'Blitz II' embraces dark side of professional sports

But the attitude of almost every aspect of the "The Blitz" is over-the-top. Players want to hurt other players, and on-field cheap shots and violence are celebrated, as are quick fixes with needles to reduce pain and get players back in the game. The best hits take the viewer inside the body, where tendons, bones and muscles are snapped before your eyes, leaving players writhing on the ground. Leg whips, clothes lines, facemasks and every other dirty hit you can think of (and some you can't) are all part of the featured game-play, as are touchdown celebrations intended to bring shame to opponents. Cheerleaders are ready for pole dances, and the worst aspects of all professional sports are played to the highest degree.

Scoring is fast and furious in the 8-on-8 play with first-and-30, down and dirty. Players learn how to build up energy to unleash the nastiest offense and defensive moves possible. Betting is expected, as are bad sportsmanship and off-the-field antics.

All of this can be viewed as a tongue-in-cheek spoof of the unsavory side of the real sports world that leagues don't want fans to see. And along with the great team customization, there are elements of a great sports game here. The problems come with on-the-field game play. The defense is at a ridiculous disadvantage, and while playing it, I always felt mostly helpless before the better teams or players in the league. Bad tackle-angles and inept computer controlled teammates left me frustrated and not having much fun. The slight role-playing aspects of the game were more fun than the on-field football, and that just left me unsatisfied. Perhaps I am not much of a video athlete, but my experience with this year's versions of "NCAA Football" and "Madden" didn't cause me heartburn.

Some will love the fast action and gunslinger gameplay, but it felt a little too out-of-control to me. Despite appreciating the finger-in-the-eye attitude to pretentious professional sports, I didn't look forward to playing again. Terrible? No. Compelling? Not often enough.

Graphics: No complaints and high praise to stadium and uniform design. On-field action is healthy and robust although occasionally cluttered and confusing. Fields with bad grass and worse rain give the game perfect atmosphere.

Audio: Top-notch sounds of the game here, including the broken bones, grunts and weather and field conditions.

THE WRAP-UP

Parent's take: Although the tone is serious, the content is the sports equivalent to "Grand Theft Auto." Absolutely not a game for youngsters, the sexual suggestiveness may bother even parents with older teens, and the language is probably the equivalent of an "R-rated" film.

Final word: There is much to love and enough frustration that this is a mixed game. If you enjoy high-scoring, defenseless football and the dark side of sports, it may be for you. For most, it just will not quite be enough.