PSX GAME RECOMMENDATIONS |

[#] NFL Blitz (Midway, PlayStation, 1997)

Uncalled for, but a LOT of fun to watch.

Despite being raised in a Madden household, my affection for the games begins and ends with the early 2000s entries. I think it was accidental I liked any of them, as they're a bit slow and technical for my taste (but so is the real game). Thankfully, EA didn't yet have exclusivity over the league, so there was no shortage of much speedier, more gratuitous competition--chief among them NBA Jam's sister series NFL Blitz. And y'know what, playing it now? I think I missed out!

NFL Blitz was originally an arcade game, and it shows in the quick matches, simple control scheme (you pick receivers with the D-pad), reduced player count, no run plays (quarterbacks can still run the ball), and automated kickoffs and punts. The hits are nasty, and you have the ability to toss around and leg drop fallen players on the other team after the play is over. The NFL was not happy about all the violence back in the day, but really, isn't that why people watch real football?

This port looks about standard for 3D PS1 football games, but it's super slick to play. The Season mode is about my only real gripe--you get a few games in, and the game RNGs cheap fumbles and interceptions into existence constantly, cheating you out of easy wins. But then that ridiculous TV commentator pipes up ("that was uncalled for, but a lot of fun to watch!") and I have a giggle and all is well. Seriously, Blitz entertains and satisfies like few other PlayStation football games do.

Recommended for... sports fans, arcade fans, meatheads, insane people...

Reviewed	Supports analog controls?	My favorite part
December 2, 2021	No	The obscene late hits

NOFI | LOFI | HIFI