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{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
|title = Blitz: The League
|title = Blitz: The League
|caption = North American Xbox cover art
|image = Blitz The League Xbox.png
|image = Blitz The League Xbox.png
|developer = Midway Chicago
|developer = [[Midway Games]]
|publisher = [[Midway Games]]
|publisher = [[Midway Games|Midway]]
|producer = [[Adam Boyes (entrepreneur)|Adam Boyes]]
|producer = [[Adam Boyes (entrepreneur)|Adam Boyes]]
|designer = Kraig Kujawa
|designer = Kraig Kujawa
|programmer= Dave Lang
|programmer= Dave Lang
|artist = Matthew Gilmore
|artist = Matthew Gilmore
|series = ''[[NFL Blitz]]''
|genre = [[Sports game|Sports]]
|genre = [[Sports game|Sports]]
|engine = [[RenderWare]]
|engine = [[RenderWare]]
|released = {{collapsible list|title=October 17, 2005|'''PlayStation 2''', '''Xbox'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|October 17, 2005}}'''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 13, 2006|EU|February 23, 2007}}'''PlayStation Portable'''<br/>{{vgrelease|NA|December 12, 2006}}}}
|released = '''PlayStation 2''', '''Xbox'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|October 17, 2005<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060113013841/http://www.midwaygames.com/rxpage/mpr_3603.html BLITZ®: THE LEAGUE™ TACKLES STORES NATIONWIDE]</ref>}}'''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 6, 2006<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070115134956/http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_4762.html BLITZ®: THE LEAGUE™ TACKLES STORES NATIONWIDE]</ref>|EU|February 23, 2007}}'''PlayStation Portable'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|December 12, 2006}}
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation Portable]]
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation Portable]]
|modes = [[Single player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
|modes = [[Single player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
}}
'''''Blitz: The League''''' is an [[American football]] video game developed and published by [[Midway Games]] as an extension of their ''[[NFL Blitz]]'' series. It was released in October 2005 for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] after the [[National Football League]] (NFL) signed an exclusive licensing deal with [[Electronic Arts]]. [[Lawrence Taylor]], who provides voice acting for the game, serves as its official spokesman. A second version of the game was released on the [[Xbox 360]] in 2006–2007. In December 2006, a portable version titled '''''Blitz: Overtime''''' was released on the [[PlayStation Portable]]. These versions included the voicework and likeness of former NFL linebacker [[Bill Romanowski]]. The game was originally intended to be a [[Wii]] [[launch title]], but the version was delayed and eventually canceled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/27/midway-talks-wii|title=Midway Talks Wii|last=Bozon|first=Mark|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 27, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/blitz-the-league/|title=Blitz: The League - Wii|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|access-date=January 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515113115/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/blitz-the-league/#|archive-date=May 15, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''''Blitz: The League''''' is an [[American football]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Midway Games|Midway]] as an extension of their ''[[NFL Blitz]]'' series. It was released for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in October 2005, after the [[National Football League]] (NFL) signed an exclusive licensing deal with [[Electronic Arts]]. [[Lawrence Taylor]], who provides voice acting for the game, served as its official spokesman.


The Xbox 360 version, which had been planned for release in Australia on February 23, 2007 (the day before its European release date), was refused classification<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classification.gov.au/resource.html?resource=944&filename=944.pdf|title=Blitz the League computer game Refused Classification|website=[[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|Office of Film and Literature Classification]]|date=January 22, 2007|access-date=February 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031030914/http://www.classification.gov.au/resource.html?resource=944&filename=944.pdf|archive-date=October 31, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> by the country's [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|Office of Film and Literature Classification]], effectively banning the game there. The game was banned as the use of drugs was related to incentives and rewards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blitz-banned-in-australia/1100-6164484/|title=Blitz banned in Australia [date mislabeled as "January 22, 2007"]|last=Ramsay|first=Randolph|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=January 21, 2007|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020080652/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blitz-banned-in-australia/1100-6164484/#|archive-date=October 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Blitz: The League'', ''[[Blitz: The League II]]'', and ''[[Mutant Football League]]'' are the only professional football games ever to receive the "Mature" rating from the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]].
''Blitz: The League'' was ported to the [[Xbox 360]] in November 2006. This version of the game was banned in Australia. A portable version, titled '''''Blitz: Overtime''''', was released on the [[PlayStation Portable]] in December 2006. These versions included the voicework and likeness of former NFL linebacker [[Bill Romanowski]]. The game was originally intended to be a [[launch title]] for the [[Wii]], but the version was delayed and eventually canceled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/27/midway-talks-wii|title=Midway Talks Wii|last=Bozon|first=Mark|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 27, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190347/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/27/midway-talks-wii|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/blitz-the-league/|title=Blitz: The League - Wii|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|access-date=January 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515113115/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/blitz-the-league/|archive-date=May 15, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>


A sequel, titled ''[[Blitz: The League II]]'', was released for the [[PlayStation 3]] and Xbox 360 in 2008.
==Changes==
⚫
Since Midway Games no longer had an NFL license, ''Blitz: The League'' focuses on a fictional league consisting of 18 teams known simply as "The League", whose history is written as a tongue-in-cheek parallel of the NFL's, with the league consisting of three divisions, using a system of [[promotion and relegation]]. The game also brings back the hard-hitting and violent gameplay of earlier ''Blitz'' games. Former NFL linebacker [[Lawrence Taylor]] voices Quentin Sands, captain of the New York Nightmare. In the next iteration released in 2006, former NFL linebacker [[Bill Romanowski]] voices Bruno Battaglia, the captain of the Baltimore Bearcats.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2022}}
⚫
''Blitz: The League'' is very similar to previous installments in the ''Blitz'' series, as it depicts an aggressive and violent version of [[gridiron football]]. Like previous games in the series, first downs are awarded at 30 yards, not 10; there are eight men to a side (similar to [[arena football]], not 11 as in American football); penalties and referees do not exist (although players are somehow prohibited from going offsides); and overly vicious tackles and blocking are the norm. On gaining yards, making tackles for a loss, scoring, or forcing turnovers, players are rewarded with an increased "Clash" meter. When the "Clash" meter is charged up, players may perform "dirty" stiff-arms, dodges, rush avoidance (for quarterbacks), or, most importantly, "dirty hits" on defense. Performing a "dirty" hit or stiff-arm causes opposing players to lose stamina (in essence, reducing their effectiveness) and occasionally become injured (an image of an x-ray would zoom into a specific bone and show it snap, show a ligament tearing, or depict a different brutal injury). After successfully performing a number of "Clash" moves (or forcing turnovers and scoring touchdowns), players can perform "Unleash" moves which are nearly unstoppable.
⚫
Since Midway no longer had an NFL license, ''Blitz: The League'' focuses on a fictional league consisting of 18 teams known simply as "The League", whose history is written as a tongue-in-cheek parallel of the NFL's, with the league consisting of three divisions, using a system of [[promotion and relegation]]. The game also brings back the hard-hitting and violent gameplay of earlier ''Blitz'' games. Former NFL linebacker [[Lawrence Taylor]] voices Quentin Sands, captain of the New York Nightmare. In the next iteration released in 2006, former NFL linebacker [[Bill Romanowski]] voices Bruno Battaglia, the captain of the Baltimore Bearcats.


⚫
''Blitz: The League'' is very similar to previous installments in the ''Blitz'' series, as it depicts an aggressive and violent version of [[gridiron football]]. Like previous games in the series, first downs are awarded at 30 yards, not 10; there are eight men to a side (similar to [[arena football]], not 11 as in American football); penalties and referees do not exist (although players are somehow prohibited from going offsides); and overly vicious tackles and blocking are the norm. On gaining yards, making tackles for a loss, scoring, or forcing turnovers, players are rewarded with an increased "Clash" meter. When the "Clash" meter is charged up, players may perform "dirty" stiff-arms, dodges, rush avoidance (for quarterbacks) or, most importantly, "dirty hits" on defense. Performing a "dirty" hit or stiff-arm causes opposing players to lose stamina (in essence, reducing their effectiveness) and occasionally become injured (an image of an x-ray would zoom into a specific bone and show it snap, show a ligament tearing, or depict a different brutal injury). After successfully performing a number of "Clash" moves (or forcing turnovers and scoring touchdowns), players can perform "Unleash" moves which are nearly unstoppable.
⚫
When an injury occurs, the player may choose to "treat" the injury normally, or "juice" the injury (inject an athlete with steroids). "Juicing" causes an injury to be ignored, but increases the risk of more severe injuries. However some injuries are so serious ([[Patella|kneecap]] fracture, torn [[Anterior Cruciate Ligament|ACL]], wrist fracture, ruptured [[achilles tendon|Achilles]]), that juicing is not a possible option.

⚫
When an injury occurs, the player may choose to "treat" the injury normally, or "juice" the injury (inject an athlete with steroids). "Juicing" causes an injury to be ignored, but increases the risk of more severe injuries. Some other injuries, such as [[Patella|kneecap]] fracture, torn [[Anterior Cruciate Ligament|ACL]], wrist fracture, and ruptured [[achilles tendon|Achilles]], are more serious and cannot be juiced.


===Campaign mode===
===Campaign mode===
In the single-player campaign mode, the player is challenged to win championships in all three divisions of the fictitious League. The player begins by creating a new team, designing its uniforms and choosing a team name, then picks one of three defensive veterans and one of three offensive rookies as team captains.
In the single-player campaign mode, the player is challenged to win championships in all three divisions of the fictitious American football championship known simply as "The League". The player begins by creating a new team, designing its uniforms and choosing a team name, then picks one of three defensive veterans and one of three offensive rookies as team captains.


The player must win seven of ten regular-season games in each division, followed by a division championship. Players need to decide on a training program for each athlete, which gradually increases the athlete's skills. Players also earn money for each game based on performance, "dirty hits" performed, etc., and can also earn additional money for "gambling" on the results of a game. With this money, players may purchase superior equipment, training facilities, and drugs (some legal, some not) that can be used to augment performance. Occasionally, players may be asked if they would like to spend money to send prostitutes to the opposing team's room before a game, an option based on the supposed real-life exploits of game spokesman [[Lawrence Taylor]],{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} which greatly reduces their strength on game day.
The player must win seven of ten regular-season games in each division, followed by a division championship. The player needs to decide on a training program for each team member, which gradually increases the member's skills. Money is earned for each game based on performance, "dirty hits" performed, etc., and can also earn additional money for "gambling" on the results of a game. With this money, the player may purchase superior equipment, training facilities, and drugs (some legal, some not) that can be used to augment performance.


In "Campaign" mode, the player is also periodically shown cutscenes illustrating a variety of subplots involving the team. The game begins at the end of the previous season, when Quentin Sands of the New York Nightmare lands a devastating, career-ending hit on the player's team's star quarterback, similar to Taylor's sack of [[Washington Redskins]] quarterback [[Joe Theismann]] during the [[1985 NFL season]], which broke Theismann's leg and ended his career, as the team is demoted to Division 3. As the game progresses, the player learns that the veteran captain has returned to the game as a result of financial troubles, while the rookie is portrayed as a naive yet talented individual whom Sands has targeted as the next player whose career he'll end on the field.
In "Campaign" mode, the player is also periodically shown cutscenes illustrating a variety of subplots involving the team. The game begins at the end of the previous season, when Quentin Sands of the New York Nightmare lands a devastating, career-ending hit on the player's team's star quarterback, similar to Taylor's sack of [[Washington Redskins]] quarterback [[Joe Theismann]] during the [[1985 NFL season]], which broke Theismann's leg and ended his career, as the team is demoted to Division 3. As the game progresses, the player learns that the veteran captain has returned to the game as a result of financial troubles, while the rookie is portrayed as a naive yet talented individual whom Sands has targeted as the next player whose career he'll end on the field.
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The story of the "Campaign" mode was partially written by former writers of ''[[Playmakers]]'', a controversial show on the [[ESPN]] network that was canceled due to the NFL's objections to its portrayal of professional football players. Like in the series, the pro circuit chronicled in the game is simply referred to as "The League".
The story of the "Campaign" mode was partially written by former writers of ''[[Playmakers]]'', a controversial show on the [[ESPN]] network that was canceled due to the NFL's objections to its portrayal of professional football players. Like in the series, the pro circuit chronicled in the game is simply referred to as "The League".


Also, before every game in "Campaign" mode, players are shown an optionally skippable cutscene, wherein the coach lays out the gameplan for how best to play against the opponents' offense, defense or occasionally, star player in order to win, adding an element of strategy to each game.
Also, before every game in "Campaign" mode, a cutscene showcasing the opposing team and its star player plays, wherein the coach lays out the game plan for how best to play against the opponents' offense, defense or occasionally, star player in order to win, adding an element of strategy to each game.


==Campaign mode plot==
==Campaign mode plot==
{{unreferenced section|date=April 2022}}

===Opening===
===Opening===
The storyline begins during the closing moments of the previous season's final game, where the player-created team is trailing the New York Nightmare. During the closing seconds, the player's team makes one final play to win the game, but the quarterback is sacked and injured by Quentin Sands, ending his career. The loss bumps the player's team down to Division III, while the Nightmare is moved up to Division I.
The storyline begins during the closing moments of the previous season's final game, where the player-created team is trailing the New York Nightmare. During the closing seconds, the player's team makes one final play to win the game, but the quarterback is sacked and injured by Quentin Sands, ending his career. The loss bumps the player's team down to Division III, while the Nightmare go up to Division I.


After the game, Lyman Strang, the owner of the player's team, unveils his new stadium plan to Sheila Andrews, the mayor of the team's city. She initially refuses to support the bond measure, believing it would screw voters who would be paying heavy taxes to support a losing team. Strang makes a bet with Mayor Andrews that if the team wins the League Championship, she would support the bond measure. If the team fails to win, Strang will make a large donation to Andrews' reelection fund.
After the game, Lyman Strang, the owner of the player's team, unveils his new stadium plan to Sheila Andrews, the mayor of the team's city. She initially refuses to support the bond measure, believing it would screw voters who would have to pay heavy taxes to support a losing team. Strang makes a bet with Mayor Andrews that if the team wins the League Championship, she would support the bond measure. If the team fails to win, Strang will make a large donation to Andrews' reelection fund.


Strang orders a complete overhaul of the team, choosing a new nickname, color scheme, logo, and personnel. All of these are left to the individual player. After choosing the aesthetics of the team, the player chooses a new coach, new offensive and defensive coordinator, a rookie offensive player, veteran defensive player, and a new team doctor. The player is given a choice of three candidates on each position, each emphasizing strengths in some areas and weaknesses in others, or containing a balance without leanings for one particular area.
Strang orders a complete overhaul of the team, choosing a new nickname, color scheme, logo, and personnel. All of these are left to the individual player. After choosing the aesthetics of the team, the player chooses a new coach, new offensive and defensive coordinator, a rookie offensive player, veteran defensive player, and a new team doctor. The player is given a choice of three candidates on each position, each emphasizing strengths in some areas and weaknesses in others, or containing a balance without leanings for one particular area.


===Division 3===
===Division 3===
The player's team sets out to make its mark in Division 3. Initially, attendance at home games is low, and even Mayor Andrews refuses to take the team seriously. She comments on the veteran's presence, thinking him to have retired the previous season. Strang explains that his extravagant lifestyle has caught up to him, and he needs the money. He is later seen begging Strang for an increase in pay under his contract due to a messy divorce that saw his ex-wife take a large amount of his fortune, and demand high alimony. He is also revealed to have made bad stock investments, as he is seen frustrated that a stock has tanked.
The player's team sets out to make its mark in Division 3. Initially, attendance at home games is low, and even Mayor Andrews refuses to take the team seriously. She comments on the veteran's presence, thinking he has retired from the previous season. Strang explains that his extravagant lifestyle has caught up to him, and he needs the money. He is later seen begging Strang for an increase in pay under his contract due to a messy divorce that saw his ex-wife take a large amount of his fortune, and demand high alimony. He is also revealed to have made bad stock investments, as he is seen frustrated that a stock has tanked.


The rookie, meanwhile, discovers that Jacqui, the team's head cheerleader, went to the same college as him (Northern University). They begin talking in between plays, but are reluctant to date each other due to The League's strict prohibitions on player-cheerleader interactions.
The rookie, meanwhile, discovers that Jacqui, the team's head cheerleader, went to the same college as him (Northern University). They begin talking in between plays, but are reluctant to date each other due to The League's strict prohibitions on player-cheerleader interactions.
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The addition of Battaglia has proven to cause friction in the locker room, particularly with the rookie. The rookie finds Battaglia hitting on Jacqui after a game, and she explains that they know each other from their previous time in The League (hinting that Jacqui may have been a Bearcats cheerleader at one point). The rookie is flustered, and refuses to speak to Jacqui for some time.
The addition of Battaglia has proven to cause friction in the locker room, particularly with the rookie. The rookie finds Battaglia hitting on Jacqui after a game, and she explains that they know each other from their previous time in The League (hinting that Jacqui may have been a Bearcats cheerleader at one point). The rookie is flustered, and refuses to speak to Jacqui for some time.


Despite these problems, the team continues its winning ways, defeating the Reapers in the Division 2 Championship Game. iRiver provides more money to even further improve the existing stadium, and (in the Xbox 360 version only), the team is able to acquire former team captain Tito Maas from the Outlaws. Attendance picks up, and the stadium bond measure gains support.
Despite these problems, the team continues its winning ways, defeating the Reapers in the Division 2 Championship Game. iRiver provides more money to even further improve the existing stadium. In the Xbox 360 version, the team is also able to acquire former team captain Tito Maas from the Outlaws. Attendance picks up, and the stadium bond measure gains support.


===Division 1===
===Division 1===
The team's arrival in Division 1 is beset by problems almost from the start. While at a nightclub celebrating their win in the Division 2 Championship, Mayor Andrews catches the veteran flirting with another woman at the club. The team also runs into the New York Nightmare, who have arrived in town for the next night's game, as well as to film a beer commercial, which, according to Quentin Sands, "only real teams get to do". Sands mocks the team for its inexperience in Division 1, and personally insults the rookie saying he is not man enough to satisfy Jacqui. This leads the rookie to attack Sands, sparking a brawl between the two teams.
The team's arrival in Division 1 is beset by problems almost from the start. While at a nightclub celebrating their win in the Division 2 Championship, Mayor Andrews catches the veteran flirting with another woman at the club. The team also runs into the New York Nightmare, who have arrived in town for the next night's game, as well as to film a beer commercial, which, according to Quentin Sands, "only real teams get to do". Sands mocks the team for its inexperience in Division 1, and personally insults the rookie saying he is not man enough to satisfy Jacqui. This leads the rookie to attack Sands, sparking a brawl between the two teams.


The player's entire team is arrested, and it is only Strang's pleading that the city would lose money from its biggest game in history that convinces Andrews to bail the team out. She refuses to release the veteran, however, as she is still angry at what she saw him doing in the club. The game against the Nightmare is also disastrous, as Sands lays a dirty, late hit on the rookie, tearing his MCL. At this point, he is expected to be out for the rest of the season. The rookie, however, returns when the team plays the Nightmare on the road. (although, when playing the game, this can be avoided). The late hit always comes in the second quarter. Simply never make any offensive plays after the first quarter and only punt. Your rookie will not be taken out, although it's pretty difficult to win against the Nightmare with only whatever points you can score in the first quarter.
The player's entire team is arrested, and it is only Strang's pleading that the city would lose money from its biggest game in history that convinces Andrews to bail the team out. She refuses to release the veteran, as she is still angry at what she saw him doing in the club. The game against the Nightmare is also disastrous, as Sands lays a dirty, late hit on the rookie, tearing his MCL. At this point, he is expected to be out for the rest of the season. The rookie, however, returns when the team plays the Nightmare on the road (although, when playing the game, this can be avoided). The late hit always comes in the second quarter. The player's rookie will not be taken out, although it's pretty difficult to win against the Nightmare with only whatever points the player can score in the first quarter.


When the veteran is released from jail, his problems begin anew. No longer in Andrews' good graces, he once again finds himself deep in debt. When lifting weights alone in the team workout room, his bookies enter, press a barbell against his throat, and threaten his life if he is unable to come up with the money.
When the veteran is released from jail, his problems begin anew. No longer in Andrews' good graces, he once again finds himself deep in debt. When lifting weights alone in the team workout room, his bookies enter, press a barbell against his throat, and threaten his life if he is unable to come up with the money.
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===Ending===
===Ending===
The team is shown celebrating in the locker room. The veteran decides to stick around and play for a few more years. The rookie reconciles with Jacqui, who is willing to lose her job to be with him. The stadium bond measure is revealed to have passed, but Strang's proposition of a celebratory three-way with Mayor Andrews and another woman are shot down by both women.
The team is shown celebrating in the locker room. The veteran decides to stick around and play for a few more years. The rookie reconciles with Jacqui, who is willing to lose her job to be with him. The stadium bond measure is revealed to have passed, but Strang's proposition of a celebratory three-way with Mayor Andrews and another woman are shot down by both women.

==Release==
On July 20, 2005, Midway announced [[Lawrence Taylor]] will become the official cover athlete for the video game, who would also act as the voice and personality of the game's main character/athlete, Quentin Sands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_2475.html |title=Former Playmakers Writer, Peter Egan, and FHM Contribute to Blitz: The League |date=2005-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060906064348/http://www.midway.com/rxpage/mpr_2475.html |archive-date=6 September 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Xbox 360 version, which had been planned for release in Australia on February 23, 2007 (the day before its European release date), was refused classification<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classification.gov.au/resource.html?resource=944&filename=944.pdf|title=Blitz the League computer game Refused Classification|website=[[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|Office of Film and Literature Classification]]|date=January 22, 2007|access-date=February 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031030914/http://www.classification.gov.au/resource.html?resource=944&filename=944.pdf|archive-date=October 31, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> by the country's [[Australian Classification Board|Office of Film and Literature Classification]], effectively banning the game there. The reason for the ban was that the use of drugs was related to incentives and rewards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blitz-banned-in-australia/1100-6164484/|title=Blitz banned in Australia [date mislabeled as "January 22, 2007"]|last=Ramsay|first=Randolph|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=January 21, 2007|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020080652/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blitz-banned-in-australia/1100-6164484/|archive-date=October 20, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamepolitics.com/2007/01/24/blitz-banned/|title=Midway's Blitz: The League Banned in Australia|website=Game Politics|date=January 24, 2007|access-date=January 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181329/http://gamepolitics.com/2007/01/24/blitz-banned/|archive-date=September 30, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Blitz: The League'' became the first professional American football game in history to receive the "Mature" rating from the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]].


==Reception==
==Reception==
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| GI_PS2 = 7.75/10<ref name=GI/>
| GI_PS2 = 7.75/10<ref name=GI/>
| GI_XBOX = 7.75/10<ref name=GI>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/73F76AFC-089A-44C4-88FC-0EE32A5511EC.htm|title=Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)|last=Kato|first=Matthew|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|issue=151|date=November 2005|page=149|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905232308/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/73F76AFC-089A-44C4-88FC-0EE32A5511EC.htm|archive-date=September 5, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GI_XBOX = 7.75/10<ref name=GI>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/73F76AFC-089A-44C4-88FC-0EE32A5511EC.htm|title=Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)|last=Kato|first=Matthew|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|issue=151|date=November 2005|page=149|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905232308/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/73F76AFC-089A-44C4-88FC-0EE32A5511EC.htm|archive-date=September 5, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49260.shtml|title=Blitz: The League Review for PS2 on GamePro.com|author=Bones|website=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]]|date=October 19, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051030034812/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49260.shtml|archive-date=October 30, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49260.shtml|title=Blitz: The League Review for PS2 on GamePro.com|author=Bones|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]]|date=October 19, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051030034812/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/49260.shtml|archive-date=October 30, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro_X360 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/84878.shtml|title=Review: Blitz: The League (X360)|author=The Water Boy|website=GamePro|publisher=IDG Entertainment|date=October 30, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509144732/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/84878.shtml|archive-date=May 9, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GamePro_X360 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/84878.shtml|title=Review: Blitz: The League (X360)|author=The Water Boy|magazine=GamePro|publisher=IDG Entertainment|date=October 30, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509144732/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/84878.shtml|archive-date=May 9, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 8.6/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-the-league-review/1900-6135928/|title=Blitz: The League Review (PS2, Xbox)|last=Navarro|first=Alex|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 17, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 8.6/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-the-league-review/1900-6135928/|title=Blitz: The League Review (PS2, Xbox)|last=Navarro|first=Alex|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 17, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112095045/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-the-league-review/1900-6135928/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_PSP = 6.1/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-overtime-review/1900-6163515/|title=Blitz: Overtime Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=December 20, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| GSpot_PSP = 6.1/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-overtime-review/1900-6163515/|title=Blitz: Overtime Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=December 20, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112100253/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-overtime-review/1900-6163515/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_XBOX = 8.6/10<ref name=GSpot/>
| GSpot_XBOX = 8.6/10<ref name=GSpot/>
| GSpot_X360 = 7.4/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-the-league-review/1900-6162189/|title=Blitz: The League Review (X360) [date mislabeled as "June 25, 2007"]|last=Navarro|first=Alex|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 21, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| GSpot_X360 = 7.4/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-the-league-review/1900-6162189/|title=Blitz: The League Review (X360) [date mislabeled as "June 25, 2007"]|last=Navarro|first=Alex|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 21, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112100256/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/blitz-the-league-review/1900-6162189/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/blitz-playmakers/661377p1.html|title=GameSpy: Blitz: The League (PS2)|last=Chapman|first=David|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=October 25, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051101102304/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/blitz-playmakers/661377p1.html|archive-date=November 1, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpy_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/blitz-playmakers/661377p1.html|title=GameSpy: Blitz: The League (PS2)|last=Chapman|first=David|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=October 25, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051101102304/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/blitz-playmakers/661377p1.html|archive-date=November 1, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/blitz-playmakers/661376p1.html|title=GameSpy: Blitz: The League (Xbox)|last=Chapman|first=David|website=GameSpy|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=October 25, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060105203439/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/blitz-playmakers/661376p1.html|archive-date=January 5, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpy_XBOX = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/blitz-playmakers/661376p1.html|title=GameSpy: Blitz: The League (Xbox)|last=Chapman|first=David|website=GameSpy|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=October 25, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060105203439/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/blitz-playmakers/661376p1.html|archive-date=January 5, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GT_PS2 = 7.6/10<ref name=GT>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjXs5xqrFBk|title=Blitz: The League Review (PS2, Xbox)|website=[[GameTrailers]] ([[YouTube]])|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]]|date=October 28, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608210830/http://gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=1740|archive-date=June 8, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GT_PS2 = 7.6/10<ref name=GT>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjXs5xqrFBk|title=Blitz: The League Review (PS2, Xbox)|website=[[GameTrailers]] ([[YouTube]])|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]]|date=October 28, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608210830/http://gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=1740|archive-date=June 8, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GT_XBOX = 7.6/10<ref name=GT/>
| GT_XBOX = 7.6/10<ref name=GT/>
| IGN_PS2 = 7.2/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/18/blitz-the-league-3|title=Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)|last=Robinson|first=Jon|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=October 18, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 7.2/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/18/blitz-the-league-3|title=Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)|last=Robinson|first=Jon|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=October 18, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106160827/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/18/blitz-the-league-3|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_PSP = 6.2/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/19/blitz-overtime-review|title=Blitz: Overtime Review|last=Haynes|first=Jeff|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=December 19, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| IGN_PSP = 6.2/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/19/blitz-overtime-review|title=Blitz: Overtime Review|last=Haynes|first=Jeff|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=December 19, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112095111/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/19/blitz-overtime-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_XBOX = 7.2/10<ref name=IGN/>
| IGN_XBOX = 7.2/10<ref name=IGN/>
| IGN_X360 = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/blitz-the-league-review|title=Blitz: The League Review (X360)|last=Miller|first=Jonathan|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=December 1, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| IGN_X360 = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/blitz-the-league-review|title=Blitz: The League Review (X360)|last=Miller|first=Jonathan|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=December 1, 2006|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112095115/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/01/blitz-the-league-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3144900&did=3|title=Blitz: The League|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|issue=99|date=December 2005|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060220214241/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3144900&did=3|archive-date=February 20, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3144900&did=3|title=Blitz: The League|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|issue=99|date=December 2005|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060220214241/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3144900&did=3|archive-date=February 20, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| OXM_XBOX = 7.4/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Blitz: The League (Xbox)|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|date=December 2005|page=104}}</ref>
| OXM_XBOX = 7.4/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Blitz: The League (Xbox)|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|date=December 2005|page=104}}</ref>
Line 107: Line 118:
| rev1_PS2 = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name=Detroit>{{cite news|title=Blitz: The League (PS2)|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company]]|date=January 15, 2006}}</ref>
| rev1_PS2 = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name=Detroit>{{cite news|title=Blitz: The League (PS2)|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company]]|date=January 15, 2006}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The New York Times]]''
| rev2 = ''[[The New York Times]]''
| rev2_PS2 = (average)<ref name=NYTimes>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/sports/othersports/confronting-the-demon-within-and-other-good-fun.html|title=Confronting the Demon Within, and Other Good Fun|last=Herold|first=Charles|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|date=December 24, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2019}}</ref>
| rev2_PS2 = (average)<ref name=NYTimes>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/sports/othersports/confronting-the-demon-within-and-other-good-fun.html|title=Confronting the Demon Within, and Other Good Fun|last=Herold|first=Charles|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 24, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310081644/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/24/sports/othersports/confronting-the-demon-within-and-other-good-fun.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2_XBOX = (average)<ref name=NYTimes/>
| rev2_XBOX = (average)<ref name=NYTimes/>
| MC_PS2 = 76/100<ref name=MCPS2>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/blitz-the-league|title=Blitz: The League for PlayStation 2 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310151751/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/blitz-the-league|archive-date=March 10, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 76/100<ref name=MCPS2>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/blitz-the-league/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|title=Blitz: The League for PlayStation 2 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310151751/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/blitz-the-league|archive-date=March 10, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC_PSP = 61/100<ref name=MCPSP>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/blitz-overtime|title=Blitz: Overtime for PSP Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| MC_PSP = 61/100<ref name=MCPSP>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/blitz-the-league/critic-reviews/?platform=psp|title=Blitz: Overtime for PSP Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=June 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608135625/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/blitz-overtime|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 78/100<ref name=MCXB>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/blitz-the-league|title=Blitz: The League for Xbox Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 78/100<ref name=MCXB>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/blitz-the-league/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Blitz: The League for Xbox Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611060456/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/blitz-the-league|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC_X360 = 69/100<ref name=MCX360>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/blitz-the-league|title=Blitz: The League for Xbox 360 Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>
| MC_X360 = 69/100<ref name=MCX360>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/blitz-the-league/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Blitz: The League for Xbox 360 Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=September 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908050124/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/blitz-the-league|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}


The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions received "generally favorable reviews", while the Xbox 360 version and ''Blitz: Overtime'' received "mixed or average reviews", according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MCPS2/><ref name=MCPSP/><ref name=MCXB/><ref name=MCX360/>
The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions received "generally favorable reviews", while the Xbox 360 version and ''Blitz: Overtime'' received "mixed or average reviews", according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MCPS2/><ref name=MCPSP/><ref name=MCXB/><ref name=MCX360/>


The most common critical complaints with ''Blitz'' revolved around allegations of "[[rubberband AI]]"; that is, in single-player mode, the computer opponent becomes nearly unbeatable late in games with the human player leading. However, many critics also pointed out that rubberband AI is also an [[undocumented feature]] of more "legitimate" football titles such as the ''[[Madden NFL]]'' series. The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable releases were also criticized for their very long delays and load times.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}
The most common critical complaints with ''Blitz'' revolved around allegations of "[[rubberband AI]]"; that is, in single-player mode, the computer opponent becomes nearly unbeatable late in games with the human player leading. But many critics also pointed out that rubberband AI is also an [[undocumented feature]] of more "legitimate" football titles such as the ''[[Madden NFL]]'' series. The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable releases were also criticized for their very long delays and load times.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}


''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' gave the PS2 version three stars out of four and stated: "Solid graphics, online play and original in-your-face features make ''Blitz: The League'' a great alternative to the other football games on the market."<ref name=Detroit/> ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' gave the PS2 and Xbox version four stars out of five and said, "[Do you] Crave a purer form of pigskin, where painkillers and cheap shots aren’t just overlooked but encouraged? Then give this ballsy baller a try."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews.aspx?p_id=10805|title=Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)|website=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]|publisher=[[Biglari Holdings]]|date=October 15, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060302130401/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews.aspx?p_id=10805|archive-date=March 2, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, Charles Herold of ''[[The New York Times]]'' gave the same console versions an average review and said, "While it is frustratingly easy to throw an incomplete pass and slow-mo didn't always respond when I tried to trigger it, when it worked right I would leap up from my couch and start screaming in excitement as my quarterback nimbly tossed the ball down the field to a receiver who spun away from one opponent, crashed through another and raced down an open field."<ref name=NYTimes/>
''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' gave the PS2 version three stars out of four: "Solid graphics, online play and original in-your-face features make ''Blitz: The League'' a great alternative to the other football games on the market".<ref name=Detroit/> ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' gave the PS2 and Xbox version four stars out of five: "[Do you] Crave a purer form of pigskin, where painkillers and cheap shots aren’t just overlooked but encouraged? Then give this ballsy baller a try".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews.aspx?p_id=10805|title=Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)|website=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]|publisher=[[Biglari Holdings]]|date=October 15, 2005|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060302130401/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews.aspx?p_id=10805|archive-date=March 2, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, Charles Herold of ''[[The New York Times]]'' gave the same console versions an average review: "While it is frustratingly easy to throw an incomplete pass and slow-mo didn't always respond when I tried to trigger it, when it worked right I would leap up from my couch and start screaming in excitement as my quarterback nimbly tossed the ball down the field to a receiver who spun away from one opponent, crashed through another and raced down an open field".<ref name=NYTimes/>


The game sold 350,000 units by December 2005.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nathaniel|last=Hernandez|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90395813/victoria-advocate/|title=Game makers bring crippling action to life|newspaper=[[The Victoria Advocate]]|page=55|date=December 30, 2005|accessdate=December 11, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211160932/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90395813/victoria-advocate/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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{{clear}}


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{{Clear}}
==Australian ban==
The government of [[Australia]] officially banned the Xbox 360 version due to depiction of [[anabolic steroid]] usage as a stamina booster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamepolitics.com/2007/01/24/blitz-banned/|title=Midway's Blitz: The League Banned in Australia|website=Game Politics|date=January 24, 2007|access-date=January 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181329/http://gamepolitics.com/2007/01/24/blitz-banned/|archive-date=September 30, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 135: Line 145:


==External links==
==External links==
*Midway Games page: [https://web.archive.org/web/20060719191717/http://www.midway.com/rxpage/Game_Blitz:TheLeague.html B:TL], [https://web.archive.org/web/20081120174538/http://www.midway.com/page/Game_Blitz:TheLeague360.html B:TL360], [https://web.archive.org/web/20080720083727/http://www.midway.com/page/Game_Blitz:Overtime.html B:O]
* {{moby game|id=/blitz-the-league}}
*{{moby game|id=/blitz-the-league}}


{{Midway sports games}}
{{Midway sports games}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2005 video games]]
[[Category:2005 video games]]
[[Category:NFL Blitz video games]]
[[Category:American football video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Wii games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Wii games]]
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[[Category:Censored video games]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
[[Category:Midway video games]]
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[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
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[[Category:NFL Blitz video games]]
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[[Category:Obscenity controversies in video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Portable games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Portable games]]
[[Category:RenderWare games]]
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
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[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
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[[Category:Obscenity controversies in video games]]
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
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[[Category:RenderWare games]]
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[[Category:Censored video games]]

Latest revision as of 05:09, 17 March 2024

Blitz: The League
North American Xbox cover art
Developer(s)Midway Games
Publisher(s)Midway
Producer(s)Adam Boyes
Designer(s)Kraig Kujawa
Programmer(s)Dave Lang
Artist(s)Matthew Gilmore
SeriesNFL Blitz
EngineRenderWare
Platform(s)PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable
ReleasePlayStation 2, Xbox
Xbox 360
  • NA: November 6, 2006[2]
  • EU: February 23, 2007
PlayStation Portable
  • NA: December 12, 2006
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

Blitz: The League is an American football video game developed and published by Midway as an extension of their NFL Blitz series. It was released for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in October 2005, after the National Football League (NFL) signed an exclusive licensing deal with Electronic Arts. Lawrence Taylor, who provides voice acting for the game, served as its official spokesman.

Blitz: The League was ported to the Xbox 360 in November 2006. This version of the game was banned in Australia. A portable version, titled Blitz: Overtime, was released on the PlayStation Portable in December 2006. These versions included the voicework and likeness of former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski. The game was originally intended to be a launch title for the Wii, but the version was delayed and eventually canceled.[3][4]

A sequel, titled Blitz: The League II, was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2008.

Gameplay

[edit]

Since Midway no longer had an NFL license, Blitz: The League focuses on a fictional league consisting of 18 teams known simply as "The League", whose history is written as a tongue-in-cheek parallel of the NFL's, with the league consisting of three divisions, using a system of promotion and relegation. The game also brings back the hard-hitting and violent gameplay of earlier Blitz games. Former NFL linebacker Lawrence Taylor voices Quentin Sands, captain of the New York Nightmare. In the next iteration released in 2006, former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski voices Bruno Battaglia, the captain of the Baltimore Bearcats.

Blitz: The League is very similar to previous installments in the Blitz series, as it depicts an aggressive and violent version of gridiron football. Like previous games in the series, first downs are awarded at 30 yards, not 10; there are eight men to a side (similar to arena football, not 11 as in American football); penalties and referees do not exist (although players are somehow prohibited from going offsides); and overly vicious tackles and blocking are the norm. On gaining yards, making tackles for a loss, scoring, or forcing turnovers, players are rewarded with an increased "Clash" meter. When the "Clash" meter is charged up, players may perform "dirty" stiff-arms, dodges, rush avoidance (for quarterbacks) or, most importantly, "dirty hits" on defense. Performing a "dirty" hit or stiff-arm causes opposing players to lose stamina (in essence, reducing their effectiveness) and occasionally become injured (an image of an x-ray would zoom into a specific bone and show it snap, show a ligament tearing, or depict a different brutal injury). After successfully performing a number of "Clash" moves (or forcing turnovers and scoring touchdowns), players can perform "Unleash" moves which are nearly unstoppable.

When an injury occurs, the player may choose to "treat" the injury normally, or "juice" the injury (inject an athlete with steroids). "Juicing" causes an injury to be ignored, but increases the risk of more severe injuries. Some other injuries, such as kneecap fracture, torn ACL, wrist fracture, and ruptured Achilles, are more serious and cannot be juiced.

Campaign mode

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In the single-player campaign mode, the player is challenged to win championships in all three divisions of the fictitious American football championship known simply as "The League". The player begins by creating a new team, designing its uniforms and choosing a team name, then picks one of three defensive veterans and one of three offensive rookies as team captains.

The player must win seven of ten regular-season games in each division, followed by a division championship. The player needs to decide on a training program for each team member, which gradually increases the member's skills. Money is earned for each game based on performance, "dirty hits" performed, etc., and can also earn additional money for "gambling" on the results of a game. With this money, the player may purchase superior equipment, training facilities, and drugs (some legal, some not) that can be used to augment performance.

In "Campaign" mode, the player is also periodically shown cutscenes illustrating a variety of subplots involving the team. The game begins at the end of the previous season, when Quentin Sands of the New York Nightmare lands a devastating, career-ending hit on the player's team's star quarterback, similar to Taylor's sack of Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann during the 1985 NFL season, which broke Theismann's leg and ended his career, as the team is demoted to Division 3. As the game progresses, the player learns that the veteran captain has returned to the game as a result of financial troubles, while the rookie is portrayed as a naive yet talented individual whom Sands has targeted as the next player whose career he'll end on the field.

The story of the "Campaign" mode was partially written by former writers of Playmakers, a controversial show on the ESPN network that was canceled due to the NFL's objections to its portrayal of professional football players. Like in the series, the pro circuit chronicled in the game is simply referred to as "The League".

Also, before every game in "Campaign" mode, a cutscene showcasing the opposing team and its star player plays, wherein the coach lays out the game plan for how best to play against the opponents' offense, defense or occasionally, star player in order to win, adding an element of strategy to each game.

Campaign mode plot

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Opening

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The storyline begins during the closing moments of the previous season's final game, where the player-created team is trailing the New York Nightmare. During the closing seconds, the player's team makes one final play to win the game, but the quarterback is sacked and injured by Quentin Sands, ending his career. The loss bumps the player's team down to Division III, while the Nightmare go up to Division I.

After the game, Lyman Strang, the owner of the player's team, unveils his new stadium plan to Sheila Andrews, the mayor of the team's city. She initially refuses to support the bond measure, believing it would screw voters who would have to pay heavy taxes to support a losing team. Strang makes a bet with Mayor Andrews that if the team wins the League Championship, she would support the bond measure. If the team fails to win, Strang will make a large donation to Andrews' reelection fund.

Strang orders a complete overhaul of the team, choosing a new nickname, color scheme, logo, and personnel. All of these are left to the individual player. After choosing the aesthetics of the team, the player chooses a new coach, new offensive and defensive coordinator, a rookie offensive player, veteran defensive player, and a new team doctor. The player is given a choice of three candidates on each position, each emphasizing strengths in some areas and weaknesses in others, or containing a balance without leanings for one particular area.

Division 3

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The player's team sets out to make its mark in Division 3. Initially, attendance at home games is low, and even Mayor Andrews refuses to take the team seriously. She comments on the veteran's presence, thinking he has retired from the previous season. Strang explains that his extravagant lifestyle has caught up to him, and he needs the money. He is later seen begging Strang for an increase in pay under his contract due to a messy divorce that saw his ex-wife take a large amount of his fortune, and demand high alimony. He is also revealed to have made bad stock investments, as he is seen frustrated that a stock has tanked.

The rookie, meanwhile, discovers that Jacqui, the team's head cheerleader, went to the same college as him (Northern University). They begin talking in between plays, but are reluctant to date each other due to The League's strict prohibitions on player-cheerleader interactions.

The team manages to make the Division 3 Championship against the Arizona Outlaws. While the veteran does not believe that winning the "Scrub Division" is much of an accomplishment, the rest of the team is thrilled. The victory allows iRiver to seek out and purchase the naming rights to the current stadium, and make improvements to it. The victory also gives the team added financial success, which Strang uses to sign Bruno Battaglia, the now-former captain of the Baltimore Bearcats, to the team, despite the coach's objection.

Division 2

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The team continues its success in Division 2. The veteran's problems continue to mount, as he receives notice from a collection agency that payments on his car are past due. Following a home game against the Minnesota Reapers, he finds a boot attached to his car in the parking lot. At this point, the veteran calls his bookie on a cell phone to place a bet on a college game, showing that his woes are also largely due to a gambling problem. Mayor Andrews, however, invites the veteran into her limousine, and they work out a deal for him to star in a commercial promoting the city. It is also implied that Andrews and the veteran have undertaken a sexual relationship.

The addition of Battaglia has proven to cause friction in the locker room, particularly with the rookie. The rookie finds Battaglia hitting on Jacqui after a game, and she explains that they know each other from their previous time in The League (hinting that Jacqui may have been a Bearcats cheerleader at one point). The rookie is flustered, and refuses to speak to Jacqui for some time.

Despite these problems, the team continues its winning ways, defeating the Reapers in the Division 2 Championship Game. iRiver provides more money to even further improve the existing stadium. In the Xbox 360 version, the team is also able to acquire former team captain Tito Maas from the Outlaws. Attendance picks up, and the stadium bond measure gains support.

Division 1

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The team's arrival in Division 1 is beset by problems almost from the start. While at a nightclub celebrating their win in the Division 2 Championship, Mayor Andrews catches the veteran flirting with another woman at the club. The team also runs into the New York Nightmare, who have arrived in town for the next night's game, as well as to film a beer commercial, which, according to Quentin Sands, "only real teams get to do". Sands mocks the team for its inexperience in Division 1, and personally insults the rookie saying he is not man enough to satisfy Jacqui. This leads the rookie to attack Sands, sparking a brawl between the two teams.

The player's entire team is arrested, and it is only Strang's pleading that the city would lose money from its biggest game in history that convinces Andrews to bail the team out. She refuses to release the veteran, as she is still angry at what she saw him doing in the club. The game against the Nightmare is also disastrous, as Sands lays a dirty, late hit on the rookie, tearing his MCL. At this point, he is expected to be out for the rest of the season. The rookie, however, returns when the team plays the Nightmare on the road (although, when playing the game, this can be avoided). The late hit always comes in the second quarter. The player's rookie will not be taken out, although it's pretty difficult to win against the Nightmare with only whatever points the player can score in the first quarter.

When the veteran is released from jail, his problems begin anew. No longer in Andrews' good graces, he once again finds himself deep in debt. When lifting weights alone in the team workout room, his bookies enter, press a barbell against his throat, and threaten his life if he is unable to come up with the money.

The team manages to make the League Championship Game against the Nightmare. The night before the game, the veteran, desperate to pay his debts, meets with Sands in a club, and secretly sells him his copy of the team's playbook. He informs his bookie that he has the money, but wishes to bet it on the championship game. During the game, Sands expresses surprise that none of the team's plays appear in the book. He quickly realizes that the copy the veteran sold him was fake. The team goes on to defeat the Nightmare and become League Champions.

Ending

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The team is shown celebrating in the locker room. The veteran decides to stick around and play for a few more years. The rookie reconciles with Jacqui, who is willing to lose her job to be with him. The stadium bond measure is revealed to have passed, but Strang's proposition of a celebratory three-way with Mayor Andrews and another woman are shot down by both women.

Release

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On July 20, 2005, Midway announced Lawrence Taylor will become the official cover athlete for the video game, who would also act as the voice and personality of the game's main character/athlete, Quentin Sands.[5]

The Xbox 360 version, which had been planned for release in Australia on February 23, 2007 (the day before its European release date), was refused classification[6] by the country's Office of Film and Literature Classification, effectively banning the game there. The reason for the ban was that the use of drugs was related to incentives and rewards.[7][8] Blitz: The League became the first professional American football game in history to receive the "Mature" rating from the ESRB.

Reception

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The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions received "generally favorable reviews", while the Xbox 360 version and Blitz: Overtime received "mixed or average reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[31][32][33][34]

The most common critical complaints with Blitz revolved around allegations of "rubberband AI"; that is, in single-player mode, the computer opponent becomes nearly unbeatable late in games with the human player leading. But many critics also pointed out that rubberband AI is also an undocumented feature of more "legitimate" football titles such as the Madden NFL series. The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable releases were also criticized for their very long delays and load times.[citation needed]

Detroit Free Press gave the PS2 version three stars out of four: "Solid graphics, online play and original in-your-face features make Blitz: The League a great alternative to the other football games on the market".[29] Maxim gave the PS2 and Xbox version four stars out of five: "[Do you] Crave a purer form of pigskin, where painkillers and cheap shots aren’t just overlooked but encouraged? Then give this ballsy baller a try".[35] However, Charles Herold of The New York Times gave the same console versions an average review: "While it is frustratingly easy to throw an incomplete pass and slow-mo didn't always respond when I tried to trigger it, when it worked right I would leap up from my couch and start screaming in excitement as my quarterback nimbly tossed the ball down the field to a receiver who spun away from one opponent, crashed through another and raced down an open field".[30]

The game sold 350,000 units by December 2005.[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ BLITZ®: THE LEAGUE™ TACKLES STORES NATIONWIDE
  2. ^ BLITZ®: THE LEAGUE™ TACKLES STORES NATIONWIDE
  3. ^ Bozon, Mark (September 27, 2006). "Midway Talks Wii". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  4. ^ "Blitz: The League - Wii". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 15, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  5. ^ "Former Playmakers Writer, Peter Egan, and FHM Contribute to Blitz: The League". 2005-07-20. Archived from the original on 6 September 2006.
  6. ^ "Blitz the League computer game Refused Classification" (PDF). Office of Film and Literature Classification. January 22, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 31, 2008. Retrieved February 21, 2007.
  7. ^ Ramsay, Randolph (January 21, 2007). "Blitz banned in Australia [date mislabeled as "January 22, 2007"]". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  8. ^ "Midway's Blitz: The League Banned in Australia". Game Politics. January 24, 2007. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved January 24, 2007.
  9. ^ a b "Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)". Computer Games Magazine. No. 181. theGlobe.com. December 2005. p. 87.
  10. ^ a b Inithar, Bryan; Ford, Greg; Sewart, Greg (December 2005). "Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 198. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 20, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  11. ^ Lyon, James (March 18, 2007). "Blitz: The League (Xbox 360)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on September 30, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Kato, Matthew (November 2005). "Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)". Game Informer. No. 151. GameStop. p. 149. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  13. ^ Bones (October 19, 2005). "Blitz: The League Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 30, 2005. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  14. ^ The Water Boy (October 30, 2006). "Review: Blitz: The League (X360)". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Navarro, Alex (October 17, 2005). "Blitz: The League Review (PS2, Xbox)". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  16. ^ Navarro, Alex (December 20, 2006). "Blitz: Overtime Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  17. ^ Navarro, Alex (November 21, 2006). "Blitz: The League Review (X360) [date mislabeled as "June 25, 2007"]". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  18. ^ Chapman, David (October 25, 2005). "GameSpy: Blitz: The League (PS2)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 1, 2005. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  19. ^ Chapman, David (October 25, 2005). "GameSpy: Blitz: The League (Xbox)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 5, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Blitz: The League Review (PS2, Xbox)". GameTrailers (YouTube). Viacom. October 28, 2005. Archived from the original on June 8, 2007. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  21. ^ a b Robinson, Jon (October 18, 2005). "Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 6, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  22. ^ Haynes, Jeff (December 19, 2006). "Blitz: Overtime Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  23. ^ Miller, Jonathan (December 1, 2006). "Blitz: The League Review (X360)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 12, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  24. ^ Varanini, Giancarlo (December 2005). "Blitz: The League". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 99. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 20, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  25. ^ "Blitz: The League (Xbox)". Official Xbox Magazine. Future US. December 2005. p. 104.
  26. ^ "Blitz: The League (X360)". Official Xbox Magazine. Future US. December 2006. p. 76.
  27. ^ "Review: Blitz: The League". PSM. Future US. December 2005. p. 110.
  28. ^ "Review: Blitz: Overtime". PSM. Future US. March 2007. p. 87.
  29. ^ a b "Blitz: The League (PS2)". Detroit Free Press. Gannett Company. January 15, 2006.
  30. ^ a b c Herold, Charles (December 24, 2005). "Confronting the Demon Within, and Other Good Fun". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  31. ^ a b "Blitz: The League for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  32. ^ a b "Blitz: Overtime for PSP Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  33. ^ a b "Blitz: The League for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  34. ^ a b "Blitz: The League for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on September 8, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  35. ^ "Blitz: The League (PS2, Xbox)". Maxim. Biglari Holdings. October 15, 2005. Archived from the original on March 2, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  36. ^ Hernandez, Nathaniel (December 30, 2005). "Game makers bring crippling action to life". The Victoria Advocate. p. 55. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
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