NFL Blitz Pro
Platform: Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Gamecube
Developer: MIdway
Publisher: Midway Sports
Maybe I came into it all a little too pessimistic. When I was first given a copy of NFL Blitz Pro to review, all I could think of were the previous versions of Blitz that have I tossed to the side over the years. They were, at least in my opinion, a poor man's version of NBA Jam on steroids.
I understood what the games were trying to capitalize on: people with short attention spans that got their jollies watching Brett "The Hitman" Hart and drinking cheap beer. While I fit into this wide category, I could not find myself a fan of the franchise.
Personally, I have been partial toward games that have a feeling of real life and simulation to them. I would rather build a dynasty from scratch in a football or basketball vehicle then control an oversized linebacker to inflict damage on an equally oversized running back.
This is where Blitz failed.
The game is built around on the 11-on-11 classic platforms, which allegedly offers all the real players with all the real action of the NFL. The biggest feature, at least on the cover, is the addition of Terrell Owens as the Blitz spokesman.
I'm a big TO fan and I thought this would be a definite plus for the game. I wanted some touchdown celebrations with the digital Owens taking a Sharpie out of his sock or busting out with pom-poms after a score. Hell, give me Owens running to the big star in Dallas and breaking it down old-school style. Alas, I found nothing like that in this game.
The only part of the game that is reasonably enjoyable is the late hits. After any play, you have control of your defender and can run amok. This loses its charm after the first drive or so, once you realize that penalties and referees don't exist and if you are sneaky enough, you can get away with murder.
Still, I still think the avid video gamer player should at least go out and rent the game before passing judgment. To some, the game might be a refreshing adaptation of the classic Blitz and pump some life into the dying version. To others, the game might seem to be an over-the-top waste that has little value.
Reach the reporter at jeffrey.hoodzow@asu.edu.
