tell me that we are expecting our first child so I have to go back to work so that we can buy a crib and diapers. I reluctantly shut down my Xbox which is, at this point, smoldering in the corner, the DVD drive burnt out and smoking. My comparison is complete:
ESPN NFL 2K5 beats Madden in a knockout.
-Todd A. Lemieux
PS: As a footnote, EA Sports has bought exclusive rights to the NFL and its players for the upcoming season, so ESPN NFL 2K5 is officially over. Unfortunately, my child will be born into a world with only one option for video football games: Madden 2006. I have bought a copy of ESPN 2K5 to present to my child on their 16th birthday in lieu of a car.
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