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Review: 'NFL Blitz'

By Robert Workman, Source: Video Game Reviews

GamerLive.tv

Remember the glory days of "NFL Blitz"? This game came out in the '90s and reminded us that, hey, football doesn't always have to play by the rules. Setting the standard for arcade gaming in the same manner as Midway's "NBA Jam" series, it really defined a carefree era, putting fun in place of straight-up simulation. How we miss those days . . . but miraculously, EA Sports has brought them back with their own take on "Blitz," now available on Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network.

Now, a word of warning -- to get the blessing of the NFL, some minor things have been tweaked. The idea of hitting an opponent in the end zone or dropping a late hit on them after they score the first down? Long gone. You can't touch opposing players when they're down, nor can you hit them when they're taunting for a first down or a touchdown. Everything else, however, is fair game. And that's why "Blitz" still works so well. These tackles are uproarious to watch. I've never felt so bad for Tim Tebow in my life as he got dragged to the ground by three diving defenders.

Anyway, the gameplay itself remains the same. Pass plays are executed by throwing to highlighted players, if they manage to get open; running plays give you the option to use spins or stiffarms to get the 30 yards (yep, that rule's still intact) for the first down; and defense is all out mayhem, as you chase down the ball carrier and bring them down with utmost tenacity. It's "Blitz" all over again, and mind the removal of late hits, it's still quite wonderful. Plus, you can still be "on fire" and earn some infinite turbo. Always a classic Midway touch.

"Blitz" gives you plenty to do. The game features online matchups, including co-op support for you and teammates, and also tracks your stats through leaderboards, so you can see how you're doing against others. The Elite League lets you live out a brief (yet enjoyable) career mode, where you can unlock collectible cards (a la "Madden Ultimate Team," but more "Blitzy") and other unlockable codes. (Love the classic code entry system, once again made up of emblems.) And in "Blitz Gauntlet," you can take on teams and eventually face boss teams made up of fantasy players, such as zombies. Beat them and they're added to your collection. Can a zombie Mark Sanchez do better than the real one? I'm guessing yes.

Visually, "NFL Blitz" looks about the same as its classic counterpart, with crazy animations, decent field designs (hardly realistic, but whatever) and great high-definition touch-ups. The cheerleaders look all right, too, though we could've used more of them. And the sound is rock solid, thanks to the return of Tim Kitzrow on commentary (he's the man) and upbeat music. Love those sound effects too. GRUNT GRUNT OOF!

The 2012 gaming season is off to the right start with EA Sports' "NFL Blitz." Like the "NBA Jam" games, the developers fondly remember the original game, and cram every bit of violent goodness they can into it, along with cool bonus features online and off.

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