ESPN NFL 2K5 [PS2]

You have to give Sega and developer Visual Concepts their props. They've soldiered on with long odds against a tough opponent for many years now. Since its Sega Dreamcast debut, the NFL 2K series has played a great game, but been creamed in sales by EA's flagship Madden series. This year they're calling a trick play, hoping to catch EA flatfooted: ESPN NFL 2K5 hits stores a full three weeks before Madden, and at an incredibly friendly price of $19.99. And Madden should be nervous because Sega has definitely brought its "A" game.

ESPN introduced a couple of new features last year: cribs and first-person football. While both sound gimmicky, only one truly is. Cribs is a "bling bling" addition that rewards the player when they complete tasks (winning games, monster sacks, etc.) with points that are used to decorate a home base.

Players can buy posters, music, decor, and more. Mini-games are included, and a few celebrities like Carmen Electra and David Arquette will call and challenge you to a game. They even recorded some trash talk. Cribs amounts to a form of bragging rights that you can actually show your friends. Well executed, but ultimately shallow.

First-person football, however, is a whole new way to play the game. It puts you into the helmet of any defenseman, quarterback, or running back, and viscerally depicts what it's like to have giant linemen crash into you. This year, Sega has added receiver progression, so players can hit a button and quickly scan all of the options as quarterback -- a cool addition. First-person football plays very well and can even be used in season, franchise, and online modes.

A new profile feature called VIP lets players save their preferences and take them to other consoles or into Internet games. Custom teams, players, celebrations, and music are all possible using this system. It also records the player's style and favorite plays; the profiles can even be traded with friends, allowing them to practice against computer AI that's mimicking you.

ESPN 25th Anniversary mode offers 25 classic football situations like the end of the Ice Bowl and last year's 4th and 26 Eagles playoff drive (this Packers fan did not need reminding of that!).

Franchise mode lets players manage every aspect of their team, with an excellent level of depth. Players can perform weekly preparations before each game, and the off-season options are almost overwhelming.

In the audio department, sportscasters Dan Stevens and Peter O'Keefe have returned. They're a solid duo, but their shtick gets repetitive after a while. The crowd noise is decent, even though there's no way to pump them up or quiet them down for crucial plays.

All kinds of interesting chatter has been added, including specific threats against certain players. "I'm going to get you Favre!" and "I'll shock you Shockey!" were some we caught. Also, players moan and groan when injured, predict plays, and argue with the ref over bad calls. The crowd gets into the act and is mostly accurate, but hearing a home town audience boo when you take a knee while up by seven in the last 10 seconds of the game is very odd.

The graphics and animations are stunning. ESPN NFL 2K5 has always had a visual edge over EA's NCAA and Madden, offering the most realistic television-style experience. Chris Berman is on hand to give you halftime highlights and more recaps at the end of the game. And each week you can see how your own highlights rank against the league during a special SportsCenter highlight reel. It's authentic, feels perfect, and is very entertaining.

Thankfully, the gameplay stacks up to the presentation values and game features. The controls are smooth and accessible, and very easy to grasp for new players. There's a great tutorial that helps with passing, a coaching feature that picks a solid play, and a host of options for control. Other football games offer excellent controls but none have bothered to take the time to teach players how to become better passers, playcallers, and running backs. ESPN does.

The game plays well online but there have been some launch issues. Visual Concepts could have done a better job with the menus, especially since Madden is coming to Xbox Live this year and EA has doubtlessly put some money and thought into the implementation. As it is there are connectivity issues, lag, and dropped games on both online platforms, but it's getting better as the days go by.

ESPN NFL 2K5 is a superb football game. For $20, gridiron aficionados would be foolish not to take Sega up on their gamble. For the price of a new DVD, you'll be playing this long after that movie gets shelved. With unparalleled visuals, a deep franchise mode, and tons of new and improved features, Madden is facing a 4th and very, very long this year.