NFL Blitz 2003
Score: 83% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Midway Developer: Midway Sports Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 (1 - 4 Multitap) Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: From the menu system to the playing surface, NFL Blitz 2003 delivers in your face audio so intense you'd swear you were inside the TV monitor. On the field, you'll hear every bone crushing (in this game, I mean that literally!) blow and all of the trash talking you can handle. Even the announcer calls the action with the utmost intensity. Also included in the game is a host of officially licensed music tracks from Quarashi. (Funny, they also have a track on the Madden 2003 game... how'd they manage that one???) Not only will your auditory sensors be overloaded, but Blitz 2003 incorporates true arcade-style visuals that don't stop. The larger than life players are displayed with extreme cartoon-like physiques, and every bulging muscle is shown in graphic detail. It is obvious that each on-field detail got special care when this game was made, from the player models to the flaming effects that simulate your player being on a hot streak.
Gameplay: For those of you niche players that love arcade-style gameplay in your sporting titles, NFL Blitz 2003 is for you. In the same style that Midway brought you NBA Jam, Blitz takes football to the absolute extreme. In fact, the action gets so intense that there's not even enough room on the field for a full squad. Instead, this is an 8-on-8 grudge match in every meaning of the term. However, don't expect much of a simulation here. Blitz is all about hard hitting, no holds barred, over the top football action. Another important point to mention is that the style of play in NFL Blitz 2003 leaves very little room for running the ball. The fast-paced nature of the game practically requires that you almost play 'Hot Potato' with the football. As soon as you hike it to your quarterback, you best hold Turbo and look for an open receiver before you become a linebacker sandwich. The actual gameplay is about as simple as a football game can be... hold turbo and pass the ball. But, if you want to get tricky, you can even make halfback passes or a double pass from one receiver to another. On defense, the object is simple. Find the ball and pummel whoever happens to be carrying it! On either side of the ball, however, it truly feels like you're just hitting buttons as rapidly as possible, hoping for the best outcome without truly getting a full grasp on what's happening on the field. NFL Blitz 2003 incorporates all of your standard options and modes of gameplay. For starters, you can hit the field with any one the official NFL teams (including the Houston Texans) in an Exhibition match against the computer, or with up to three of your friends. After you get your groove on, you can sit down to a full Season with any team you choose, also being allowed to create your own personalities with the Create-A-Player feature. Finally, you can take on the challenge of all challenges when you enter either a 4- or 8-team Tournament. Whichever you choose, the action is intense on every play.
Difficulty: NFL Blitz 2003 has three difficulty levels to choose from, although the biggest difference is that of the timing and speed in your passing game. Even with precision passing and an outstanding after-the-catch running game, Blitz is very unpredictable. You can expect to see a lot of fumbles and interceptions. But it's no wonder, when guys are leaving it all on the field with their extreme tackling abilities (read: body slams, tornado tackles, and elbow smashes)!!!
Game Mechanics: Controlling a football game has never been simpler. NFL Blitz 2003 essentially utilizes only four buttons. First, you have your most important button, the Turbo. It is more than just important that you get to know your Turbo button well. Without it, you don't stand a chance in the high-speed world for NFL Blitz. Next, you have your Jump and Pass buttons, which are next in the line of importance as you try to beat your opponent senseless. Finally, if you have the nerve to even try running with the ball, you can use the Juke button to try to out-maneuver your competition. And when you're on the other side of the ball, it's simple... Turbo and Tackle... HARD! Of course, for the hardcore, different button combinations will actually yield many more moves for you to kick your opponent's ass with. NFL Blitz 2003 is a well organized game, but it's appeal is probably limited to a smaller audience than your typical football game these days. For those of you who prefer the simulation side of football, you'll probably want to stay away and go pick up a copy of Madden 2003 or NFL 2K3. But those with a knack for high-speed arcade action will probably fall in love with Blitz 2003 right away. Either way, a rent is more likely on the horizon for most people, and it's a good way to find out if the hard-hitting action of Blitz is for you.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
4x4 Evo Cool Boarders 2001