RubenBaraja

Already read the IGN/Gamespot reviews but just wanted some opinions on which 2005 sports titles to go for.

NBA Live 05 or NBA 2K5
Madden 05 or ESPN NFL 2K5
NHL 05 or ESPN NHL 2K5

Thanks for any input

omega2K4

ESPN NBA 2K5, ESPN NFL 2K5, ESPN NHL 2K5. The only thing I like from EA Sports is Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Fight Night/Knockout Kings.

I've always liked SEGA's sports games better, ever since I first played them on the Genesis. They play better (more fluid, I think Madden, Live, and NHL 2005 feel clunky) and create a great atmosphere that makes you feel like you are actually watching a game on TV.

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gnort

I'm a big fan of ESPN NHL 2k5. There are so many different features and modes it's mindboggling. The controls take a little getting used to after playing EA sports games for the past few years, but they aren't that bad. Plus, ESPN NHL is only $20 so you can't go wrong there.

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IC3

I have only tried one ESPN game and it was ESPN Hockey05 or whatever it's called, I hate that game..I tried it online, I have never played a game online with as many glitches as that. I played it like twice then chucked it..I only paid like 35 dollars and it was only to hold me over till NHL2005 hit the shelves.

EA Games got alot of glitches too online, But NHL2005..They made the gameplay totally different, It's actually hard to play..It doesn't seem to have any of those glitch goals..where the same move everytime you get a goal..I haven't played it online in a long time, But when i did..it was good.

EA's madden football series, Possibly the best football game i have ever played..Although i don't own 05..But every follow up madden game they have released that i have tried..I was never dissapointed.

Hockey is really the only sports game i play out of all the series you listed. So, Ima probably always stick with EA unless somebody better comes along and starts thier own sports games.

Trying out ESPN hockey was enough for me to probably not try any of thier other sports games.

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Jeff

I'd definately say ESPN football over Madden.

Haven't played the others.

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Doctor_Max

The thing EA has going for them is their online service. It's so easy to find a game there. Sometimes you'll sit in the lobby in an ESPN game for 10 minutes or more and not have someone to play.

Sleepyjack

As for ESPN NBA VS EA NBA - i find that the EA one is generally a lot more arcade-like; although i think it has better and tighter control. HOwever, the ESPN one is much more like a simulation and more realistic. Also there is a lot more managerial options during the Dynasty mode of ESPN-so if you like the coaching/manager side of NBA as well you'd like. Although i don't play these online, only at friends places, so i can't comment on the online play?

RubenBaraja

Cheers guys for the opinions.

Think the Online aspect has been scrapped over here in England so thats not really a factor.

They also cost about twice as much as they retailed for over in the states

MiSo

EA games is the only sports games i will ever play.

i've bought ESPN NFL 2k4 and 2k5 and its a total waste of money.
the gameplay is horrible compared to EA's style.
i've never played any other ESPN games besides the football ones but those two games were enough to turn me away from them forever.

EA > ESPN

ESPN games are dirt cheap, and you get what you pay for. they're crap.

lunchbox

easy choice for me, I have a pc no PS2 no Xbox, no Gamecube so I only have EA to choose from. if espn brings out a pc version of their games, maybe i'll give them a shot.

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Delirious

MVP Baseball is finally going to be on XBOX live, cant wait til I get it in a few days..

Church

I just picked up NHL 2005 tonight, impulse buy, and I friggin love it. I tend to lean towards ea games because of the ea traxx to play to. Anyways, great game so far... looks awesome.

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RubenBaraja

Suppose I could always get all 6 titles!!

yensonc

nba 2k5 and madden win no contest

crossova

i prefer espn nba2k5. it is a toss up b/w madden and nfl2k5.
now that ea bought the rights to so many sports industries...i hope that they work out a deal w/visual concepts b/c EA is really lacking in their visual replications of player models

Bratwurst

I have an old old old Fox Sports NHL title from like way back in 2000. it rocks, I still play it.

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CityOfAngels

As a basketball player, I thoroughly enjoy ESPN NBA 2K5 a lot more than EA's NBA Live 2005. For basketball games, I'm all for realism, and although ESPN NBA 2K5 has glitches that sometimes kill the realism (such as passing the ball off of your opponent's head into the basket), it is a lot more realistic than NBA Live. I like the controls better, too. There's one button to shoot, one to pass, one to cross-over, and another to find the open man. In ESPN, you don't have to worry about whether or not you're pressing the dunk/layup button or the shoot button.

Each games have their own problems. I recently found that NBA Live's trading/roster management system is a farse. There is a thread that I started in this forum in regards to that. Also, NBA Live doesn't even start with full rosters; I had to patch the game to get the #4 draft pick, Shaun Livingston, on my Clippers. ESPN already has updated rosters up to when the game was released. Although I must say: NBA Live is less glitch-prone. I never find myself shooting a full-court shot when I'm thinking I was going up for a rebound. Also, so far, I haven't seen any of that "bounce the ball off of your opponent's head into the basket" rediculousness. NBA Live also gives you some slack when it comes to deciding whether or not your shot is a three or a two. You don't have to make sure you're 3 feet behind the line before you shoot.

Dunks in NBA Live are generic, besides the occasional 360 jam by LeBron or Vince Carter. The Slam Dunk Competition is another story. That side-game is off the hook. I love it! There's nothing like boosting Earl Boykin's dunk rating to 99 and then stuffing his arm down the hoop just like Vince Carter. Also the fact that you can do Dee Brown's "Eyes Closed" dunk is just insane. ESPN NBA doesn't even have a dunk contest, and I played the one on last year's ESPN College basketball, and it was garbage.

If you are a fan of basketball in general, get BOTH games. They both have their ups and downs. If you're a basketball player, get ESPN NBA. If you're neither, and are just looking for a decent arcade-style sports game to play, get NBA Live.

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heccubusiv

The crib is more cool than madden points or madden cards, the ESPN also i think has smoother gameplay and its seems like when you hit hte buttons you get more done. Also being able to dive over the top of people is also pretty cool. Also they took away a little from the play maker feature so i like ESPN football better

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akdem

As far as game play goes, I used to favor EA completely. However, lately ESPN has closed the gap. Their last few sports games (NFL 2k5 and College Hoops 2k) have been as good as or better than the EA equivilants. I have begun to change my loyalty. The 30 dollar price difference doesn't hurt either. It is ridiculous that EA chareges so much for their games. Those days may soon be gone, as EA now owns the ESPN franchise. I smell a monopoly and I don't like it. EA will soon have the sports game industry cornered.

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Spartak

I wanted a basketball game so I picked up ESPN NBA 2k5 for a bargain price. It is a really quality game, and I'm very happy with it. I would be rather indifferent between ESPN and EA if not for the cheap price tag.

As for the NFL, after playing Madden so long it just feels wrong.

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Dostoevsky

I have a strong preference for espn nfl 2k5 over madden. I haven't tried the basketball or hockey games. The madden controls are just so rigid feeling. Someone previously described them as 'clunky,' I would say that's very accurate.

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NeverBorn

I actually have to say ESPN. I like NHL2k5 alot because of what I can do with the controls. Plus overall, ESPN has a better sense of simulation while when I play EA games, especially Madden, the speed screams more arcady.

japhyryder

I haven't played the new Madden but I can't put down 2K5, working on the 3rd superbowl ring

GO Eagles

Also, really enjoy Tiger Wood Golf that is a good golf game

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RubenBaraja

Can I throw Baseball onto the topic now.

MVP vs ESPN (I think there is an ESPN one anyway)