NFL Blitz 2001 - Nintendo 64

In Blitz, the key to stopping the pass is tackling receivers before they ever get into their routes. After a great play, celebration is over the top, with players doing cartwheels, pretending to ride horses, and shouting at the top of their lungs. But the victimized party doesn't have to sit back and just take it. They can pick up the celebrating player and throw him to the turf--and then jump on top of him.

Because this is the Nintendo 64, the graphics are clear and the movement is fast, which is crucial to the success of a game like this and the main reason why the Blitz series on the technically inferior PlayStation has never quite cut it. Of course, four can play at once, which is where Blitz really shines, and new to the game this year are some entertaining minigames. Adding to the cartoonish fun of this game, a player can literally catch on fire--like some mythological football demigod--after reeling in three balls in a row or making three consecutive sacks. It's funny and kind of scary to see several flaming linebackers accelerating toward the quarterback.

The one small catch to all this is that players who bought Blitz 2000 will notice very few differences besides updated rosters, leaving it a dubious purchase for those familiar with the franchise. Those new to it, however, are sure to discover reserves of testosterone that they never thought they had. --Robb Guido

Pros: Playing with three other players is infinitely fun Includes new minigames, such as a QB challenge Cons: It's the same gameplay as Blitz 2000 with only minor technical improvements