DESCRIPTION

The team responsible for the original 1997 gridiron hit has redesigned Midway's NFL Blitz to take advantage of next-generation consoles. NFL Blitz 20-02 offers new 3D-modeled players that better represent their real-life counterparts, with different body types instead of the hulking exaggerations found in previous installments. Each of the 31 NFL stadiums has also been rendered with more detail to reflect the authentic venues, and more than 1,500 animations have been added to keep things lively on the field.

NFL Blitz 20-02 now features eight-on-eight action with more options in play calling. After selecting one of the team-specific plays from a choice of formations, players have the option to use an "Impact Player" function designed to keep opponents on their toes. Each of the six Impact Plays on offense and defense focuses on a specific strategy, such as a sack specialist holding back before rushing a QB, or a star receiver sprinting for a deep pass. An audible can also be called at the line of scrimmage to change the original play.

The action of NFL Blitz has essentially remained the same. Players can use power tackles on defense to slam ball carriers into the ground, catch "on fire" by performing well, and blast across the field using turbo. The passing game has been refined to the point where players can throw to specific individuals using button icons, and field goal attempts are manually controlled with a power meter instead of automatic as in the original. Modes of play include Season, Exhibition, and Tournament, with records and stats saved to memory card. Music tracks feature rap-metal band Methods of Mayhem. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide