May 12^th, 2004 (12:00am) - ESPN Videogames today announced that the highly anticipated ESPN NFL 2005 will be unleashed in Fall 2004. ESPN NFL 2005 promises to provide pigskin fans with the most responsive and intense football gameplay yet. Revolutionary new game features, rich multi-player gaming, seamless visuals, and true-ESPN presentation come together creating the ultimate virtual football experience.

"Every year, we deliver the most comprehensive football experience to every sports fan," says Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, the producers of ESPN Videogames. "We’re committed to giving football fans not only the most complete football video game, but also offer ground breaking new features that provide unique gaming experiences. This year gamers will enjoy the addition of original new features like the V.I.P. system - to achieve unprecedented levels of quality in ESPN NFL 2005."

Setting new standards every year, ESPN NFL 2005 offers one of the most compelling features seen in a sports video game with the V.I.P (Virtual Identity Profile) System. The V.I.P. System keeps track of an assortment of player behaviors, on-field tendencies, play calling favorites, and much more. Additionally, players can download their opponent’s V.I.P. profile and load up exactly how they play even if they’re not there. The V.I.P. System will have both offline and online components, so players will be able to upload their V.I.P profile and download new profiles online.

Chris Berman and new sideline reporter Suzy Kolber headline an updated ESPN presentation, complete with expanded ESPN integrations and an innovative Franchise Show feature, allowing players to manage week-to-week preparation of their team. Well-known ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper and SportsCenter’s very own Trey Wingo join in to deliver all franchise-related news. In celebration of ESPN’s 25th Anniversary, ESPN NFL 2005 will feature an ESPN 25th Anniversary Mode, offering players the chance to rewrite history by replaying classic NFL moments.

Players can not only receive bragging rights by beating their opponents online, but also through the Crib’s several new customizations and revamped point system. Players even have the opportunity to get points by taking on the challenge of playing against a celebrity and their dream team.

Virtual competition is more fun than ever as players are invited to connect to the ultimate online gaming community (via the Xbox and PS2) offering the most complete online sports experience on any video game console. Football fanatics will rejoice at the plethora of tournament, league, and gameplay options at their control. Real-time stats, friend connection updates, living rosters, and impressive spectator options create a truly unique way of playing ESPN NFL 2005.

Available for both PlayStation 2 and Xbox, ESPN NFL 2005 provides football fans with all the high-quality and dynamic elements expected from ESPN Videogames with stunning visuals, dazzling graphics, and breakthrough moves and gameplay.

ESPN NFL 2005 and other ESPN Videogames titles are produced by Visual Concepts - Sega’s sports studio. For more information, log on to http://www.espnvideogames.com.