Bloodbowl for the PC: A Great Conversion

Introduction

Review Written By Jim@thezombiechimp.com

When I was younger I remember playing the 'Games Workshop' Blood-bowl board game, and I loved it. The simple approach and bloodthirsty game-play, plus the fact that a game could be played within around an hour made it a firm favourite. So, now around ten years later, I was pleased and a little curious to discover that a PC game of Blood-bowl was in the shops. I took the gamble and shelled out the relatively small amount of cash, and installed it. I was not disappointed, the game-play is exactly the same as I remember the board game as well as having the added bonus of including a real-time version of the game, which is a nice if not more tense approach to the game-play.

Gameplay

In the original Blood-bowl computer game, you were able to play as one of seven teams (Orcs, Humans, Chaos, Skaven, Dwarf, Wood Elf, Goblin, Lizard-men), with Dark Elves being made available later via download. A year later a new version was released called 'Blood-bowl: Legendary Edition' which included some game-play updates as well as a whole host of new teams to play with (Undead, Necromantic, Vampire, High Elf, Ogre, Halfling, Nurgle, Norse, Amazon, Khemri, and Elves.) and stadiums to play in.

Each of these teams have their pro's and con's, for example the Wood Elf team is fast and nimble with excellent passing skills, but they are weak and not well armoured, while Chaos are, in the most part, large armoured chunks of brutal killing machine, who can't really throw or catch. These team differences bring each team a unique style of play. Once you've chosen a team, you can then either take this team through a campaign, in which you gain experience and develop your players with new skills (and in many cases new injuries) or simply choose a team and play the computer in one off matches.

Graphics

Graphically, Blood-bowl isn't superb, although the graphics are by no means lacking, they are just not as highly polished as some of the more high end games. However, the sprites are detailed enough, and each with their own animations. Some of the different animations for the touchdown celebration are amusing and fit in well with the races. The pitches are littered (literally) with lots of detail such as left over skulls, rats, broken helmet's etc, which add further depth to the playing field.

Sound

Again the sounds are not going to knock your head off with their intense realism, but they have been creatively designed and they do fit in well with the theme of the game. One thing of note is the commentary. Through the game you'll hear two commentators providing punditry for the game, with quirky stories and anecdotes. Of course, there are only a limited number of anecdotes and if you play it long enough, they'll start to repeat them, but they fall into the background well so never become annoying.

Multi-player

One of the best features of Blood-bowl is the multi-player option. Once you have entered the code you got free with the game, you gain access to the multi-player servers. On these servers you can set up your own leagues, inviting who you want, setting up your own rules, rewards etc. Or you can request a match from anyone currently online, or ask the computer to set you up with an opponent of approximate skill. It's also worth noting that any differences in team value are equalised by the addition of additional money. Meaning that the lower valued team has more money for that match, to purchase star players, dirty tricks, spells etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a fan of the original board game then this is certainly worth the money. I found myself constantly going for that one 'last' game, and getting to bed way later than I should have. With the additional polishing in Legendary Edition for around the same price, and the addition of 11 extra teams, My advice is to hunt out Legendary Edition and get that instead, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Definitely worth it!

You can read more of Jim's games reviews By Clicking Here or alternatively why not check out Jim's Top Ten MMORPGs By Clicking Here