Gaming Target - PlayStation 2: NFL Blitz 20-03

Written by Matt Swider on September 13, 2002

First Impressions: Sure it's the only football game without online play this year, but why do that when you already have some of the hottest cheerleaders? You know you're only going online for porn.

Earlier this year Midway's Blitz lineup premiered on the latest platforms featuring a visual overhaul delivered alongside its enduring tough tackles that rival any NFL game currently on the market. While NFL Blitz 20-02 finally seemed appealing enough to take on other long time jocks such as Madden and NFL 2K2, the title didn't hit until after the close of the football season. It's been just six months since then and Midway has already brought the series back on track in releasing NFL Blitz 20-03 with the rest of the football pack. As always, the plan to provide extreme, over-the-top football action returns and is accompanied by the rich graphics gamers were greeted with in version from last year. With new additions ranging from better animation and a couple of small new features, Blitz 20-03 offers a tighter package than its predecessor for those who tire of boring simulations.

The visual aspect was the one department where Blitz was sacked in the previous generation, yet for the second year in a row Midway has proven its game is as smooth as it is rough and tough. A number of fresh animations take the field along with a couple of improvements that touched down last year. Exaggerated touchdown celebrations and bone crushing tackles make for some hilarious moments, plus the simple pleasure of getting that last second to pound the offense has always been a welcomed Blitz trademark. Along with a cleaner, sharper appearance, Blitz fans should be able to spot details such as spit that flies during those intense tackles. Like we saw in Slugfest just a couple months ago, the faces here seem to resemble the actual players in real life and take on various body types for further accuracy. Additionally, the inclusion of a controllable replay camera was single aspect that I was gunning for last year's review, and thankfully it become implanted in 20-03. While a minor amount of slowdown still occurs, Blitz looks better than ever without stepping foot into realm of simulation.

Along with the improved graphics from last year, NFL Blitz builds upon its features list in 20-03 by debuting a Create-A-Player portion. While this isn't a significant change of pace for the game, the option is well done in using varying elements from either customary football gear or odd commodities that make Blitz so outrageous. Besides body characteristics such as body size, height, helmet and so on, the Create-A-Player option also features attributes that can be assigned to the player. Gamers can build up their custom players after winning a couple games and earning more points to round out the attributes list. While sporting a visual face-lift was a much more ideal revision last year, the inclusion of this Create-A-Player segment is something Blitz was without for way too long and returns with as a credible enhancement.

Just as Blitz is able to regain ground with stunning graphics, a release at the start of the season, and a Create-A-Player mode to match every other football game out there, the competition outshines the series once again with the inclusion of online play. Since Blitz is the only major football game without such a feature and is overshadowed by several that have launched with the option, several of its fans are sure to opt to new territory for that reason alone. There's no doubt it delivers with some great modes from Quick Play, Exhibition, Season, Tournament, and as mention, Create-A-Player, but that doesn't outweigh the value people place on online match ups these days. This is sure to serve as a considerable penalty for consumers making the call of which football game is best for them, but leaves room for something that Blitz can improve upon next year. Hopefully for Midway though, the competition won't come up with another winning play to offset the score at that time.

Although online play may not be present this year, Blitz does serve up some of the ideal multiplayer fun with its frantic football action. Unlike previous years, the AI isn't as predictable, but doesn't compare to a two on two match ups. The great part about a game like Blitz is that just about anyone can learn the controls in a single quarter. Since things are simple enough to comprehend, it makes things easy for newbie players to serve somewhat of a threat against any pro. Even though friends won't be available every second you feel like playing Blitz like online gaming can, when they are, it's a great deal of fun that can be expanded with the use of a multitap device.

Once again, the commentary in the booth is solid and worthwhile when listening. In my opinion, it's not perfect like in MLB Slugfest, but the jokes from the two announcers are still humorous and will rouse a couple of laughs. While certain comments will be repeated more than once, every year this problem seems to diminish and the dialogue appears to flow a lot better. What's really satisfying to hear is the trash players will talk following each play. The on field cries of pain and manly grunts provide the exaggerated theme Blitz is all about.