I picked up my copy about an hour ago and so far i'm impressed. One feature that has been added into the offseason for the Franchise Mode is Restricted Free Agents which is a first.
Did they not turn Mike Anderson back into a RB on there? He's always useful for some good old power running.
Drexlerfan22 read this review, and there are more sites that echo it's stamp of approval. http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/madden-nfl-2005/536707p1.html?r=5 Got the game last night --- it's awesome. I own ESPN as well, and I like it, but the crisp gameplay on Madden blows ESPN out of the water. For the Xbox version, ESPN does have better graphics, but not that much better to tip the scales. It's just more realistic than ESPN. THe online play is also MUCH better (faster, with no lag) on Madden. I think EA had some issues with their server when NCAA 2005 came out, but it seems to be ironed out. Madden already has updated rosters, unlike ESPN. Read the review. look at ign.com if you want to see another review. The title of this thread needs a little rearranging.
Read the review and look at ign.com -- if you're a fan of madden and don't want to play ESPN. Otherwise, rent/buy/play (for 20 bucks its not so tough) both and make your own decision; you can't go wrong either way.
Madden > ESPN 2k4 part 2, aka 2k5 I just wasn't impressed with 2k5, it looked and felt almost exactly like last year's version. I can tell why they are only charging $20 for it, it is because they didn't invest any money in the development
ESPN Football is better...The ESPN Series/Sega Sports has and always will be the best sports games on the market... NBA, NHL, MLB, you name it, hands down...
Last night, during a running back training camp drill, I tried it and he did cover up the ball. Not sure if it "breaks tackles" or not though, but it appears to. There's one thing I've learned from video games and that's that most people have a favorite and if you insult it, it's like insulting your first born child. Perfect example is the NBA 2K? vs NBA Live debates. I love watching people argue about that. ETA: Mike Anderson is listed at HB and FB on the real Broncos. They're not sure which he's gonna play. The way that Quentin has played so far, and the way that Tatum Bell has looked, odds are that Anderson ends up at FB, but will play in some one-back sets or even as HB with Droughens at FB. Personally, I like the idea of Anderson at FB, he fumbles WAY too much IMO and it always seems to be at crucial times.