NFL 2K5 still provides a solid game of football but has become somewhat over-romanticized over the years, as it was the last NFL 2K game before EA secured exclusive rights to NFL video games.

Whether or not you prefer 2K or Madden football on PS2 ultimately comes down to the gameplay, and for my tastes, Madden simply feels better to control. Most notably, running feels a bit stiff and robotic in NFL 2K5. Breaking tackles and forward momentum feels good, but having to mash a button for speed boost is clunky. It sounds like a small thing, but I think the game would have been significantly improved with a different turbo system.

Presentation-wise, the game is overflowing with mid-2000s ESPN. While it obviously looks a bit dated now, it does feel like a TV broadcast. The ESPN NFL music adds a lot to the experience. Pregame, halftime, and postgame shows are a cool touch, but you will likely skip them after the first few watches.

In terms of features, there is The Crib, which is a house/trophy room used for collectibles and achievements. It's a cool idea that I wish sports games would bring back. Franchise mode is serviceable though not as deep as Madden, and the UI is mediocre. There are 25 historical game scenarios to play through, but they missing the special touches and unique presentation players have come to expect from these type of modes. The game also notably lacks a create-a-team feature.

NFL 2K5 holds up well for the most part, but I don't feel like it is the best football game of all-time as it is sometimes called.