Back in the day Madden wasn’t the only football gaming franchise known to the world. Other than ESPN and 2K there hasn’t been much to fight against Madden’s domination except in the early 90s and early 2000s when Blitz came out. Blitz, a well known arcade game got its shot on the N64 and Playstation and grew a large fan base by allowing late hits and fast paced gameplay. Now, with 2009 approaching Blitz:The League 2 has come out and the question arises, can it even shake the podium Madden stands on?

Well the answer is an earth shattering hell no. Here is the review for Blitz: The League 2.

Story:

Well the story itself is one that is basic and simple.You’re a character who is dubbed the name "Franchise" and apparently this guy is so damn good that he could have played any pro sport in the land. So not the NFL, NHL, NBA, LAX, MLS, UEFA, NRA, NAMBLA…ok those last 2 are jokes but you get my point. Anyway, you decide to play in Blitz (not by choice!) The owner/commish guy wants you to play for the best team in his league, but you refuse and say you will only play in your home city which then prompts you to create a team. I decided to use Compton because they are way overdue for a team and I named my team the Compton Crackakillas. Kind of hateful but hey I don’t care, live with it. You then do some questions from some reporters and form what your players’ position on offense and defense are.Basically stupid questions with worse answers.

Overall: D+

Gameplay:

The gameplay feels like original Blitz but not as polished or finished. The after hits are very limited and it takes out some of the fun that Blitz gave you. The late hits are essential to the game but you barely get to use them. Passing is simple just like Madden and running is just as normal. The biggest thing that Blitz has is the super hit it has. You can pinpoint which part of the player you want to hit weather it is his spine,neck, left thigh, right thigh, or both shoulders. Other than that it is basically the same game as Blitz: The League was and your normal fan will enjoy it.

Overall: B

Graphics:

The graphics are definitely the best thing about the game.There is heavy detail since the first League game and it is noticeable in the endzone and in the stadiums. The graphics are actually better in game than the cinematics which is somewhat awkward to me. You customization of basically anything is non-existent in this game though which hurts it to a certain degree. You can’t create a custom player, instead you get a pre-created character just like the first one and that hurts it as well with graphics. Not bad in game but not impressive in cine’s.

Overall: C

Sound:

The sound does its thing and is helped by Frank Caliendo’s impression of John Madden throughout game commentary. Honestly hearing him in the game was the only thing I really liked sound wise about this game. You agent and woman all were annoying and forgettable while Caliendo was on par and did a great job. The players in the game aren’t bad but it is a football game and so of coarse it was fine.

Overall: B-

Replay:

If you’re a die hard fan of the series you will love it and play it over and over. If your not a fan of the series stay away from it this won’t be worth your hard earned cash. The online is very bland at best and the career mode…thing…is totally boring and slow. Honestly stick with original Blitz or Blitz 2000 for your over the top ass whoppin’ football needs.

Overall: D if your not a fan B+ if you’re a fan

Overall:

In general, this game is what Blitz and Midway have been for years. Unfortunately it won’t cut it for gamers new to the franchise. This won’t create new fans of get people to buy this over Madden like really anything would. Just hear me out, it is fun and to an extent I liked it but it is a shelf sitter to any person who isn’t head over heels for the series itself.This won’t make you put down Madden or set down anything else you paid good money for. It has good things but is too thin and to stale for the price. To sum it all up im just saying if you love the series get it if you don’t play Blitz or am a Madden fanatic this is not something you will like. Trust me.

Overall: C

Achievements:

Franchise Player25 Win the Division 1 Championship and the League MVP with Franchise.

Campaign mode consists of three divisions with your team starting in the weakest, Division 3. I'd suggest using a QB/Corner hybrid. The running game in Blitz is fairly useless and almost all the big plays will come off passes. On the defensive side, a corner is great for moving in and blitzing for sacks, as well as staying back in coverage for interceptions/causing injuries. If you get the most passing yards in your division during each of the sections of the game, you shouldn't have any trouble getting MVP in all of them. This will also net you League MVP and winning the Division 1 Championship is required to beat the game, so all of these achievements will come along the way.

During the campaign, you will need to lose no more than two games to still make the title game. Obviously your goal is always to win, but taking up to two is acceptable and won't hurt anything. Just make sure you're still putting up big numbers in your losses or you'll slip down in the MVP race. If you're playing poorly, don't feel bad to quit and retry.

Note: You can put the difficulty down to easy to help with all achievements.

Face of the League130 Finish Campaign Mode. See "Franchise Player" for more info.Hall of Fame40 Franchise declared the MVP in all three division seasons. See "Franchise Player" for more info.Legendary Sophomore80 Beat Division 2 in Campaign Mode. See"Franchise Player" for more info.Legendary Rookie40 Beat Division 3 in Campaign Mode. See"Franchise Player" for more info.MVP20 Franchise declared the MVP in anydivision season. See "Franchise Player" for more info.Alpha Dog25 Train Franchise up to an A+ rating during Campaign Mode.

During the campaign, select the "Trainer" tab and then assign training to both your offensive and defensive attributes. If you used the QB/Corner hybrid I suggested, enhance your passing/strength first,then move to agility and speed/tackling and hands. This will give you the best attributes in the beginning. Inside the upgrades option, spend your money again on the things that will upgrade the previously mentioned sections first. You should have this by the end of D2.

Main Man35 Get Franchise's Reputation to 25 level or higher in Campaign Mode.

Your reputation level increases fairly regularly based on your play. Things like big plays, big yardage overall, sacks, interceptions,injuries caused, etc. will all increase your rep bar. It will update insideeach game as you hit one of these milestones. Again, if you're having a poorgame don't feel bad about quitting and retrying. It would be much worse to take what you're given and then end up not getting this and having to do the entire campaign over. Injuring and knocking out an opposing team captain is by far the best way to increase your bar so always aim for that, especially when they are an offensive player which are easier to injure.

Ironman10 Score 5 TD's and get 5 sacks with Franchise in a single Campaign Mode game.

See "Bulldozer" for more info on sacks. Getting touchdowns should be second nature if you've played much of the campaign.

Bulldozer10 Get 10 sacks with Franchise in one Campaign Mode game.

As originally described in this thread, your best bet for this is in D3, the first game vs. the Hounds. He described it very well so read that and you shouldn't have much trouble. Again, setting the game to easy is key for these two achievements.

Showoff10 Perform 10 different TD celebrations with Franchise in Campaign Mode.

Touchdown celebrations can only be performed if you score a touchdown and get in the endzone without being knocked off your feet. You will then need to input a four button code to perform the celebration. This is tracked in the "Awards" tab if you're not sure how many you've done.Ten different ones much be done in the same campaign mode using Franchise. Youwill probably need to start a new campaign with him as a wide receiver toensure you can score without being knocked over. Use this list for all the codes.

Hollywood25 Perform 5 different touchdown celebrations in a single Quick Play, Online or Campaign game.

These do not have to be performed as Franchise, so using him as a QB, be sure to score five touchdowns and use five different ones from this list in a single game.

Man Blanket10 Force 3 turnovers with Franchise during a Division Season in Campaign Mode.

Allow your opponent to pass the ball, then either try to intercept it (clash mode will help) or just line him up with Franchise and usea dirty/clash hit on the ball carrier (LT+A) and hope that you hit them hard enough that they will lose the ball. From there, you'll need to recover the fumble as well.

House Rules40 Win a game against the computer in every Bonus Mode.

I don't know exactly when the last two bonus games unlock,but I believe one unlocks after D3 and one after D2 in the campaign mode. Once you've unlocked all of them, just win inside all six: Butterfingaz, Make it Take it, Lucky 7's, Pain, Bone Crushers, Prison Ball. Select "Bonus Modes"from the main menu to play these.

Big Spender25 Spend over a million dollars in Campaignmode.

You earn money depending on how well you play in games aswell as the bets you place on the game. You should be getting 200k+ even in D3so this should be done after no later than your sixth game. Buy the up grades for your team or spend the money juicing, doesn't matter which.

Welcome Rookie15 Win first game of Campaign Mode See"Franchise Player" for more info.Return to Sender10 Return two kickoff or punt returns for TD's in any game.

The best way to get these is to make sure you have some clash meter filled, then start up the left or right sideline and hope those two defenders knock the other team's attackers over, this will give you plenty of room to work with. From there, hit your turbo and go as far as possible though you'll most likely get tracked down eventually. At this point, activate your clash and stiff-arm the attackers.

This can not be done in Bonus Modes games, only quickplay, campaign and online.Go Long!10 Gain 450 passing yards in any Campaign Mode game.

Using your Franchise QB this shouldn't be too tough. Every time you get the ball on a kickoff or punt, head backward and run out of bounds at your 10 or so to give you more yards to gain.

Rushing Attack15 Score 5 rushing TD's in any Campaign Mode game.

These do not have to be done with Franchise, so pass it in and run out of bounds at the 2 yard line (not the 1 as you may accidentallystep in the endzone) and then call a run play. A basic sweep or pitch shouldwork from that distance. Make use of your clash bar if you keep getting tackledearly.

Magic Hands10 Catch every pass thrown by your QB in any Campaign Mode game.

I can confirm that this does not count 2-point conversions for some reason as I botched one and still got this achievement. To be safe,throw the ball once and catch it, then choose run plays from then on. You don't have to win this game either.

Safety Dance10 Force a safety in a single Campaign Mode,Quick Play or Bonus Mode game.

This will most likely be easiest in a game of Prison Ball.The field is very short and they start right near their own endzone. To get a safety you must tackle whoever on their team has the ball inside their own endzone (the one behind them).

Lucky 7's10 Throw at least 7 TD passes in a single game in Campaign Mode.

Again, using your Franchise QB this should be easy. Instead of running backward like you would for the 450 yard achievement, take your kickoffs and punts as far as you can to get within one or two plays of a touchdown. On defense, let your opponent score if you need to so your offense can have more shots at this.

Power Surge10 Score three TD's in a single quarter in Campaign Mode.

Using the strategy for "Lucky 7's" this should come at the same time.

Jackpot10 Earn $400,000 in one campaign mode game.

Money earned is as follows: Clash Moves (2k), Unleash Moves(5k), Dirty Hits (3k), Injuries Caused (7k), Turnovers Caused (5k), Touchdowns(12k) and you will get a nice chunk if you've bet on the game, as well as a bonus if the game you win as in a divisional championship game.

So be sure to win your division championship game, win the bet during that game and also score a healthy amount of touchdowns and you should have it. Plya dirty defense and get some injurie/turnovers as this will both get you more cash immediately and give you more chances for touchdowns.

Group Hug10 Land 3 three man tackles in any Campaign Mode, Quick Play or Bonus Mode game.

A 3-man tackle is performed by using a clash tackle (hold LT and dive at someone) while your teammates are also near the ball-carrier. Youa nd your mate will both jump at the ball-carrier and toss him around. The third man in the equation is actually the ball-carrier and not someone on your side so if you've only hit the ball-carrier with two people, that counts.

Anger Management15 Accumulate 5 late hit icons in a single Campaign Mode game.

After most dirty/clash hits, the words "Late Hit"may pop up. When you see them, run up to anyone on the opposing team and hit A to beat on them. Repeat four more times in the same campaign game.

A-Train10 Manually break 3 tackles in any Campaign Mode or Quick Play game.

If an opponent dives at you and only gets your feet, a pulsing A-button may appear on screen. When you see it, pound on that sucker and you should high-step out of the tackle. Repeat two more times.

Early Release25 Beat Prison Ball in Campaign Mode.

Prison Ball takes place after you win D3. There are no kickoffs, punts or field goals and the field is extremely short. This is an extremely annoying game because with no pads, you can get injured very, very easily and this will automatically end the game and force you to restart. I can't even remember how many tries this took but it was ridiculous. You'll needto survive the game and win to move on.

Try to injure their QB during this game for one of the secret achievements.

King of the Yard10 Shut out the computer in a Bonus Mode game of Prison Ball.

Change the quarter length to one minute and difficulty to easy to make this easier. Anytime you have the ball, rush and run down as much clock as possible before running the next play,  but always get a touchdown to fill your clash. When they get the ball, use a big clash hit and try to get a turnover. You'll have the hang of defense if you've played thecampaign at all.

He's Ready20 Complete Training Mode

From the main menu, select "Training Camp" and complete each of the tutorials in Rushing, Passing, Receiving, Defense and Triage.

Skidmark10 Cause 3 weather slips to your opponent ina Campaign Mode game.

If you use a juke move (flick the right thumb stick when you have the ball) and your opponent is on a weather hazard (mud, etc.) they will slip and fall down. Check your progress in the pause menu under theAchievements tab if you think you've made them slip.

loater10 Intercept 3 passes (Campaign Mode, QuickPlay or Online).

Not much of a science to this one and it will most likely come without trying too hard. When your opponent passes, take control of the defender near the receiver he is throwing to, then attempt to step in front and hit Y to manually catch it. You'll also probably get lucky and have one or two bounce of their receiver and land in one of your other safety's hands. This can be boosted online if you're having trouble.

Hot Streak20 Win 5 games in a row online with anyteams. (Ranked Match)

After getting "Real Deal" you'll need two morewins, but now I'd suggest switching to new teams to work on "Ful lDeck" at the same time. You can have a friend quit out of your games four times, then play and win the 5th for the achievement.

Full Deck30 Win an Online game with every team.(Ranked Match)

I would keep a pen and paper handy as you work on this and write down what teams you've won with. Every time you go to a new game, make sure you're using a new team. Obviously best to boost for this by quitting out of matches as that counts as a win for that team. You can only check progression this while inside an online match (pause and choose"achievements"), but once that hits 100% you will need to play out a full match (win or lose) for it to unlock.

The Clap10 Play someone with the Clap in online play and you get the Clap.

This is a viral online achievement so your best bet will be to play a normal ranked match (as these people play the game often and should have it) or look for a friend in the Achievement Trading Thread. You need to play out a full game.

Lockdown10 Shut out an opponent in an online game.

Self-explanatory. If you're boosting for the win streaks  this will come along the way. If you're going for it legit, good luck. Most people online are very good.

Contender10 Win a game online. Again,self-explanatory and will come if boosting but can obviously be done legit aswell.Real Deal15 Win three games in a row online with a Campaign Mode custom team. (Ranked Match)

You will first have to have a campaign started up to the point where you sign with your Hometown team, then find matches where custom teams are enabled. Select your custom team and win three in a row. Much easier if boosted by having a friend quit out twice, then play and win the 3rd for the achievement.

Stiffarmed10 Injure 2 defenders in a single game in Campaign Mode.

First thing you want to do is get some icons to fill all your slots and get your Unleash bar. The quickest way to do this is just punt the ball away and use dirty hits and beat downs while on defense. Now when you're on offense, take Franchise and enter Unleash mode, then hit up on the right stick when you get close to a defender. He should leap over them, knock them over, or something to that effect. It doesn't always injure them, but there's a good chance for them to get a concussion or injure their foot,sometimes even some worse injuries. You'll get this when going for the secret achievements.

Dr. Feelgood15 Successfully perform 10 Great Triages(over 90%) in Campaign Mode.

Triages only appear if your players are injured with"minor" things like stingers, concussions, bruises, small bone breaks and dislocations. You will either have to do the injection mini-game or a bonesetting mini-game. In the injection one, your hand and the player will both be shaking, making it difficult to get a bead on the target. You must be quick and use the left stick to move the needle into place and hit A to stab it in. Don't second guess yourself or the target will move and you'll miss badly, just move and stick. In the bone setting one, first use the left and right sticks tomatch with the outer edge of the ring, then two arrows will appear, one for each thumbstick. Try to match the direction of the arrow perfectly with the movements of your sticks. I found this one much easier than the injection one.

If you have to, start a new campaign and use run plays, but just stand in the backfield and let them crush you to take injuries. Once you get one or two over 90% in a game, play for real and try to win so you can continue the campaign. You could get it before D3 is over if you really try for it.

Sandman15 Complete 3+ sacks with Quentin Sands in a single Campaign Mode game.

See "Bulldozer" for tips on sacks, but instead of moving Sands to the line and using Franchise, move Franchise to the line and use Sands.

Parole Violation15 Injure an opponent with Karl Tirpitz in Campaign Mode.

Tirpitz will be available once you make it to D1. He is a lineman (DE) so you can either try to blitz and take out their QB or take control of him and move him back then use the method of allowing them to pass and making a big hit on the receiver. By the time you get to D1 you'll have a good feel of how to hurt someone.

Playah15 Hook up with 3 different girls in Campaign Mode.

To hook up with a girl, you will need to complete a certain challenge during a game to impress them. They will call or meet with you and let you know what they want before you start the game. Once you meet that goal you will hook up with them. If you're going to fail the challenge, quit the game and start over.

Faithful15 Be faithful to 1 girl throughout Campaign Mode.

See "Playah" for tips on getting a girl. Now,instead of meeting the goals after your first girl, purposely fail them so you don't hook up with anyone new. These two achievements will require different campaigns.

SecretAchievements

Secret Achievement20 Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.

This achievement is for inflicting all 31 injuries present in the game. See this thread for the list. When the hittargeting system comes up, you will have 2-4 targets to choose from. The hardest ones to get seem to be the hands and feet as you need to be doing a diving tackle from a little further away than normal for them to activate.Games of Bone Crushers in the Bonus Modes section have by far the most injuries. Increase the quarter length to five minutes as this will leave more time to destroy the other team's stamina, leaving them more susceptible to injury. I don't think you can get the broken neck without a 3-man tackle usinga full Unleash meter.

Many injuries also show up much more often when using an offensive Unleash move (some of the foot/ankle injuries for instance), so try causing injuries from both sides of the ball.

Also, Prison Ball is a good mode for injuries too, but since there are no medical teams, you won't see the name of the injury. If you see anew animation you might not know what it was to mark off on your list.

Bestikill20 Ruptured 10 scrotums in any mode of play.

To get this injury you will need to get a very strong hit from directly in front of the ball-carrier (where you and he are running directly at each other), then aim low when the targeting system comes up.

Pitbull Payback 10 Knocked Mike Mexico out of the game during Prison Ball (Campaign Mode or Bonus Mode).

Mexico is the QB for the Supermax Prison team that you face in Prison Ball after D3 in campaign mode. Use the same strategies you've learned for sacks/injuries to put a big hit on him and knock him out of the game. This can be done in a Bonus Mode game of Prison Ball as well, and upping the quarter length for that will help run down his stamina.

Battagliation15 Knocked Bruno Battaglia out of the game during the League Championship.

Check the achievement "Stiffarm" for tips if you want to hurt him while you're on offense. You need to knock him out permanently so you may need to get him twice as the first one will probably only get him out a few plays.

Proposition 10 Proposed to a cheerleader in any mode of play

First you will need to unlock the Proposal touchdown celebration. To do this, make sure you do not get sacked by Carson on the New York Nightmare when you play his team in D1. Then in any of your following games, press BXBA after a touchdown to unlock this. The celebration must be done using Franchise.

Make it Rain10 Knocked New England Captain Packrat James out of the game in any mode.

Check the achievement "Stiff arm" for tips if you want to hurt him while you're on offense. You need to knock him out permanently so you may need to get him twice as the first one will probably only get him out a few plays.