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Frustrated with Madden, Coming back to NFL 2K Series | | Easy-P from La Marque, TX says (9/Feb/2004): | I’m convinced ESPN 2K4 is the most realistic game ever. OH! There’s Madden, however, if you are tired of unsuccessfully completing deep passes because the cheesers constantly call the Quarter defense, I can get frustrating at times. ESPN graphics in my opinion are excellent. The sound is awesome. However, the very best part is the game play. If you follow the Screen play diagram say “90 Y Corner Out”, this indicate a 1-3 step drop, what until the QB “bounce” then deliver the ball, my completion percentage went up instantly. No longer can a QB drop back a mile as is done in Madden and STILL get a completion, this makes me so angry. The fun factor is great as well as originality. No longer can a Michael Vick just tuck the pigskin and scamper 30-40 at will like what is done in Madden 2K4. No longer, can one get blitz at lightning quick speed where once the ball is snapped, you are sack. Finally, the value is enormous. My winning percentage in ESPN has gone up with Human players and the AI, the other day; I beat the CPU (the Denver Broncos) on All-Pro difficulty level. Once you beat the CPU, you’re on your way to dominance.
Thanks ESPN.
| A games that leads the way | | flanker Z slot right from Utah says (18/Jan/2004): | I am impressed with ESPN and the creators. I gave up on playing these games(until this version) because the computer really plays and you just watch, artificial at best. I had been buying Madden and then just gave up. I understand that in order to make a game for the masses(and make a profit) some compromises must be made. I await the future when you will have to build a team by knowing how to play...ok charge more. I enjoy the control I have but want more. I can actually walk and chew gum, so capitulate additional control....lol. I do have a problem with stero-typing teams, I do realize that San Diego will be a loser for many years to come(born and raised in El Cajon) but I want a "level" playing field, the Raiders are next to impossible to beat if you are the Chargers. I want to pit my talent against the program but I can't because the software has built in weaknesses.(i.e. the Raiders went to the Superbowl so they have an advantage)
I do like the fantasy picks cause I am winning big games with a team that sucks. Overall the game is very good and worth the price.
The graphics are top of the line and the sounds have improved over the competition.
I have been an ESPN fan since its inception when it came on late at night on channel 900(years ago) and Berman and crew are the best! That makes this game a leader in the sports field.
| John says | | A gamer from Atlanta, Georgia, USA says (25/Dec/2003): | ESPN football is goood but not as good as madden 2004. madden has plenty better graphics than eSPN and if you have NFL 2k3 then thre is nbo reason to get this one because it sounds adn is the same. the good things about this game is for one the first person footbass. this allows you to feel to be a real NFL player from inside the helmet. the other great thing about ESPN football is the crib. this is where you can create your own crib (house) adn you get furniture adn bobbleheads and other surprising stuff by getting milesotnes when you are playing. the tackling is unreal. the running and fullbacks never go down when you tackle them adn the passing game is hard against the cpu. overall a good game but i would prefer Madden.
| ESPN FOOTBALL KICKS @$$!! | | Mike from Roselle Park, USA says (2/Dec/2003): | At school all I hear is Madden's so good blah blah blah! Madden is so horible. I never played it until last week at a friend's. Thinking it was some great game I went along with it. By the end of the 1st quarter I was laughing at what a waist of $45 that game is. ESPN Football supplies a realistic gameplay while the computer actualy gives you a chance. I just got done playing a game of ESPN Football and if you have it on pro or rookie it makes a big difference. In Madden it's all the same. ESPN's halftime show is great reviewing the half with in my oppinion the best commentator in all sports, Chris Berman. The ESPN setup is great, when my brother walked into the room when I got it he said "Wow I didn't know they played football on Fridays."
| SEGA TAKES ANOTHER SHIT ON MADDEN | | Sheldon from Skidmore, TEAXAS says (10/Oct/2003): | As long as ive been playing football games, Madden has been the worst football game ever. Everyone talks how how great it was,(maby in 95) but since then, nothing but a 4 quarter gay cartoon joke. Do people really even look at the gameplay. It's simply for hardcore pussies that cant play football, so madden helps them. But all along Sega in the few years out have been dominating the Football Gaming Industry. 2K3 was the $#< remove me > at !. And now with the main merging into ESPN, the Sega Gaming can't be stopped. The guards pull in a realistic fashion, which allows for a succesfull screen. The roll outs, and the players attributes will determine whether he will knock the $#< remove me > at ! out of some turd or get the $#< remove me > at ! knocked out of himself. All in all Madden better put some guys that like to $#< remove me > at ! chicks do the game testing now, if it has any chance of knockin down SEGA.
| original madden | | fredo from savannah, ga usa says (10/Oct/2003): | i played madden from the time it came out until i found a copy of nfl 2k2 on ebay for like $8.00 i felt as though the madden people had been cheating me all along. the next year i got 2k3 and my buddy got madden as usual. he came over and couldn't admit it but was astounded. i just got my 2k4 and it's even better than 2k3 i didn't think that was possible. i don't even want to see this years madden.
| The True Test | | jason from birmingham al says (4/Oct/2003): | I have friends who would rather have their mother lose an eye that to talk bad about Madden. So I decided to do a TRUE head to head test. Two 27" flat screen TV's; Two playstations. We played the same two teams (Tampa Bay vs Miami) and let if rip from the opening scene to the final second. Boy o' boy. Opening goes to ESPN. The true life sports broadcast is just something you have to see. The music goes to MAdden. I don't know who did the music for ESPN but those guys SUCK. Pre-game warm-ups. ESPN. And from here on out ESPN win everything else. The AI, the tackles, the player models, the shadows,the cheerleaders, everything just looks and plays better. But the madden people said I was biased. So I called in so unbiased people. Some girls from upstairs. They never play any video games. The only thing they know is how real football players look on Sunday. All of the girls invited over, all eleven of them, said that ESPN just look more real. In fact they said that Madden look more like a cartoon. The it's clear. ESPN is the best football sim game EVER.
| Very Funny | | dgoodwin from USA says (1/Oct/2003): | Boy, I really get a kick out of the two individuals who are trying to bash ESPN, when everyone else gives this game incredible reviews! I know how you guys feel. I too was a dedicated Madden fan, but i'm also a realist. ESPN and Sega have put together the most awesome football game in video game history! It is undisputed. As more and more gamers play it, they too will be convinced. As for the Die Hard Madden fans... I know it hurts when you have to hear that there is something better than what you are used to. But believe me, if you play ESPN NFL Football, the pain will soon go away!
| the number 1 game of the year ESPN 2K4 goodnight Madden! | | mike from milwaukee WI says (23/Sep/2003): | This game is the game of the year iam sorry madden fans you have just been beat! your game play and graphics dont compare to this
stunning game i have friends who were i say were madden fans
they still say they will play madden but in my opinon nope!
they wont go back. all it is with you madden people its a familar
game therefore you are comfortable with it. well play this game 2k4 and get comfortable with it and you will see for your self it rocks!!! first lets talk about the presintation real espn sports channel, players on the side line talking in the camrea
and talking game stradegy and these players iam refering to look real like faces size and not blocky. second gameplay for all of you who were complaning about putting players in motion well we have it this year! also to add we can sub players with out going to pause you can make changes from the play calling menu.
the over all game smoothness is right on! as well as the challenge mode yes we have a challenge option.this game has many more things not listed in my reveiw but i give it a 10 cause it has all that madden has and more except the owner mode big deal!
USE YOUR imagionation.so iam looking foward to playing you online
real football real graphics the real deal ESPN 2K4!
| REad This | | Jose says (17/Sep/2003): | ESPN is a better game then madden. Ive played madden all my life but when i rented this i had to switch, first of all the graphics are a bit better, more crisp and smoother. The tackles are more realistic and thieres more of them. The gameplay is what makes ESPN though. Much more Realistic then Madden for ex. When using Vick on Madden, almost everytime u role out u will have the oppurtunity to run for plus 10 yards, in ESPN this glitch does not exist most of the time, depending on the coverage u will have a minimal gain or a tackle for less. Xbox live for espn is fantastic, Buy this Game, forget Madden
| As Real As It Gets | | All you need to do is read this! from Bears Fan Trapped In LosAngelesCA....... says (14/Sep/2003): | This game is incredible...
So many features during and out of game play.
Presentation is amaizing..whether your in 3Com Stadium and watch the blimp as it passes over the field or your in first person mode watching the instant replay in the jumbo screen from the 20 yeard line..(first person football.AMAZING) I was a Die Hard Madden fan until 2K3 and after playing this game I will never go back... Anyone who thinks this game is not at least as good as madden is lying to themselves... This game also features "tHE CRIb" a sort of club house for all the various tropies and NFL gear you will unlock... as more of your friends come over and make great plays secret items will be unlocked... My crib started as a Bears Fans only pad but now has swag from 8 Different Teams... I wont spoil all the suprise for the type of unlockable items in the crib but you will get everything from cool trpohies to secret free agents you can draft.. and items are unlocks by doing everything from viewing certian game menus to scoring 6 Rushing TD's with the same back (Can you say W.Payton#34 a Free Agent?)... I have already converted about 90% of my friends to this game and all they had to do was sit for 30 min and play one game... the AI,play calling,and mobility are all simply amazing.. This game is the REAL PLAYMAKER!!
| Simply the best football game | | Tony C. "bruisecrew" from San Francisco, CA says (12/Sep/2003): | I have never written a game review before, but I feel compelled to give props to the dedicated people at Visual Concepts for the obvious time and effort they put into ESPN NFL Football (Sega 2k4).
GRAPHICS - Great, although I'm not that big on graphics since the gameplay and control is where it's at. I say it's generally crisper than Madden during gameplay, but closeup shots really show the difference as you can actually determine who the players are since they're faces are so real. Also, tackling looks incredible with the gang tackles, DL throwing the QB for a sack, RB dragging a LB or CB for an extra yard, the attention to detail is really amazing. Weather looks great, stadiums are awesome, the stadium shots at the beginning of the game and at halftime are pretty dramatic.
SOUND - very good, tackles, trash talk (especially in first person mode), color/commentary is very fresh and entertaining, not too repetitive, Chris Berman's pregame and halftime show make you feel like you're watching TV (my wife actually said "There's a football game on tonight?" - It was around midnight! It's that good. Crowd reaction (which for me, really gets me into the game experience) is superb. No cheering for the opposing team when they score, the crowd gets louder during close games. I went for it on 4th down early in a game and didn't make it, they booed me like crazy - it was crazy!! You know how real crowds get very loud when you're on defense and it's 3rd and long, and then there's a hush when the opposing team converts, well that happens on this game too - it's nuts. Sound in first person mode is a little different, louder tackles and way more trash talk (especially in the trenches before the snap, you hear the opposing qb barking out audibles), teammates congratulating you after scoring and high-fiving you, and no color commentary (since you're on the field baby!), it's pretty d__ cool.
GAMEPLAY - The best football game I've ever played. Running the ball is unbelievable. This game teaches you how to run, to be patient, to find and hit your hole. You're taught to not just hit your speed button from the get go, that you must wait for the play to develop. Also, you can juke, spin and straight arm (like in some other titles), but in addition there is a stutter step move (right joystick forward) and stop and go move (right joystick backward) that really throws off the defense's timing. I use the stutter step often and it really adds a whole new dimension to running - it really looks great too, just like how my favorite runner, Clinton Portis does it. Another move that is not on Madden is the "shoulder charge" - triangle. This is very effective for bruisers (like Mike Anderson FB of the Broncos), but doesn't work as effectively for my man Mr. Portis, since he's only 200 lbs). But Clinton can stutter and juke where Anderson is too big for that stuff, and it doesn't work as effectively for him. Bottom line, you need to understand your running backs, they are not all created equally, this game rocks!! - but you better understand football to benefit from all these nuances. Passing is comparable to other games, but the hot routes are way better, 8 directions (versus only 4 for Madden). How many times did you want to hot route a slant, and couldn't? Well, you can now. Let's talk about audibles, in the other game you have 5, in this one you have 3 audibles per formation. There are probably 10 offensive formations so you have about 30 audibles, now that's impressive. Oh and did I mention, when you call up your audibles the formations and routes show up on your screen, so you don't have to memorize that L1 is a power run, square is a button hook pass, etc. etc. Why didn't anyone think of that before? Passing is real, you can't drop back 30 yards and fire a bullet between 2 defenders off your back foot and expect to be successful. Pass accuracy suffers unless both feet are on the ground, the attributes for this category are "Accurace" and "Scrambling ability". So Garcia/McNabb/Vick can get away with more than Trent Dilfer and everyone else, but not much more. These guys still won't be as accurate unless both feet are on the ground. One other thing that's so nice (for you serious football fans out there), when scouting the opposition via the "rosters" menu, the different positions show the most relevant attributes first. For example, you pull up a QB, the first attribute is overall rating, then passing strength, passing accuracy, etc. For a LB, it's overall rating,then tackling, run defense, pass rushing (for blitzes of course), agility and speed for D-line you need to know run defense, pass rushing, tackling and strength. In Madden, the attributes for each position is laid out exactly the same, so you see how good a punter is at run defense before you see his leg strength. Anyway, my point is that the guys at Visual Concepts have gone the extra mile to make this the best football experience you can imagine.
FUN FACTOR -Unmatched. You really feel like you're in the game. Whether your in first person mode or regular 3rd person. Although FP mode adds a whole different dimension to the game once you get used to it. The Crib is cool although that stuff is all secondary to me. I just want to manage my team and play football. The crib has trophies and plaques for your accomplishments, for example, I got a trophy for gaining 200 yards on the ground, it tells you the date it happend, and the teams involved. That's actually pretty cool when you're going through all your different trophies, brings back good memories of great games. The bobbleheads are great too, I was never into these but sometimes you just want to take 5 in your crib and chill out, and there's lots of stuff in there that you earned (up to 1200 items?).
ORIGINALTIY - FP mode is radical as I mentioned before. Running is pretty natural, but passing is a science since you need to know how to read defenses to be successful. I generally adjust the difficulty sliders a little bit (to the less difficult direction) when in this mode, but just like everything else, it can be mastered with time. But the in-game experience of FP mode is unmatched in any game out there, sports or whatever.
VALUE - You have to just go out and buy the game, take a chance in life for once you loyal Maddenists? I did. This is the first year I didn't buy Madden. I guess it's because I was more interested in evaluating football talent, dissecting my opponents weaknesses, and developing a gameplan; versus developing a strategy for pricing peanuts and trying to figure out how much salt to put on the french fries to develop the optimal thirst quotient so I can sell more soda? I'm into football - that's why I buy these games. ESPN NFL Football satisfies my thirst for Football! There are defining moments during your life, this is one of them. Buy this game and you will not be disappointed, and it will change your outlook and perspective in so many different areas of your life. You need to take the plunge, go against the tide, be your own person. Just buy it.
| KILLER MANILLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Dan from Indianapolis says (11/Sep/2003): | This game is killer. Runing, graphics and the way you pick your deffensice plays cuts Madden. I own both and I like Madden its just a slower game and the rushing is no where near 2K 4. I would like to see if Madden uses the same idea with running next year. The Espn Prime Time and Pre Game is just icing on the cake. All I got to say is at leat rent it. Thats what I did and after your firt game you will want to own it.
| Best football game of the year! | | Eric from Rosenberg, Texas. USA says (11/Sep/2003): | Without a doubt ESPN football is a gamers dream.I've played alot of football games in my time however this is far the best game i've played.The graphics alone are impressive,players look realistic,stadiams are a picture perfect and ESPN football gives you the best camra views in football game history.The audio in this game impressed me alot.Realistic football sounds had me from the get go.This game gives you it all,from the hard hitting crunch on the field to the yell from your fans wanting more pressure, I give the audio a 10. ESPN football gave me the oppertunity to play through the eyes of my favorit football star with the new First Person football. This feature also blew me away because it's so realistic. Playing the game from the eyes of the players is real fun and easy. Dont be suprised if you lose track of time playing with First Person Football because it's that much fun.Another fun aspect of this game is the Crib they give you.This is the first time i've seen this type of feature on any game and im glad to say it's a very good addition.The Crib allows you to unlock hundreds of items to decorate your house with. It also allows you to unlock fun games like air hocky,paper football,trivia and much more.The fun part to me is im a football game fan and I like to play alot. ESPN Football has a new to me feature where the more you play the more things you can unlock for your Crib. Trust me it's alot of fun and im sure you will like it to.ESPN Football has alot of game modes and other unique options that makes this football game stand out over the others that just cant beat ESPN Football.
| Madden VS. ESPN | | JDNY from Bronx,NY says (10/Sep/2003): | I love both games and I have both of them...but this year's madden just got a little bit out of hand...whether you play it on rookie,Pro,all pro or Madden...If you don't sack the QB or intercept the pass...They will make that 3 down conversions...The AI on Madden will cheat you out....But ESPN won't...Both the AI and the user must earn their yards...I'm siding with ESPN this year...Graphics on Madden stay the same every year and John Madden needs to go to School for Commentators....he always says dumb things...ESPN NFL football got them beat this years..maybe next year..
| Great Game | | Keith from Portage, IN says (8/Sep/2003): | I have played Madden 2004 and I traded it in on espn nfl football.
The presentation of the game if awesome. It is more realistic than Madden. The play by play is better. Madden say's only a few small comment here and there and no comment about any noe player. If you are close minded and asume that madden is the best because it says so on the box. Buy Madden, but if you love real football. ESPN NFL Football is the way to go.
| Played both | | George B. from Fife, Washington, USA says (7/Sep/2003): | Well I think the people who are bashing this game are going way out of line! I mean yea Madden is a awsome game. But after playing ESPN the game play is more life like. Yes the helmet cam is kinda cheesy but it makes up for it with the way you run the ball, how it looks when people try to tackle you,and the presentati on is great as well. but the best thing is you dont have to listen to John Madden talk crap an say some retarted crap that gets old after the first time you hear it!! I like ESPN better, both great football games!!!
| the best football game ever | | A gamer from indianapolis, IN USA says (7/Sep/2003): | This game is the best game ever its so much more fun then madden madeen is to relistic on the running tip in real life it dont take five yards to cut 2k4 is off the hook most realistic game ive played first pearsons alright they could work on it a little more but third is off the hook if you have never play'ed 2k serious i would go get this game you will love it
| played it, love it! best 2K series ever! | | relentless underdawg from Hawthorne, CA USA says (6/Sep/2003): | I picked up ESPN NFL Football for XBOX on its release date, played it, and was awe struck. I think the reviewer below me ment awesome instead of awefull. This has to be the most entertaining football game ever! The tackles are more realistic, the broadcasting is superb, the in game visuals are stunning. You truly need the XBOX version of this game to truly appreciate the graphics. I even watched the computer play against itself, and it was like watching a real televised game. The few problems that I have with the game so far, and I do mean few, is that the big strong running backs break tackles too easily on the games default difficulty mode. I'm a Steelers fan and I use Jerome Bettis of course, who is not starting so far this season, and I'm a little dissapointed. On the default difficulty setting, he breaks tackles way too easily. Usually on this setting, I break tackles and run for 10+ yards or touchdowns on this setting. So I had to adjust the difficulty settings to make it a little more realistic. The second problem is that the First Person Football is really confusing. If you played it, you will know. I felt they should have put in a tutorial for this mode. Or I bet they want you to buy a strategy guide for this mode. The CRIB feature is cool. Other than my few problems, I feel that this years 2K game may give Madden a great run for compitition this year. I've been reading various reader reviews from other sites, and even Madden fans are giving this game props for the XBOX version. The PS2 version of this game got lower reader reviews of course. I think the XBOX version of the game looks more graphically realistic than the PS2 version. So bottom line, if you buy this game, get the XBOX version! It's the best 2K series ever! I'm pretty sure that the two reviewers that rated this game before it came out would rank it higher if they actually at least rented and played the XBOX version.
| the game is great!!!!! | | 2k4 fan from elkridge,md says (6/Sep/2003): | I just got the game after getting madden 2004 and ncaa 2004 and wow! this game is great! the graphics are awsome and the crib feature is great for the game. i found it easier to play espn football for long periods of time when in ea sports got bored after the first quarter. i love the first person mode which makes you feel in the game.the only problem i had with it was that u cant see tacklers next to you.i like the mini games in the crib like air hockey and paper football. the nfl primetime is also a great sddition to the 2k series. the only problem is i dont hear tv announcers.go and get it quick!
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