Blitz: The League

"A solid game worth picking up unless you had it for XBOX or PS2"

Game Play

As everyone knows, the game play is the most important factor in sports games. I can say that Midway succeeded in this aspect for Blitz. The game is a little more realistic than say Blitz 02 or 03. However, that isn't saying much. This game seems like the Blitz of old, NFL Street, and Madden into one. The only similar trait in this with Madden is that there are a large selection of plays. There are also two timeouts per half for each team. The time also stops and goes like how it does in Madden. A new feature during the game is clash mode, which sounds confusing, but after reading over it in the instruction booklet, you will be fine. Of course, seeing bones snap, actually being able to participate in a brawl that will last about 20 seconds, and having your trainer give your injured player steroids can be fun as well. You will have fun while playing, and Midway certainly delivered in the game play aspect.

Game Play Score: 9/10

Graphics

The graphics are good for every game on the XBOX 360. These are pretty good, but nothing at all that will blow you away.

Graphics Score: 6/10

Story Mode

The story mode is pretty good. There is an actual storyline that you are in. It is somewhat basic, but a creative idea that works. I don't really want to give anything away really, but the story mode reminds me of The Playmakers, the football show that used to be on ESPN. Also, you gain cash from things that you do in the game, and you can use it to boost ratings on your team for things such as speed, tackling, etc. Another cool feature is that you can wager money on your game, based on the point odds, like in real life.

Story Mode Grade: 8/10

Sound

On the field, the sounds are amazing. The hits sound so realistic. You will see your coordinator yelling at your players. The thing that stops the sound from being a perfect ten is the song selection. I like rap music in general, but the rap music in this game sounds very amateur, and it sounds like you are listening to the same song over and over again. For that reason, the sound grade goes down, but is still solid.

Sound Score: 8/10

Online Play

There really isn't that much to comment on as far as the online play goes. All you can basically do is play the actual games. There is no lag at all. Whenever I go on, it seems to be empty in the lobbies. Hopefully after the holidays are over, more people will have purchased this game. So there really aren't too many things to do online, but there is no lag, which is a very good thing.

Online Play Score: 7/10

Long-Term Value

I would say that the long term value is pretty good. I have not completed the story mode yet, as I am taking my time with it. It will be better once more people have purchased this game. Also, if you have friends that like Blitz, this game can be a blast playing with a friend.

Long-Term Value Score: 8/10

Is It With Your $?

The positive about this game is that it is $50, while the majority of new XBOX 360 games are $60. This breaks down to one simple question. Did you have this game for Playstation 2 or XBOX? If the answer is yes for you, then don't pick this game up. It is similar to the versions previously made. If you did not previously have Blitz: The League for any other consoles, I would highly recommend picking this game up, especially if you are into sports games. I believe that this is easily the best football game made for XBOX 360.

Overall Score: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/28/06