Political Correctness sucks. It takes away all of the best jokes, makes people ultra sensitive and now it's messing with games. Apparently the NFL wasn't happy with the way the NFL Blitz games were portraying football and asked Midway to produce a kinder, gentler game of football. Don't worry folks, the damage isn't all that bad.

When it comes to looks, NFL Blitz Pro has style to spare. The look of the steroid-pumped players and environments are great and the tackles look just as painful as ever. The animation could use a little work however, since they feel a little jerky at times. The ball could also use some work since it flies through the air with all the grace of a brick. Nice special effects, like mini-explosions during tackles round out a nice looking package.

The play-by-play commentary is fun and off color - just the way I like it. This isn't the watered down, straight man to straight man commentary of Madden. If the play is bad, you'll hear about it. But, even the funniest of comments can get old. The music is excellent and fits the hard-hitting gameplay.

NFL Blitz Pro is football with an attitude. Just think the XFL without the suck factor. Unlike previous editions of the game, where rules were just suggestions, the newest version of Blitz takes the game in the direction of traditional football games, but manages to keep the trademark Blitz style. Games are now 11-on-11 and feature all of the real rules of football (meaning no more 20 yard first downs or late hits). The running game has been improved, and sidelines and rosters have been added. The game also sports a brand new Franchise mode as well as unlockable fantasy stadiums and players.

Franchise mode allows 32 players to manage 10 seasons. You can draft new players, as well as manage their contracts - such as imposing retirement, trading players or signing free agents. The game also features Quick Play, Season, Exhibition and Online modes. As always, Multiplayer is where the real fun is.

NFL Blitz Pro is a tricky little game. The arcade-style gameplay may lure you into thinking the game is simple, but there's still some challenge in the game. The A.I. is good, perhaps a little too good at times. If you get behind, there's a good chance you won't be able to make a dramatic comeback.

NFL Blitz Pro won't appeal to every fan's sense of gameplay. No matter how many rules they change, this isn't Madden. This is a fast-paced, action packed game. Ankle and waist tackles are replaced with body slams and pile-drivers. There's no such thing as roughing the passer.

Play calling is easy and features a nice variety of plays - including a special play book for when you want things to get interesting. Learning to play the game is easy. The complicated button presses and formations of other football games are simplified and easy to pick up.

In the end, NFL Blitz Pro isn't in the same league as Madden or ESPN 2k. But it's not trying to be. Fans who want a little more glitz than your standard football title will enjoy Blitz. Those looking for more sim should stay away.