Developer: Point of View Software, Midway Games Publisher: Midway Games

Released: September 14, 2000 Rated: E 8/10

After long deliberation, it has been decided that, yes, Blitz 2001 is, in fact, slightly lesser than its predecessors. This is due both in part to what it is, as well as what it is not; no longer an arcade-first release ported to consoles, Blitz 2001 is the first in the series to be intended primarily for release on consoles. While this doesn’t mean the whole thing is expected to be torn down and rebuilt in between releases, it does seem to suggest that not only would this new entry start to lean a little bit more towards features that are befitting of home consoles and not arcades, but that Blitz 2001 would run better, if not at least on the same level as the year before. 

It’s just kind of weird that I have to sit here and confirm that NFL Blitz 2001 doesn’t run as well as previous entries. I know exactly why it does this, with noticeable slowdown in some instances while players are “on fire,” as well as in the red zone — the “Expansion Pak Detected” pop-up when the game loads clues me in like it has dozens of times before — it’s trying to push resolution via the extra RAM, and losing performance in the process. The problem is, of course, that this isn’t optional unless you change the Pak out just to play NFL Blitz 2001. Where almost every other compatible title provides a menu option, Blitz is one of the few to just go for it, and it’s just kind of annoying. 

Besides this frustrating design choice, I’d struggle to list any other differences you’ll see in the course of regular gameplay. Aside from the occasional chugging, the gameplay is as good as ever. It’s actually so exciting that instant replay is kind of a crucial omission, considering we’re now only talking about a console release. Arcades obviously can’t implement this feature, but with only an N64 and Dreamcast release to implement it in, being able to roll back some of your craziest plays, even if it’s only before you run the next one, is something Blitz sorely needs by this point. With mostly the same complement of game modes as before — exhibition, season, and tournament — the only real reason to grab this version is if the three mini-game modes catch your eye. There’s nothing too crazy, but I do enjoy the offensive and defensive challenge games and the passing mini-game for a change of pace before hopping into another game.

Additional Information

Saves: Controller Pak

Compatible With: Rumble Pak, Expansion Pak

Players: 1-4

Print Guides:

Aggregate Critical Reception (GameRankings): 71.71%, based on 7 reviews

Other Releases: NA exclusive on N64

My Streams

Commercials and Print Ads