A football game for the rest of us

December 7, 1998
Web posted at: 3:30 PM EST

By CNN Interactive Associate Editor John Robinson

(CNN) -- Ever wish you could sit down for a quick game of computer football without having to worry about lots of complicated plays or penalties to slow the action? Well, you can stop wishing and start playing because "NFL Blitz" for Sony Playstation offers arcade style football action that just about anyone can appreciate.

"NFL Blitz" is nearly identical to the coin operated version that you may have played in the arcade or your local pub. The graphics aren't quite as sharp and the sound is a little different but the same basic game survives for your home enjoyment.

The rules are basically the same as a regular football game except the number of players in "NFL Blitz" has been reduced to seven for each team and it takes 30 yards to get a first down. That might sound a bit strange, but it works, and "NFL Blitz" takes the sometimes slow and complex game of football and turns it into a fast-paced, high scoring battle. If you get a little upset about your opponent's last 50-yard drive just hit the tackle button after the whistle and body slam him while he's down. Don't worry about losing more yardage because there aren't any penalties and the late hits are encouraged to get the most out of this game.

A simple two-button operation controls gameplay on offense and defense. On offense there is a pass and jump button and on defense the same two buttons allow you to tackle and change the defender you control. The directional pad controls player movement and all four of the left and right triggers are turbo buttons. Combine the turbo button with any other button to run faster, jump higher and block harder.

Number 82 is about to get a face full of turf

There are 18 plays to chose from on offense and 9 on defense. You can also choose to flip the plays on offense for a little more variety. The offensive plays are primarily passing plays and passing is as simple as aiming your quarterback at the intended receiver and picking the right moment to let the ball go.

Sound is pretty much what you would expect from a football game with the sounds of bone-crushing tackles being the most prevalent. An enthusiastic play-by-play announcer adds to the frantic mood of the game with plenty of jeers and insults. Players on the field can also be heard taunting each other.

Gameplay is fast and furious with two-minute quarters set as the default. Add to that a play timer and you have a football game that takes less than 10 minutes to play. You do have the option of longer quarters and you can turn off the play timer, which is a good thing because it can take a moment to figure out what each play does. CPU assist and on-screen hints are available to give beginners a little boost.

"NFL Blitz" offers a completely different take on the game of video football. With easier controls and fast gameplay, simulations like Madden and Gameday, which have ruled for years, will certainly have a good bit of competition this holiday season.