ESPN NFL 2K5 vs Madden NFL 08 Part One

[RaychelSnr]

Operation Sports' Will Soistman has written part one of a multiple part series which will compare NFL 2k5 with Madden NFL 08 to see which game really was the better game. This week Soistman takes a look at the features in ESPN NFL 2k5 vs. Madden NFL 08 Part One.

"How Does ESPN NFL 2K5 Compare To The “Other” Football Video Game?

On OperationSports and MaddenMania there was a “March Madness” type bracket made up of 64 sports video games which were voted by members as the best sports video games of all time. This tournament yielded ESPN NFL2K5 the winner with a majority of votes. The past years, it has been common knowledge that this game was a great accomplishment in football gaming when released, and some say it has yet to be surpassed by the newer versions of certain football games. "

[mwjr]

In my opinion, the edge to 2K5 is huge. In fact, I'd call it a chasm. The fact that the Madden 08 Franchise mode was nothing more than a free agent period and a draft, yet boasted something called "Finances" puts it light years behind 2K5. In addition, for me the fact that you've always been able to trade future draft picks with any edition of the 2K series makes it a slam dunk winner.

[WDOgF0reL1fe]

^ Great point about the future draft picks. I agree entirely especially considering Madden still wont have that for 09 IIRC

[yamabushi]

Re: ESPN NFL 2K5 vs Madden NFL 08 Part One

Come on Will, its not nice to pick on the slow kid.

and, "Next week I will check back in with a comparison on the way each game controls, and how the game plays!"
This will not end well....

[steveo]

No doubt that nfl2k5 kills madden 08 in the franchise/features area. It isn't even close.

[callmetaternuts]

I wont even comment on this, just want to sit back and watch the Madden vs 2k fight.

imo, i like both games

[PaperLantern]

2k5 is by far the most complete sports experience I have ever played. It has everything you'd ever want from a sports game, and then some. The graphics were phenomenal for the time (and still are), and the animations are still amazing, especially compared to Madden. The menus were easily the best in a football game, and the use of the ESPN license was perfect. The Crib was completely cooler than I thought it would be, and the Franchise mode was second to none. Truly the greatest football, and maybe sports video game of all time.

I really can't wait until the NFL allows both companies to make NFL games. That will improve Madden for the better, and more importantly, let 2k work their magic.

[mwjr]

^ Great point about the future draft picks. I agree entirely especially considering Madden still wont have that for 09 IIRC

Seriously?? That's just unacceptable.

[Hooe]

Re: ESPN NFL 2K5 vs Madden NFL 08 Part One

I'm standing at a distance on this one, but I will say that Madden 08's ring feature is one of the most worthless additions to a Madden game in a long time.

It should be noted also that, regardless how it compares to Madden's franchise mode, NFL2K5's franchise mode was not perfect and had a few bugs in it as well; namely, rampant trades by the computer (particularly in the preseason), and the computer only drafting specific positions in first round of draft (QB, RB, OT, and DE, if I recall).

Also, while not a bug, the touted Weekly Prep addition, while neat in concept, was given little explanation in the game literature with regard to how to use it, and was very tedious in execution.

[bigfnjoe96]

Let's not forget FULL Online League Support:

ADVANTAGE 2K5

[PAPERNUT]

The Presentation alone in 2K5 is enough to trump any Madden next gen game so far.

[wwharton]

Some constructive criticism...

Most madden/2k debates have a gray area created by the people that haven't really played the other game. Here you didn't really talk about Madden's features in a couple of areas besides to say it's about the same as the last version. This doesn't really say anything to anyone that hasn't played that version.

Also, as mentioned, the 2k5 franchise mode was far from perfect and I'm definitely a huge 2k5 fan. It was the biggest complaint by those that loved and hated the game. I also think Madden's mini camps deserves a bit more credit. 2k5's practice mode is a great place to learn the game but I really think it could've helped EVERYONE if it was more structured like the way EA does with Madden.

I'm defending the evil empire a bit, but I agree with your assessment.

[Radja]

at the time, madden 05 for the old gen had the better franchise. however, the fact that madden 08 for the next gen hasnt improved on the madden old gen, means you have to give a huge nod to 2k5. ea has had several years and more powerful hardware to work with.

as far as the 2k5 franchise bugs, the draft had features that were awesome. the combine was fun and the weekly wrapup were awesome. the 1st round glitch made for house rules to be used but it was workable. the trade glitch was fixed if you moved the injury slider up to 26 or so.

the presentation killed 08. the ability to play any replay in the game was beyond its time.

however, after seeing some videos, this is the first year (09) in a looooooong time, i believe madden may have presentation worth seeing.

[King Gro23]

I dont think he quite went in to the weekly preparation enough I used that alot during chise' and wow it was great. I got a kick out of it

[daflyboys]

I only recently have been able to try out Madden 08 and it's for the PC, which happens to be lauded as the best version by Madden-ites. Although it's very early, I can tell already that there's just that "something" about Madden that doesn't give you the feel like you're watching an NFL game like K5 does. I know the K5 naysayers point to the need for this game to have an editor to play correctly, but this is easily mirrored by Madden and the PC utilities available and used.

My only suggestion for these future blogs is to get a bit more in depth than what is "neat" and what isn't.