NFL Blitz 2001 Review
Once again, Midway delivers a rock-solid version of NFL Blitz for the Nintendo 64, equaling the PlayStation release in every respect while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Dreamcast in a number of key areas.
As sure as football season has returned for another five months, so too has the latest chapter in Midway's NFL Blitz series, NFL Blitz 2001. Thanks to refined graphics, smarter AI, four-player support, and the return of return of a custom play editor, last year's Nintendo 64 version of NFL Blitz 2000 represented a major leap over both its predecessor and the competing PlayStation release. In contrast, NFL Blitz 2001 takes a low-key approach, delivering the same features as last year's release while offering a number of minor refinements.
Fans and newcomers alike will be glad to note that NFL Blitz 2001 is overflowing with features. As a licensed NFL product, the game contains all 31 NFL teams and more than 200 real-life players. The game's arcade, season, and tournament modes offer gaming for any skill level. Arcade mode incorporates CPU assistance and cheat codes, ensuring that games are never too one-sided, while season and tournament modes eschew assistance and power-ups for a more pure football experience. At least, as pure as football can get with zero penalties, 30-yard downs, and players who catch fire. Thanks to the game's four-player support, you can also challenge human opponents in one-on-one, two-on-two, or one-on-two matchups. Further, the game now tracks season progress for multiple players, meaning there's no longer any reason to shut friends out on the road to Super Bowl glory. NFL Blitz 2001 records 11 game stats and nine season stats as you progress, from first downs, fumbles, and fourth down conversions to season passing yards, return yards, and sacks. Obligatory recording of win/loss statistics and percentages is present as well, but there are no individual player statistics whatsoever.
The comprehensive playbook editor returns again this year, allowing you to mix and match your own set of 27 offensive and nine defensive plays from a stock of 50 predesigned battle plans. Some plays will seem familiar, as many of the more popular ones from prior years - such as the zip - lay in wait for you to use. Should these default strategies not suit your taste, you're afforded nine extra slots in each for any offensive or defensive plays you've created. The editor doesn't allow pixel-perfect player manipulation, but the number of man to man, zone, and rush choices - combined with player positioning and coverage designations - leaves a lot to enjoy.
Although the game contains all of last year's features, NFL Blitz 2001 also adds three new minigames. The first minigame, first-and-goal frenzy, places you on the ten-yard line in an attempt to score a touchdown in four downs or less. Should you succeed, you'll then try from the 20, then the 30, and so on. The second minigame, goal-line stand, is the exact opposite, as you must prevent your opponent from scoring touchdowns. The final minigame, QB challenge, is where true multiplayer riots are sure to ensue. You're hiked three balls and ordered to pass to three receivers, each of which is following his own route down the field. The order in which you must pass to them and the routes they run are chosen by the computer milliseconds before you throw. You get almost no time to think, and since there are multiple attempts, the result is a "Simon says" game as frustrating and addictive as Konami's Beatmania. As a bonus for Nintendo 64 owners, the system's crisp visuals make this minigame more enjoyable to play than the version in the PlayStation release, mostly because the active receiver flickers sooner and more obviously.
- GameSpot Score 8.4 great
Player Reviews
Critic Scores
- IGN 7.4 / 10
- Hot Games 3.5 / 5
- Sports Gaming 70 / 100
- Gamecenter 6 / 10
- Armchair Empire 6.5 / 10
- Nintendo Power 7.9 / 10
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