GAME REVIEW: ‘NFL Blitz’ recaptures decade-old arcade legacy

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More than a decade after the release of Midway’s “NFL Blitz 2000,” EA Sports has released a new game simply called “NFL Blitz” that attempts to rekindle the cartoonish style of the ’90s arcade series.

There are many similarities between “NFL Blitz” and “NFL Blitz 2000.” There are seven players on the field for each team, it takes 30 yards to get a first down and quarters are only two minutes long. Many of the plays are taken straight out of “Blitz 2000” as well, right down to their names.

There are differences though, one of the most notable being the lack of late hits. Late hits were by no means integral to the game-play experience of earlier “Blitz” games, and the same goes for “NFL Blitz.” But it is a little disappointing not being able to make players body slam or throw each other after the whistle.

“NFL Blitz” feels a little more toned-down in general when compared to the arcade games through the lack of late hits, less violent hits in general and more realistic character models. Thankfully, the other differences between “NFL Blitz” and the ’90s “Blitz” games are positive ones.

The biggest difference is the inclusion of a robust number of online and offline game modes. Online play is an important part of the game. Players can go head-to-head online in ranked Blitz Battles or create a brand new co-op team with a friend to compete with other co-op teams. There are also unranked matches that can be played cooperatively online.

Elite League is a digital card game that is very similar to what can be found in some other EA Sports titles. Players get a starter deck with real players and must manage their team the best they can while using Blitz Bucks to buy new cards. Blitz Bucks are earned through playing the various online modes and can be used to purchase unlockable content and new card decks.

Offline players can jump right in alone or with three other players in the Play Now mode or go through the Blitz Gauntlet. Blitz Gauntlet is like a fighting game, giving players a ladder of teams to defeat, punctuated by unlockable boss teams like the Zombies. While not perfect, “NFL Blitz” gives people a simple and fun alternative to “Madden” with more emphasis on having fun than on player statistics, and it only costs $15.

Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3

Genre: Sports

ESRB Rating: E10+ (For everyone 10+)

Score: 4 out of 5 stars