Ah, yes... everyones favorite football brawler is back... and honey, hide the kids.
First things first, THE LOADING TIMES SUCK. Sorry, I just had to get that out there. This game has the worst loading times I have ever seen. It's not like the game has great graphics. I really don't understand why it takes so long to load. BUT, aside from that, the game does have great in-game game play... if you don't smash your Ps2 before it gets there.
With the all-elusive NFL license gobbled up by EA, the Blitz team had to work out something new. This is one of the aspects that is great about the game. They have created a completely new league. So no more Michael Vick running ramped on slow defenses, and no Payton Manning threading the needle in impossible situations. Now there are new faces and new teams. The game introduces you to a recently beaten "Division 3" team. Your team was horribly destroyed by the New York Nightmare (Your eternal rivals) and now has been given a completely new start. You create your team, choose your leaders and rookies, and start from the bottom at "Division 3". Although there isn't too deep of character customization, the game gives just enough to feel like you’re in control of things. After you've made your team, you can train with them, give them new equipment, and even give them drugs. No no, I didn't stutter, I said drugs. You can give your players anything from simple pills that give them a slight rush, to completely underground hardcore stuff that will make them stronger than a bull. This definitely adds a hilariously fun aspect to the game. Now, before I get too in-depth, I will move on to the actual in-game game play.
The in-game game play is nearly genius. Yes, it's still that over the top - when the computer is down by 20 points they become godly and beat the crap out of you - game play. But now you have what is called "Clash Mode". Basically, it's like going into bullet time on crack. Along with the Clash Mode, you have a Clash Meter, which is filled up by making successful offensive yardage, or defensive stops. While in Clash Mode, the game dramatically slows down, but you keep nearly the same speed as normal, giving you the time to burn your pursuers, lay a devastating hit on the receiver, or pull off a quick juke. Aside from all of that, I think the best part of the game is the injuries. There will be so many injuries in the game; you would wonder how a team can keep a full roster. The injuries are all in slow motion, and give an X-Ray view of the part that was broken/torn. After the injury, the player has the choice (Depending no how serious the injury is) to either heal the injury normally (Taking a lot more time), or to "Juice", which forces the player to take a needle to the back and infuse him with steroids. This is also extremely entertaining.
This game does have some replay value. There is an online feature where you can take your custom team online and play against others. Even without the feature, it is extremely fun for a long time.
I would say it is just good clean fun... but it's not. It's good dirty fun. The game is innovative and for the most part, well done. If you’re looking for this type of game, THIS IS THE GAME TO GET. Even if you just want to beat up some people, this game accomplishes that as well. My recommendation, pick this game up... but only if you can tolerate bad language, and blood spatter.