The Blitz series has been around for over a decade and this is the second version to hit the “next gen” consoles. The last version, 2006’s Blitz: The League, was an absolute mess; thankfully Midway’s second attempt is a much more playable and enjoyable game – and just as brutal.

Character creation is done brilliantly: instead of just checking a box and filling in your strengths, you are taken to a press conference and asked a series of questions. They are pretty specific questions indicating what you will bring to the team and how you answer them determines what position you play and what strengths you have. Don’t worry…the game doesn’t keep it a mystery – it tells you what traits you receive by choosing a specific answer.

Once you create your character, you start at the bottom of Division 3 and then have to move your way up to the first division championship. Between games, you decide how to train (what strengths to focus on) and if you would like to ‘Juice.’ Yes, steroid and drug use is strongly encouraged – however, the more powerful the drug the more the league will take notice. Sticklers, these guys…

Between games, your agent offers you specific challenges in order to get a sponsor – such as get a certain number of rushing yards – or a lady friend might ask that you take someone out in order to get your just reward. While the gameplay is enjoyable, what is very impressive is the campaign storyline. It’s well written and genuinely funny with several nods to real life players such as Mike Vick.

The Blitz has been well known for what gamers feel is blatant catch-up logic. If you are up by three touchdowns, the computer will all of a sudden cause you to fumble, run it in for a touchdown and then kick off again, make you fumble and then score again. While this is still a frustration, it has been toned down quite a bit and the game does make you use a lot more strategy.