Sound: 8
Graphics: 8
Gameplay: 9
Replay: 8.5
Multiplayer: Yes, Online (Xbox) and Offline

Sega has really shrunk over the past few years. It all started with the release of the Dreamcast. Really, the system wasn't all that bad. It was a powerful system that could pump out some pretty good graphics and could hold four controller ports, but its downside was that there really weren't many good games for it. Sega made a lot of its own games and got some smaller companies to make games but the really high class games all went to the Nintendo 64 and the Sony Playstation. Ever since the fall of the Sega console power, Sega has been struggling to find a hot spot for game designing. They have been trying a lot of new things, some good, some not so good. Can the ESPN series of games bring Sega out of its slump?

Well...it has the potential. With some proper nurturing and improvements then this new series can really help out Sega's sales. For this years football game Sega brought in ESPN announcing and halftime show and that has really improved the presentation of this game. As far as gameplay goes, this game is solid. The one area this game shines in is tackles. There are many different motion captured tackles and that really adds to the feel of the game. You won't be seeing the same tackle over and over again. The nicest part is the gang tackling. If a running back is a load to bring down and the cornerback is having trouble holding on then get the linebacker over there fast to finish him off. EA's football games need to take a hint from ESPN's gang tackling. That is the upside to the gameplay though. The downside is the game just doesn't play at the right pace. It is a little too fast and plays a little too much like an arcade game. But if you like the halfway type games, not too much simulation and not too much arcade, then this is your game.

The graphics are just about the same as NFL 2k3. Sadly, Sega still doesn't take advantage of the Xbox's power to give it better graphics. Sure, the game looks alright for a Playstation 2 game, but for Xbox standards it rates pretty low. There have been very few improvements to the graphics. The faces still look flat and unrealistic, bodies still pierce through other people's bodies, and yes, the worst of all, the defensive lineman occassionally will go through the offensive lineman (while it's more like a shoulder going through the other guy's shoulder, it's still pretty bad). The one big improvement this year is the first person view. The graphics look the same as in third person, but being up close and personal can be pretty fun. It is always nice to smack the quarterback from behind.

The announcing is good in this game. By bringing in ESPN announcers, Sega has really improved their line of games. The ESPN guys generally know what they are talking about, and while not as animated as the Madden series, you at least won't have to mute the TV. There are grunts and what not in third person, but when in first person view there is a lot to hear. Every grunt and push as you try to fight your way to the quarterback is well made. However, the best part to this game is the halftime presentation. The announcing is fluid and isn't cut up into pieces and put together. They really outline what has happened so far in the game very well. It even sounds like a real halftime show (well, as close as it can get with only one announcer).

This game has a lot of replayability for the Xbox. The Playstation 2 has some as well if you have friends who love this type of game. The game gives some incentive to play single player because there is "The Crib", where you can unlock mini-games and special features. Other than that, there is only the multiplayer, and the Xbox easily beats out the Playstation 2 in that department. First person view can only hold one person on a TV, so the only way to play against someone else using it is to either link two Xbox's or head online with Live. And Live is definately the definitive ESPN NFL experience. Sacking the quarterback from the blindside because he held on to the ball too long and then letting him know about it with the Live communicator is always fun. This game is a good start for the ESPN NFL series and is well worth the money.