Blood Bowl Review

Blood Bowl is a sports game (in a lose sense of the word) based around the Warhammer 40,000 Universe.

Basically, you choose a race, create a team, and battle it out in mini-leagues until you get to contest the "blood bowl". To most of the world, it is a bit like American Football. To American's it is probably nothing like it The races all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The Orc's tend to be stronger and play a "bashing" type game, whereas teams like the Elves are great passers of the ball (by throwing). And there are lots of teams in between.

So how is the PSP version?

[SIZE="5"]Sound[/SIZE]
Well, the sound is nothing special. Some rather forgetful elevator type music, and the grunts and groans of battle. Still, it does the job.

[SIZE="5"]Graphics[/SIZE]
The graphics are a let down. The game was also released on the DS, and it seems like they didn't put too much extra effort into the PSP version. The opening sequence is great, but the rest range from poor to forgettable. The PC has the ability to customise the players, there is none of that. In fact, one team will always play in red, and one team will always play in blue. You can at least control the camera (rotate, zoom) which is nice.

Given that the rules behind the game can't really change (it is based on the official Blood Bowl rules), they could have at least put some effort into presentation.

[SIZE="5"]Multiplayer[/SIZE]
Ad hoc only, which is no real surprise. I haven't had a chance to try this out, so can't comment too much.

[SIZE="5"]Gameplay[/SIZE]
Despite the poor graphics, basic sound, and lack of features, it is actually quite a lot of fun to play. I normally play the Orc's, and it is great fun to literally beat the opposition off the park :p Gang fouls are all part of the rules (although you may get a player sent off unless you bribe the ref), and gaining numerical superiority is a huge advantage if you can do it. It is also nice to ensure that they oppositions skilled player, who just ran past three of your players to score, isn't going to get another chance The game is turn based, and forms two halves of eight "turnovers" (you lose the ball, score a touchdown, get a player sent off, fail a pickup of a lose ball etc, all counts as a turnover).

Your players will also get awarded SPP points during a match (rewards for actions such as successfully making a throw, injuring the opposition, scoring a touchdown etc), and these can be used to gain additional skills for your players. The list of skills is thorough.

The implementation of the rules is certainly well done.


[SIZE="5"]Overall[/SIZE]
If you are fan of Blood Bowl, this is a game for you. If you are unfamiliar with it, it might be worth a punt but only at a discount. RRP is £29, and it is £23 on PSN, which is a little steep in my opinion. £12-£15 is a reasonable price. Ultimately, there are a lot less features in this version than in the PC version, but the PC version can now be found for £10. Admittedly, it isn't as portable!

At a guess, I think those familiar with American Football might find it less appealing since it is shares some similarity, but it certainly isn't the same.