Nearly every catch belongs on the highlight reel.After a couple of unlicensed (and ultra-violent) franchise entries, NFL Blitz is back — and like EA Sports' own recent NBA Jam revival, this Live Arcade release makes a hard play for our glowing, nostalgic memories.
While EA Tiburon is best known for the Madden series, NFL Blitz strongly resembles its classic predecessors in most regards, with seven-man squads composed of bulked-up and swift-footed players, breezy two-minute quarters, and 30-yard first downs, but zero penalties. Late hits and big displays of aggression are out, giving Blitz a more muted tone than expected; otherwise, though, this meaty download maintains the loose and accessible appeal of the past favorites.
Even football games have zombies? Now it's truly an epidemic.At times, however, the streamlined nature makes it feel simplified to a fault. Running plays are M.I.A., although you can take off as the QB; but even the selection of passing and defensive plays is paltry. And other quirks — like defenders that always outpace receivers, unseen kickoffs, and ample turnovers — left us shaking our heads.
Despite those annoyances, NFL Blitz does a commendable job of recapturing past thrills while packing in enough content for hearty modern appetites. Beyond the solo Blitz Gauntlet mode — where you battle cartoonish boss teams (like robots or cheeseheads) with the help of on-field power-ups — there's a collectible-card offering, as well as online co-op play and regional divisions to conquer.
"He's on fire!" Let them help you, Matt Forte!We're not quite ready to hail it as an MVP between the pylons, but NFL Blitz is a fine $15 reboot. Nevertheless, our fingers remain crossed for a bolder On Fire Edition (à la NBA Jam) next season.
PUBLISHER: EA Sports • DEVELOPER: EA Tiburon • ESRB: Everyone 10+ • MULTIPLAYER: 2 on same screen, 4 on Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: Daunting • COST: 1200 Microsoft Points ($15)
+ Classic Blitz feel with modern players and visuals.
+ Plenty of content for a $15 download.
– Streamlined to a fault; light on personality.
? Will the real-life NFL ever allow the crushing hits of the past?
