The ultimate football grudge match: ESPN vs. Madden 2K4

[Spaceman Spiff]

Greetings and salutations!

Well, as many probably know by now, ESPN Football was released a couple of days ago. Now I know we just had a big, long thread on football titles recently, but bear with me, this one is different.

For those of us pigskin fans who have yet to choose a title for the new season, this presents an interesting quandry. I've done a little research on both games, and they both seem to share equal accolades from most reviewers. For example, ESPN received a 9.3 from IGN, and Madden a 9.4. Madden's deeper owner mode is likely to blame for the .1 advantage, and it does seem intriguing to me, as I've always liked franchise modes.
Yet after looking at videos of both, I am leaning towards liking the look of ESPN more. And with a deep franhicse mode (albeit no owner mode), it's almost equal in that area as well.

So I turn to you, sharky gamers. Has anyone played ESPN yet? There were quite a few complaints against Madden in the last thread if I do recall correctly. Anyone played them both? Since it's so close, I'm looking for one big thing that puts one ahead or behind the other (glitches, stupid AI, etc).
Much appreciated!

[Nabby]

Originally posted by Spaceman Spiff
Greetings and salutations!

Well, as many probably know by now, ESPN Football was released a couple of days ago. Now I know we just had a big, long thread on football titles recently, but bear with me, this one is different.

For those of us pigskin fans who have yet to choose a title for the new season, this presents an interesting quandry. I've done a little research on both games, and they both seem to share equal accolades from most reviewers. For example, ESPN received a 9.3 from IGN, and Madden a 9.4. Madden's deeper owner mode is likely to blame for the .1 advantage, and it does seem intriguing to me, as I've always liked franchise modes.
Yet after looking at videos of both, I am leaning towards liking the look of ESPN more. And with a deep franhicse mode (albeit no owner mode), it's almost equal in that area as well.

So I turn to you, sharky gamers. Has anyone played ESPN yet? There were quite a few complaints against Madden in the last thread if I do recall correctly. Anyone played them both? Since it's so close, I'm looking for one big thing that puts one ahead or behind the other (glitches, stupid AI, etc).
Much appreciated!

ESPN line of games are just Sega Sports titles with different names. I thought it was interesting that ESPN would go ahead and pay the $$$ to have this done. In any case I've heard only good things from Sega Sports games and I believe both games are worth the money if you are a football fan, in the end it's probably personal preference.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Oh, I know. I was a big fan of the NFL 2KX series of games back on Saturn and Dreamcast. I think it was a good move going over to ESPN, as it adds that outside credibility and big name pull that the series lacked.

[fbs1992]

I've always been a fan of both series, but i have always wished they would combine the two to make the perfect game. The models in NFL2k to me atleast look better, but they dont have the same quality of animation that madden models have. I guess you can see where im goin with this.

anyways it shouldnt matter which one you buy theyre both good

[Recon]

The first person football is a TON of fun, I was playing it last night and enjoyed the **** out of it!

[Sol]

I have had them both. I traded in Madden for ESPN mainly because I was a fan of nfl 2k3 and I like the way the 2k games play over the madden games. Madden did have a better Franchise mode with all the new owner stuff but what pissed me off was the first game of the year as the Browns I had like 45% capacity which I found unrealistic. Either way both games are good and if you are thinking of buying the two I would read some reviews and some opinions or maybe rent the game.


oh yeah, I like NCAA 2004 better then both of the NFL games this year

[Spaceman Spiff]

Well, I went ahead and bought ESPN. Mainly because I know the two (madden and ESPN) are about equal, and it comes down to a matter of preference. I've been playing EA games for the last few seasons, and I just think I'm ready for a change. I'm hoping ESPN is what I expect it to be.
As far as NCAA Football 2004, I thought long and hard about it. And I'm sure its an awesome game....but since I own NCAA 2003, I couldnt justify paying $50 for a few updates here and there.

[angomeka]

i have been a sega sports fan since dreamcast and now that they are ESPN sports i could careless about the name change so to make a long story short. ESPN all the way for my sport game titles for this year

[Hans Moleman]

Originally posted by Sol

oh yeah, I like NCAA 2004 better then both of the NFL games this year

Amen I've got Madden for the PC and hardly ever play it. Is ESPN available for the Gamecube?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally posted by Hans Moleman
Amen I've got Madden for the PC and hardly ever play it. Is ESPN available for the Gamecube?

Nope. ESPN is a sega produced game, and Sega is no longer porting any of their sports titles to the GC because of poor sales.

[fbs1992]

ummmm.... i change my vote if you are looking for a game with a deep and involved franchise mode then get madden if you are looking for a damn good football game with great graphics and animations, i believe that espn has a leg up

and i like the crib feature too, and the first person mode is absolutely nuts

[vEtErAn]

I think I will stick to Espn for my sportscenter, and Madden for my .... Madden!