If you have played the game last year on the PS2 or Xbox, you will notice right away that only HD support, achievements, a user-defined soundtrack, a few new teams and players is all that is different from the game released over a year ago. Not that any of this should mean much to you if you haven't played the game as if you judge it on a game on its own, it still holds up, it still innovates, and is one hell of a fun ride.

Blitz the League brings back all the hard hitting, over the top, brutal action that fans loved from the get go, but now with no NFL license, the game has reached limits of brutality that no one thought possible of the series. You have your blood, you have broken bones, you have illegal substance abuse, and you have a bevy of F bombs that would make George Carlin blush. The new intensity will definitely cause interest, but is the game itself any good, or for that matter much different? There are a few innovations in Blitz the League, but Midway did not want to re-create the series, as it would be too much of a deviation from the previous games. Mostly what you get is a Blitz game you know and love, but with less restrictions.

This is the best-looking Blitz title to date. From the presentation to the crisp in game visuals, to the splendid animations, you will no doubt be seeing Blitz in a new light. The made-up league allows for creations of new stadiums, uniforms, and player faces, and the results are fantastic. Players will move with more grace and perform more jukes, tackles, and fakes than ever before. All the nuances are here including weather effects, day and night effects, and even blood on the hard hits. Some presentation sequences must be noted. For instance, when you break a bone, the game will zoom in on the injured area in X-ray form show the breakage. Little touches like that bring the game out of a real life situation and place it into an overblown arcade game, which is exactly what fans were missing from the last couple of Blitz titles. Real-time cut scenes are used to move the story along in dramatic effect. It is worth noting that the textures aren't as brilliant as you would see in a Madden title for the 360, nor does the game push the system in any way shape or form, but it still looks good, even a year later.

Audio is brilliant, providing tons of sound effects that will give your home system a workout. The hits are hard and full of bass, the crowd is reactive, and the voice work both in the cut scenes and in game, are well acted and humorous as well. Even Lawrence Taylor provides some voice work for all the nostalgic buffs out there. This game is Mature rated for a good reason, as the language in the game is not for young ears. Sometimes the cursing is so constant you feel as if they are doing it just to hear themselves curse. Blitz the League plays like the arcade came we know and love. Expect the 1st and 30 rule, late hits, no penalties, and mostly expect to have a blast. This game is not for the purists out there, but after the many years the series has been out, you should know that by now. There are some great additions to the game that will impress veterans and newbies. The biggie is the clash meter that simulates getting you and your team in the zone. When the mode is triggered, the on field action slows down which allows you to pull off amazing plays and challenging moves. What's more, if you do enough special moves you will unlock the unleash mode that will allow you to do an ultimate playmaking move. The A.I. is far from brutal, but thankfully, we do not see any signs of rubber band A.I. that will catch up with you if being blown out. The injuries and the option to juice up your players to bring them back into games is a change to the series, but doesn't hinder on the fast element the game is designed for. Lastly, I must note, even with some of the great additions, this game is still Blitz after all. If you are hoping for something new, keep hoping. In other words, if you were not a fan of the series before, don't expect your mind to be changed in this incarnation.

There are plenty of game modes to keep you busy. You have your basic exhibition mode, which will allow you to go head to head against the CPU or a friend. Online play is available for those who want a bigger challenge, or those masochists who just want to inflict pain on others. You even may take your Campaign team online if you wish. The meat and potatoes of the game are the Campaign mode itself. Developed by writers of ESPN's Playmakers, you take control of a downtrodden football franchise and make it your own. You change the location of the city you play, name of the team, uniform color and styles, coaches, doctor, and you even pick a rookie and cocky veteran to lead your team to victory. The story unfolds with tons of twist, turns, and will even allow you to continue on game losses. Can you guide your team to the championship, while dodging the bullets of the shady goings on in the league? For those achievement junkies, there are tons here for you to earn those sweet gamer points as well.

I for one am happy to see the Blitz series regain the style and gameplay it was once known for. The addition of the new play styles, attitude, and story mode only enhance this great title. This is easily the best of the Blitz titles, and Midway has given fans a truly fun and entertaining football game that is not hindered by rules and penalties. Blitz the League is not going to change anyone's minds that were not fans of the previous versions, but fans of the series should eat this up. Blitz the League is a real winner.