Football junkies, be prepared because the world of gridiron games just got a lot richer.

Outlook Entertainment and Midway have released NFL Blitz 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, and this is much more than a mere hand-held console game …Ok, it is still a hand-held console game, but the action is fast and furious, and the options package is incredible. It will even allow you to test your knowledge of NFL trivia – some of the questions are easy, some are tough.

There are quite a number of ways to play – you can snap off an exhibition game, or take the challenge of playing a season. There are mini games, complete with their own set of rules, and playbooks for every team, and before you actually hit the field, you can practice field goal kicking or a fourth and goal situation. And, as mentioned, there is the trivia game.

Controls for this game are more complex than the average GBA game. For example, the A button has a variety of functions, depending on the game situation. If you are on offense and behind the line of scrimmage, the button is used to snap the football or pass it. If you are beyond the line of scrimmage, the ball carrier will dive with the football. On defense, the button is used to make a diving tackle.

The L button is used beyond the line of scrimmage for turbo (a super speed burst), and the R button is used to hurdle would-be tacklers. Some button combinations work very well, such as the L and B buttons used together will enable the ball carrier to execute a nice stiff arm.

Of course, remember that this is an arcade-style game, which means that if your team is doing well, they might catch “on fire.” If that should happen, your players are suddenly imbued with unlimited turbo and super-human strength as well. It becomes a nightmare for the other team.

The actual game play is not much different than one would expect from any other football simulation. You pick a team, an opponent (each team is rated), and the type of game, difficulty and quarter length. Then the coin toss, and the kickoff follow. On offense or defense you select a play from the playbook, then run it.

The sound is quite good, with a nice variety of bone-crushing tackle effects, and the ominous sound of the announcer barking out if the field goal or point after is good or no good.

If the game has one weakness, it would have to be in the graphical department. While the graphics work nicely, the in-game elements are not what one would expect from a GBA title. The helmets on the selection screen, and the cheerleader photos are crisp and well-rendered. The actual game graphics look like an old PC arcade game. Does this detract from the product delivered in this gaming system? Not really.

NFL Blitz 2002 may not utilize the full rendering capabilities of the Game Boy Advance in its game setting, but the program still is well-rounded, fast-paced and a lot of fun.

It is rated for Everyone.

Install: N/A

Gameplay: 8.
From the moment you get into a scrimmage, you are battling the game clock, your reflexes and a hungry opponent.

Graphics: 7.
There are some failings, but overall the graphical elements are pretty good.

Sound: 8
This game features a variety of sound effects, which is much nicer than the typical musical overtures, which run on to the point of tedium.

Difficulty: 8
The game features three settings, enabling players of any ability to find their level of competition.

Concept: 7.5
This is a well-designed game. Though it hardly offers anything a lot different from other football games, it presents a nice high-bar for this console market.

Multiplayer: N/A

Overall: 8.
Touchdown! Outlook and Midway have set up in the pocket, and tossed fast-paced football action. NFL Blitz 2002 brings the joy of the game to the Game Boy Advance. Its set of options, and game play work well in this format. This is a very good game.