Blood Bowl is a very interesting title in lots of ways and is also one, which a lot of people, has been looking forward too, since it was first announced that it was being made. Although a new title on the PC it is actually an adaption of an incredibly popular table top board game by Games Workshop. One that a lot of people have enjoyed and played for a lot of years (unfortunately that does not include myself) and one that many people in their thirties etc have fond, perhaps nostalgic memories of. Of course while this means lots of people will go out and purchase this game because of these memories, it also means that the game is open to disappointment because memories and reality are very rarely the same thing. For those of you that don’t know – Blood bowl is a fantasy American football game played by a whole host of creatures such as Elves, Dwarfs, Goblins and even Humans. However, unlike American Football, in one mode this is actually a turn based game, composed of two halves with 8 turns per coach in each half. In his turn the coach has the chance to perform a whole host of different actions with the various players at his disposal with the ultimate aim being to score more touchdowns than the opposition. As with the original board game this is a title that dosent really take itself too seriously (although the players themselves probably did) and infact in game cheating is not only allowed but openly encouraged and essential if you are going to stand any time of winning. The game can be played either by a single player or as a multiplayer option. The modes are further increased because you can either play in classic mode which is a copy of the original board game or in blitz mode which is new to the computerised version and allows the player to tweak the game in all manner of ways to suit his or her own individual needs and likes. Graphically the game is bright and colourful with detailed character models. However there appears to be animations missing to distinguish the various different moves that are available and the different consequences of the moves. One can only assume these will be included in the 360 version which I believe is coming out later in the year. Sound wise the music and the effects are fine but the commentary, although amusing at first, repeats itself too often and quickly to be really interesting. Overall this is an excellent game that I am sure will appeal to fans of the board game. However, the complexities of the moves and the rules involving the dice etc will probably make it difficult for none veterans to get into. The tutorials, that are supplied with the game also leave a lot to be desired and will not help a novice get the most from the title. As you would expect with a game of this nature, single player mode is fine but it is multiplayer mode where the real action can be found and enjoyed. A very faithful version of the original game and recommended to all fans of it. | 
Windows 
