Sometimes I give sports games too high of ratings. I'll admit it. I get the game, play it like crazy for a week or so, and declare the game "the best (insert sports title) ever."
This year it's been different. I'm no longer happy with incremental improvements that inch the game along the evolutionary video game cycle. No… I'm hungry for some true improvements in the new games. Our money deserves it.
That's why Blitz 2003 scores so low. It's still one hell of a fun game. It's Blitz through and through. However, if you own last year's game… you pretty much have the same game with "2003" slapped on the front.
If you're a Blitz freak, it won't matter. I know you're out there-I used to be one. I'd buy the new Blitz no matter what, and so will some of you. That's ok. Just move on and enjoy your game.
For everyone else, though, 2003 is an iffy purchase. You get a create-a-player mode, the Houston Texans, updated rosters, new animations, and some new plays that even out the balance a little. Beyond that there are some DVD extra features that aren't connected to the gameplay.
The same controls as last year's version (including the versatile 8th man) makes the game instantly playable. Basically, you drop back and pass every down. It's easy. It's fun. It's Blitz. There are some new animations and the graphics are slightly updated… but there's just not enough here to justify a whole new purchase.
Blitz is in need of an overhaul… or at least a weight-training program to get meat on its bones. The new Hitz game has more features, extras, and modes of play in its second year than any of the Blitz games combined.
However… if you've never played a Blitz game, this one's as good as any. It's good fun, especially with other players… but check out last year's version on the used shelf. It's basically the same game and just as much fun. One final note: the multi-platform release isn't really an issue. The PS2 version just loads slower and has slightly inferior graphics… but they all play exactly the same.
-Jerred
Company Line
The 'Blitz' is back! The new NFLÒ BlitzÒ 20-03 delivers the fastest, most ferocious 8-on-8 adrenaline-style NFLÒ football experience ever invented.
The newest iteration of the popular franchise, NFL Blitz 20-03 showcases over-the-top gameplay coupled with NFL strategy that challenges gamers to pick up the skills needed for the "big time." Like a Monday Night Football highlight reel, NFL Blitz 20-03 allows gamers to execute adrenaline-style moves such as bulldozing, railroading, stiff-arming, taking outrageous dives for passes and controlling precision-passing quarterbacks who throw darts, bullets and bombs.
Officially licensed by the NFL and PLAYERS INC and featuring real NFL teams, players and stadiums, NFL Blitz is the only dedicated adrenaline-style football videogame franchise, providing bigger hits and wilder plays than any other football game. Along with over-the-top gameplay, larger-than-life players, and lightning-fast moves, all-new Create-a-Player mode allows players to build their alter ego, pushing Blitz even further on top of the football category.
NFL Blitz 20-03 Key Features
Officially Licensed by the NFL and NFL PLAYERS INC – Includes all of your favorite NFL teams, players and stadiums
Over-the-Top, Adrenaline-Style Gameplay – Players leap, soar, dive for passes, stiff-arm, bulldoze and railroad would-be defenders while precision-passing quarterbacks throw darts, bullets and bombs
Create-a-Player Mode – Customize your own player down to the height, weight, position-even gear
All New Fantasy Stadiums – Experience locations never before seen in a licensed NFL videogame
NFL Equivalent – Updated rosters, schedules and uniforms with the addition of the Houston Texans
Improved Controls – More intuitive, fast-action adrenaline-style controls
Enormous 3D Graphics – Bulging muscles and real player faces bring the NFL up close
Unrivaled 3D Game Engine – Play in various weather conditions from sun to rain to snow
Dynamic Camera Angles – Catch all of the deep crossing routes, monster sticks and late hits
Outrageous, Over-the-Top Animations – Play like your favorite NFL players only dream they could
Two-Man Booth – High-powered play-by-play and color commentary to describe all the action
Explosive Soundtrack – Licensed music from major bands plus outrageous sound effects
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