Blitz: The League
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Products | Blitz: The League |
Blitz: The League is a football video game created and distributed by Midway Games, serving as a continuation of the NFL Blitz franchise. Launched in October 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, it debuted following the NFL's exclusive partnership with Electronic Arts. Former NFL linebacker Lawrence Taylor lent his voice talents and acted as the official spokesperson for the title.
In November 2006, an Xbox 360 port was released, though this edition faced a ban in Australia. Additionally, a handheld version titled Blitz: Overtime appeared on the PlayStation Portable in December 2006, featuring voice acting and likeness of ex-NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski. Although a version for the Wii was planned, it was postponed indefinitely and eventually canceled.
The series continued with Blitz: The League II, which launched on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms in 2008.
Gameplay
Following Midway's loss of the official NFL license, Blitz: The League focuses on a fictional American football organization consisting of 18 teams known as "The League." This league is arranged into three divisions and incorporates a promotion and relegation system. The game returns to the franchise’s signature intense, aggressive style of play seen in earlier Blitz entries. Lawrence Taylor provides the voice for Quentin Sands, leader of the New York Nightmare; later versions include Bill Romanowski voicing Bruno Battaglia from the Baltimore Bearcats.
Matches feature eight players per team, reminiscent of arena football rules, with no referees or penalties enforced. First downs require advancing 30 yards instead of the traditional 10. Players accumulate a "Clash" meter by performing significant plays, which unlocks "dirty" tactics such as stiff-arm moves and hits that drain opponents' stamina or cause injuries illustrated through detailed x-ray animations. Successfully landing "Clash" maneuvers enables access to even more powerful "Unleash" moves.
Injuries can be managed through standard treatment or by using steroids—referred to as "juicing"—which temporarily mask injury effects but carry risks of exacerbating damage. However, severe injuries like broken kneecaps, torn ACLs, wrist fractures, and Achilles tendon ruptures cannot be mitigated by steroid use.
Campaign mode
The single-player campaign tasks gamers with securing championships across three divisions within the fabricated football league known as "The League." Players begin by creating their own team—customizing uniforms and selecting a team name—and then choose one defensive veteran and one offensive rookie captain from three options each.
To progress, players must win at least seven out of ten regular-season games in each division before competing for the division title. Training regimens improve player attributes over time. Income is earned not only through game victories but also by executing "dirty hits," with additional revenue generated by betting on game results. These earnings are invested in upgrading equipment, training facilities, and acquiring performance enhancers—both legal supplements and illicit drugs.
Narrative cutscenes develop subplots surrounding the team’s journey. The story opens with Quentin Sands of the New York Nightmare delivering a career-ending hit to the player’s star quarterback, resulting in their demotion to Division 3. Financial difficulties force the veteran captain to return to action while the rookie captain faces threats from Sands targeting him next.
The campaign’s storyline was partially crafted by former writers from Playmakers, an ESPN drama series canceled due to NFL objections. Similar to that show, this fictional league is simply named "The League."
Before each match, cutscenes introduce the opposing team’s star player and reveal strategic insights from their coach, adding a tactical dimension to gameplay.
Opening
The narrative resumes from the closing scenes of the previous season: the player’s squad is trailing behind the New York Nightmare. A final decisive play results in Quentin Sands sacking and injuring the player’s quarterback, effectively ending his career and causing the team to be demoted to Division III, while the Nightmare advance to Division I.
Team owner Lyman Strang presents a proposal for a new stadium to Mayor Sheila Andrews, who initially rejects it due to concerns about tax increases for supporting a struggling franchise. Strang stakes a bet: if his team secures the League Championship, she will endorse the bond measure; if they fail, he commits to making a substantial donation to her reelection campaign.
Strang initiates a comprehensive team revamp—introducing a new nickname, colors, logo, and roster—each aspect selected by the player. The player chooses a head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, rookie offensive player, veteran defensive player, and team physician from three candidates per position, carefully weighing their diverse strengths and weaknesses.
Division 3
Starting out in Division 3, the player’s team experiences low turnout and minimal respect, including from Mayor Andrews, who mistakenly believes the veteran has retired. The veteran discloses financial hardships stemming from an expensive divorce and unsuccessful stock market ventures, leading him to request a salary increase. Concurrently, the rookie forms a connection with Jacqui, the lead cheerleader and fellow Northern University graduate, although League regulations limit their contact.
The team advances to face the Arizona Outlaws in the Division 3 Championship. Despite the veteran’s dismissal of their "Scrub Division" status, securing this victory significantly elevates team morale and financial standing. The company iRiver leverages this momentum by purchasing stadium naming rights and investing in facility upgrades. Utilizing these funds, Strang signs Bruno Battaglia, former captain of the Baltimore Bearcats, despite reservations from coaching staff.
Division 2
Momentum carries into Division 2; however, the veteran’s financial troubles intensify with threats of car repossession and a revealed gambling addiction exposed through a call to his bookie. Mayor Andrews offers him a promotional opportunity that hints at a deeper personal involvement.
Battaglia’s arrival stirs discord within the locker room, particularly with the rookie who uncovers Battaglia’s previous ties to Jacqui. Despite internal strife, the team triumphs over the Minnesota Reapers in the Division 2 Championship. iRiver further invests in stadium enhancements; attendance rises and support for stadium bond measures grows. In certain versions of the story, Tito Maas is also acquired from the Outlaws during this period.
Division 1
Promotion to Division 1 introduces fresh obstacles. At a nightclub celebration, Mayor Andrews catches the veteran engaging in flirtation elsewhere. The team confronts their rivals, the New York Nightmare, who taunt their lack of experience and insult the rookie—sparking an altercation that results in arrests. Strang secures their release except for the veteran, who remains detained due to Andrews’ lingering resentments.
The rookie sustains an MCL injury caused by a dirty hit from Quentin Sands of the Nightmare but manages an earlier-than-expected return during gameplay. Meanwhile, the veteran’s debts worsen following his incarceration; he faces threats from bookies demanding repayment.
The team reaches the League Championship Game against the Nightmare. On game night, the veteran covertly sells Sands a counterfeit playbook to resolve his debts while placing bets on his own squad. This deception succeeds as Sands is caught unprepared during critical plays, enabling the team to clinch the championship title.
Conclusion
The team rejoices together in the locker room following their victory. The seasoned player decides to extend his career for several additional seasons. Meanwhile, the rookie makes amends with Jacqui, who is prepared to jeopardize her employment to be with him. The stadium funding measure is approved by voters, but Strang's suggestion of a celebratory encounter involving Mayor Andrews and another woman is declined by both parties.
Release
On July 20, 2005, Midway revealed that Lawrence Taylor would serve as the official cover athlete and provide the voice for the protagonist, Quentin Sands.
The Xbox 360 edition scheduled for release in Australia on February 23, 2007, was prohibited by the Australian Classification Board due to the association of drug use with rewards and incentives. Blitz: The League was notable for becoming the first professional American football title to receive a "Mature" rating from the ESRB.
Reception
The PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions garnered "generally favorable" critiques, whereas the Xbox 360 version and Blitz: Overtime received reviews described as "mixed or average," according to Metacritic.
Reviewers frequently mentioned the presence of "rubberband AI"—a mechanic where computer-controlled opponents become significantly more challenging near the end of matches—as a negative aspect, although they noted this feature is also prevalent in other football franchises like Madden NFL. The PS2 and PSP versions were criticized for experiencing lengthy loading times and delays.
The Detroit Free Press awarded the PS2 version three stars out of four, commending its visuals, online multiplayer capabilities, and distinctive elements as a compelling alternative within the football game genre. Maxim gave it four out of five stars, emphasizing its gritty style that appeals to players seeking a more unrefined football experience. Conversely, Charles Herold of The New York Times offered a moderate review, acknowledging occasional gameplay irritations but also recognizing moments of exhilaration.
By December 2005, sales figures reached roughly 350,000 copies.