For example, during a prison game if your player is injured, it’s automatic game over. It’s extremely frustrating, but basically you have to use the tactic to not use your player and instead use the rest of the team. A personal pet peeve gameplay wise still exists: if you are down by seven on the last play of the game and score a TD, you will not be able to attempt the extra point – it’s still game over. This old Blitz issue should be fixed at some point. Come on Midway.

Speaking of injuries, this time around when a player is injured you are taken to a minigame and depending on how you do in it your player will be able to return quickly in a few plays or in a few games. The minigames are a cute diversion and not easy—for you, anyway. There’s nothing more annoying than causing a broken foot injury on a computer QB only to have him return fine in two plays while your player is out for 2 two games plays because you can’t line up your analog sticks correctly. Life isn't exactly fair in the Blitz world.

In addition to the campaign, the game also offers “bonus modes” with some interesting rule variations such as the point value of TDs go down after every play that doesn’t result in a touchdown. The online mode is very enjoyable and lag free; records are kept and you can use your custom built teams online, which is a nice touch. It is a rude awakening however to go from the best team offline in campaign mode only to get whooped in your first online game. The competition online is fierce to say the least.

The graphics look better than the last version, but there are still some very strange annoyances – players skating on the field and players celebrating by magically walking through goalposts, and so on. The snow and rain look great and the stadium detail is well done – including the fans. The play by play is much improved – Frank Caliendo (of Frank TV) does his dead-on impression of John Madden and while there is still a bit of repetition, the commentary is laugh out loud funny.

Overall Blitz: The League II is a substantial improvement over the original game. It’s very fun to play and although you’ll probably finish campaign mode in a day or two, there’s enough online replay value to get you through the season. It won’t replace Madden for a “real” football game but sports fans will enjoy Blitz’ return to brutal, steroid loving glory.

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