ESPN 2K5 Impressions

GROGtheNailer · Post by **GROGtheNailer** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:24 am

I found the sacks pretty decent in my first game, mind you I was always taking the proper steps back.

spooky157 · Post by **spooky157** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:36 am

Parker wrote:
spooky157 wrote:Anybody try it out online yet? I heard there were no independent cameras online.
Doesn't surprise me. As always, allowing different camera angles would require a lot more programming to avoid synch and lag issues.

Yeah, I guess. But I'm sure I read somewhere that independent cameras were confirmed by Sega.

Well, I haven't tried it online yet so it's possible that that the rumors are false.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:43 am

The independent cameras was something people have been complaining about for a couple of years. Wasn't that bad for me as everyone seemed to use the default view (nobody was pausing and changing the cameras that much). But I hear it's a bigger problem for NBA 2K and NCAA 2K College Hoops?

The other thing is the ability to load custom playbooks online or some way to have saved audibles online.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:56 am

I am literally too overwhelmed to post impressions right now. I will tomorrow from work.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:15 am

Mine should be here tomorrow. I've read a ton of positive things so far about ESPN. Most people are having fun on default AP with no slider adjustments! Hurray!

I'll still rent Madden, but at $20 and overnight shipping for the price of ground, heck I'll take my chances on ESPN.

Can't wait to read people's thoughts here at DSP.

Todd

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 8:15 am

I picked up my copy and a copy for a coworker last night. only played one game. (me Cowboys vs cpu Bears). I won 21-14 on default pro. seems to be fairly easy, considering I've been playing Madden/NCAA last couple of years. Of course, I will bump up the difficutly as I go. I do like the feel of the game though. Tons of options on this game. I was setting up my Stadium music and I got a cell call from FunkMaster Flex to play a game. Messed around with that a little bit, but FMF jumping on the screen after every play will get very annoying. that game only lasted 1 quarter. good game though.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 8:58 am

Noticed a couple more items:

- The CPU MISSED a FG from 41 yards out. Nice to see thay won't be perfect this year.

- There are shovel pass plays in the game. The CPU even used one on me!

- I'm still trying to absorb all the audible and assignment options on defense. Looks like you can call a play, but then re-assign a LB (or DB) to blitz.

- You can assign celebrations to the buttons. Cool little feature, because they have about 50 to choose from. I am really happy that this was not mentioned as a big selling point, but rather a nice addition to find on our own.

- Custom stadium music looks like it will be cool. Still need to rip more music to my HD before I really try this out.

So far I am very impressed. Sure it has only been 1 night, and any real gameplay issues don't surface until people have played for a while, but I am very happy with what they've done since last year. This game is worth $50 more than NCAA, and probably Madden. Those should be the $20 games, not this one. It's a steal, and I hope their plan works. They deserve to be closer to Madden than they have been sales-wise.

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:19 am

Independent camera angles for online are in the game. Apparantly, you start with whatever angle the host has chosen but then you can change to whatever camera angle each user wants.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:21 am

For what it's worth, some guys have been claiming that there ARE independent cameras for online play. I won't know for sure until my copy arrives later today, but they seem to be telling the truth on this one.

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:23 am

XXXIV wrote:The game just gave me Crib points for being sacked 3 times.................

pity points.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:44 am

Slumberland wrote:I picked the All-NFL team and handed Steve-O his ass. His profile actually played it pretty straight, but he did start going for it on 4th down relatively early in the 4th quarter. All in all I strangely enjoyed it. Hopefully Carmen Electra's challenge will be easier on the eyes, though. I'm waiting for your call, Carmen!

She should have to take off her top if you beat her.

Seriously, can't wait to pick this up -- my local EB should have it today.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:52 am

Played two games last night and I pretty much echo all of the impressions listed so far. I did not play last years version so I cannot really compare, however, to me, the game is exactly where I would have hoped Sega would be with this franchise at this point. They really have done an outstanding job from the gameplay to the features.

The passing game is quite realistic and you really have to get rid of the ball quickly. I love that. The running game seems very accurate as well. What I cannot get over is the overall polish to the presentation. It just keeps getting better and better. Really top notch stuff.

The one AWESOME thing that I do not think has been mentioned (perhaps it was in last years version) is the pause menu option for game stats. It lists a description of every single play that has taken place in the game and you can actually watch a replay of EVERY play so far. Very cool. Did not know this was in here (again, sorry if this is old news).

I'll have to play online as for me, the multiplayer aspect is the best place to test out the games strengths.

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:09 am

i hope they get the manual up on the web soon.

i get mine today.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:16 am

The question for me: Do I blow off my lunch-time bike ride and go to EB to pick up ESPN NFL 2K5 or do I wait until after dinner?

I love gaming, but I'll probably ride. Can't play the game this afternoon anyways. Still, I'm eager as hell for this game, and your positive first impressions aren't helping any with my patience!

Out,
PK

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:24 am

Nor mine, Mr K. Don't forget, you've got my money...

Anyway, have a read of this while you are waiting. There is an index of this guy's columns on the right hand side (you'll love the one titled 'Are the Toon sick of Sgt Shearer ?')
http://www.football365.com/opinion/john ... 2328.shtml

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:24 am

That's funny, I was thinking of working out before work so I can pick it up at lunch time, which is when I usually get some exercise.

But I won't be playing it until after work anyways.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:36 am

davet010 wrote:Nor mine, Mr K. Don't forget, you've got my money...

Anyway, have a read of this while you are waiting. There is an index of this guy's columns on the right hand side (you'll love the one titled 'Are the Toon sick of Sgt Shearer ?')
http://www.football365.com/opinion/john ... 2328.shtml

Don't worry, Dave. Haven't forgotten you, mate!

I'll check out the column. I chuckle at the "Tiring of Sgt. Shearer" headline. Do junk-food junkies tire of potato chips and Coke? Fat chance ...

Take care,
PK

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:54 am

GTHobbes wrote:Again, thanks for the impressions. Can't wait to take in some of those new animations.

Danimal...were you an ESPN fan before this year?

I buy every game each year. But If I am honest with myself up until last year I prefered Madden. There are still some things which bug me about the game play style of ESPN, but the other things outwiegh them

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 11:06 am

Started a Franchise last night, just wanted to see what it was like.

I am interested to hear others peoples takes on thw weeekly prep time. I thought this idea looked great on paper, but after 3 games and spending 20 minutes between each game setting up that weeks items and seeing some really bizare results (in my mind anyway) on the Saturday results screen I am quickly growing tired of spending that time inbetween games.

Someone give me a hollar when you try it.

Ok on to some gameplay concerns.

I think I need some good sliders on All Pro, I am seeing no penalties. An every one of my games scoring has been from the big play. Not once has a team worked it's way down the field. I'm talking 34 yard runs, 57 yard passes etc.

Now you can say I suck, and I probably do at this point. But when the AI hits a receiver on a slant pattern with 5 guys withing 7 yards of him, and 2 drapped all over him and he squirts through for a 60 yard TD I am obviously not doing something right.

To give you an idea of what I mean here is my first hal T.O.P. of my Bears vs the Titans, 7 minute quarters

Bears 10:21
Titans 3:39

Here is the Score

Bears 13
Titans 27

I guess I am just that bad

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 11:28 am

Actually, big plays were a pretty common way to score in 2K4, whether long runs or short/medium passes with a big RAC.

Even simple swing passes to RBs had big play potential, not just moving the chains potential.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 11:36 am

The one AWESOME thing that I do not think has been mentioned (perhaps it was in last years version) is the pause menu option for game stats. It lists a description of every single play that has taken place in the game and you can actually watch a replay of EVERY play so far. Very cool. Did not know this was in here (again, sorry if this is old news).

Did not know that, thanks!

Just recieved the game, and well... I love it. I'm seeing several drives by both teams and FINALLY a game that plays well out of the box (on AP). Penalties need maxed, maybe.

Passing is quite impressive and maybe the best I've seen in a sports game. Maybe it's because I'm the Rams, but when Holt or Faulk are open, it's in their hands, no turning around on a dime by the DB (NCAA) and reacting only to knock it down. Exploiting a weak defense has never been so satisfying.

Presentation is top notch. They really added a ton of stuff to the presentation this year. I think I've said, WOW, about 50 times now or, "I can't believe I just saw that in a game".

As soon as I figure out how many mins per quarter for believeable stats, my franchise is getting started.. nothing like diving right in.

Thanks Sega,

Quite a game for $20

Todd

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:00 pm

wco81 wrote:Actually, big plays were a pretty common way to score in 2K4, whether long runs or short/medium passes with a big RAC.

Even simple swing passes to RBs had big play potential, not just moving the chains potential.

Do you think that is a good thing?

I'm just concerned because every game I have played the scores were big plays. I have yet to have a team have to go at it from the red zone because we all score from 30+ yards out. Maybe it was this way last year but I don't remember it.

Also the QB completition percentage seems a bit high for myself and the AI.

Again before I get bashed, this is a small sampeling of games. I'm sure this all can be adjusted with sliders and it is my preference in play style so YMMV.

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:05 pm

Well, sliders will help, but a lot of it comes down to how you play. As far as the computer scoring, are you playing 4-3 or 3-4 defenses too often when the computer has 5 receievers? Or nickel and dime when they are in running formations? Or on offense, are you trying to complete short passes or just going for your one deep receiever?

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:35 pm

wco81 wrote:Actually, big plays were a pretty common way to score in 2K4, whether long runs or short/medium passes with a big RAC.

Even simple swing passes to RBs had big play potential, not just moving the chains potential.

Much more difficult this year. The little swing passes get picked up a lot better and running to the outside isn't money like it was last year.

As far as tips, I would say, ESPN has always been a mix of playcalling and adjusting pre and post play selection. You may come out of the play call screen with what your intending to do, but once you see the offensive formation, you'd better adjust if your not in a particularily favorable match-up. The most common problem I see from people is that they play too agreesively and give up too many plays as a resu;t. Having played last years version and this one, I can tell you that it's more defensive by comparison.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:04 pm

reeche wrote:
wco81 wrote:Actually, big plays were a pretty common way to score in 2K4, whether long runs or short/medium passes with a big RAC.

Even simple swing passes to RBs had big play potential, not just moving the chains potential.
Much more difficult this year. The little swing passes get picked up a lot better and running to the outside isn't money like it was last year.

I totally disagree with that, I am running to the outside at will. I don't think I have called an outside run that has gotten less then 5 yards.

On default All-Pro I am averaging 112 yards a game with the Bears new RB (sorry forgot the name and I am at work..Jones I think)

I do agree the swing passes are getting picked up for me as well. It is the slants that are the bread & butter from what I have seen. Even when I shift to Inside Coverage I can count on at least 3-4 times a game a simple slant going for big yardage (40 yards +) From what I have been reading in other places I am not the only one. Someone said to bump up the Human Pursuit so I will give that a try tonight.