Blood Bowl
- October 11, 2012
- Cyanide Studio
- 100h median play time
Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition is a strategy sports game inspired by the Warhammer Fantasy world, where players can choose from 23 races, including Chaos Dwarfs, Underworld teams, and Daemons of Khorne. The game allows for tactical gameplay, with the option to use dirty moves like bribing the ref or using illegal weapons. The Chaos Edition also includes a new Lizardmen Stadium and a World Cup mode for even more challenges.
Reviews
- Faithful adaptation of the tabletop game with a variety of teams and strategies.
- Engaging gameplay that combines strategy with chance, providing a unique experience.
- Fun and humorous commentary that adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Frustrating RNG mechanics can lead to unfair outcomes and player deaths.
- The AI can be inconsistent, making single-player less enjoyable compared to multiplayer.
- Bugs and glitches persist, affecting gameplay and user experience.
- graphics54 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of Blood Bowl are generally considered outdated compared to newer titles like Blood Bowl 2, with some users noting issues such as resolution problems and flickering. However, many players appreciate the game's charming aesthetic and attention to detail, finding the visuals adequate for enjoyment despite their age. Overall, while the graphics may not impress, they do not detract significantly from the fun and strategic depth of the gameplay.
“The game offers some nice graphics and a beautiful aesthetic which is pleasant all the same and has some amazing attention to detail even though it is a little rough around the edges.”
“There is a surprisingly deep strategy in this game, and the charming graphics do not detract from the spectacle (I actually like the cartoony graphics of this game much more than Blood Bowl 2's 'realistic' graphics).”
“Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition's graphics are perfectly suitable for what it is trying to achieve and generally looks visually pleasing and adds a fair amount of detail into the surroundings and units; for a game made in 2009, you definitely can't complain.”
“Blood Bowl 2 focuses on graphics ahead of playability.”
“It has resolution problems and after adjusting them, the graphics look ugly and there are still strange flickering near the models of the players.”
“Poor graphics and bad optimization.”
- gameplay54 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Blood Bowl is a mix of strategic turn-based mechanics and dice-based randomness, which can lead to both engaging and frustrating experiences. While many players appreciate the tactical depth and humor, issues such as poor AI, bugs, and a steep learning curve detract from the overall enjoyment. The game is best suited for those who enjoy a blend of sports and board game elements, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its repetitive nature and reliance on chance.
“The gameplay is easy to get, easy to have fun, hard to master.”
“Blood Bowl is an excellent turn-based strategy game that can provide many hours of fun and exciting gameplay.”
“It looks nice, the gameplay is really fun and addictive, and the career mode is amazing; you'll really get attached to your team and players.”
“Although I like the concept and the humor in the game, the number of bugs related to gameplay, sound and music, or even cut commentaries is staggering and takes a lot from enjoyment.”
“The premise is great, the announcers are the life of the game, but the mechanics, the awkward AI, and the lack of reward for your troubles absolutely destroy the fun for me.”
“There isn't a tremendous amount of strategy, the RNG is terrible, the graphics poor, and the gameplay repetitive and boring.”
- humor35 mentions
- 97 % positive mentions
- -6 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many players finding the commentary and in-game antics to be hilarious and entertaining. The blend of creative settings, funny character interactions, and the absurdity of gameplay mechanics, particularly the randomness of outcomes, contributes to a lighthearted atmosphere that encourages players to embrace the chaos. While some find the humor repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that the game offers a fun and comedic experience, especially when played with friends.
“The setting is creative and funny, and the game itself is stimulating.”
“Great atmosphere, hilarious commentary, good ol' blood bowl.”
“If you enter it with the expectation that it will be funny and a catastrophe, then you'll probably have a good time.”
“The game is good, but the humor falls flat in the video game version. I won't be buying the new Blood Bowl and have uninstalled this one because I can't play solo.”
“I expected more laughs, but the jokes just didn't land for me. It feels like the humor was an afterthought.”
“While the gameplay has its moments, the humor is lacking and doesn't add to the experience as I hoped it would.”
- story17 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story aspect of Blood Bowl 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment in the promised story mode, which is often seen as more of a challenge mode rather than a narrative-driven experience. While some enjoy the campaign mode and the underdog themes it presents, others find the story mode frustratingly difficult and lacking in clear instructions. Overall, players appreciate the variety of gameplay options but feel that the story mode does not live up to expectations.
“Campaign mode is the best underdog story you'll ever see (with your team as the underdog) and story mode will test you to the point you rage quit over and over and over.”
“This Chaos Edition is the one to get as it has all the races, a story mode (a great way to have a go with all sorts of different races for one game), as well as all the cup/championship modes and more.”
“Story mode is very different as you're a free-agent coach who coaches teams that need your expertise.”
“Worst of all is that it promises a story mode, but that story mode is more of a challenge mode... one with absurdly difficult challenges to boot, as you basically need every single roll to go your way on offense and, at times, for the AI to immediately score so you can get the ball back because your team is a bit weak at forcing fumbles.”
“One might accept that story mode is in fact the true tutorial, since the first mission is simply to finish a game, regardless of win or loss, as though testing a player's patience for the slow, laborious plodding of the computer.”
“Cant even get past the second match as goblins in the story mode, been stuck here for 2 hours... gee what a great game.”
- stability16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting frequent crashes, numerous bugs, and significant gameplay glitches that hinder the overall experience. Many players express frustration over the lack of updates or fixes, suggesting that the game feels unfinished and unstable. While some appreciate the core gameplay, they caution potential players about the persistent technical issues that detract from enjoyment.
“Selling such a buggy game and never bothering to fix anything should be considered a scam.”
“This game is a buggy mess that doesn't even let you place all of your players on the field at the start of the match, constantly crashes, and sometimes the AI opponent will just sit there and let its turn clock run out instead of playing the game.”
“This is a buggy and unstable game I can only recommend to fans of the board game looking to scratch that itch.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as decent, but it suffers from repetitiveness and a lack of variety, leading some players to turn it off in favor of their own background music. While the commentary is humorous, it quickly becomes stale due to limited lines, and technical issues such as sound bugs and freezing detract significantly from the overall experience. Overall, the music and sound design have potential but are hindered by these shortcomings.
“Commentary is hilarious, music is decent and sound effects.”
“Music is good.”
“Game music is likewise utilized and during the matches there is a duo-presentation by two dudes who sadly will have run out of new things to say after you've played a few matches.”
“Although I like the concept and the humor in the game, the number of bugs related to gameplay, sound, and music, or even cut commentaries, is staggering and takes a lot from enjoyment.”
“I've had the game freeze on me like 7 times in 3 days, and just today the music stopped working. I'm really disappointed because I've been waiting to play this for years. It just won't load; steer clear of this one, I'm afraid.”
“It just needs a bit longer than usual to get into because of diverse rules, and the sound might get a little repetitive at times as the commentators might tell the same jokes a couple of times, and there's no ambient music during matches in case that's something you'd like.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse team selection, multiple sets of rules, and various gameplay modes, including single matches and campaigns. Players appreciate the strategic depth and unique tactics each team offers, contributing to a fresh experience with every playthrough. Overall, it is regarded as one of the most replayable games available.
“From the rules, model, and league play options, this game has a high replay value, since each time has tactics that other teams lack.”
“The different team variety is excellent and gives this game a ton of replayability.”
“There is depth, replayability, two sets of rules, and many different kinds of games you can play, from a single match to a campaign, and so on.”
“There is depth, replayability, 2 sets of rules, many different kinds of game you can play from a single match to a campaign, and so on.”
“This game has one of the highest replay values I have ever seen in a game.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its cheesy charm, engaging sound design, and vibrant graphics, which collectively enhance the fantasy football experience. Players appreciate the wacky commentary and the variety of venues that contribute to a lively and enjoyable environment, making it a fun and immersive experience for both online and AI matches. Overall, the atmosphere is a significant highlight, drawing players into the whimsical world of Blood Bowl.
“Great atmosphere, hilarious commentary, good ol' blood bowl.”
“I think that many gamers will get much enjoyment from its wacky atmosphere, the simple but enticing strategy game, and the progression of their team and players from game to game and season to season.”
“You can play online or against the AI, in lots of different venues that all create their own great atmosphere.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly when starting out, as they struggle to draft effective teams and navigate challenging matchups. The repetitive nature of battles, especially against certain factions, contributes to an overall sense of annoyance and slows down the gameplay experience.
“Very tedious and just overall not fun.”
“To sum it up, the playability of this game is tedious, slow, and annoying.”
“Be prepared for constant, tedious battles with Khemri...”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers a profound emotional experience, combining strategic depth with moments that can be both heart-wrenching and rewarding. Players often find themselves deeply invested in their teams, leading to intense feelings of loss and triumph, though the challenging gameplay can result in emotionally crushing outcomes.
“The emotional and strategic depth in this game is unlike anything I've experienced.”
“You would never think a game like this can make you so emotional.”
“I recommend it, but be warned this game is not easy to play, and can be emotionally crushing if you get invested in a team only to have your star players get killed by a blown dice roll.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for its outdated design, which leads to performance issues and unexpected injuries that can significantly affect gameplay. Reviewers note that the lack of updates to align with modern technology and design standards contributes to these ongoing problems.
“Death and performance-impacting injuries can and will happen at any time, and can easily result in a turning of the tides.”
“Keep in mind it's a long time ago that the game was made, and this is the exact same just digital, meaning the flaws of the old design are still here and nothing has been optimized for our current tech/design knowledge.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the character development in the game, noting that it is enjoyable and enhances skills as they progress and level up.
“The character development is incredibly engaging, allowing for meaningful growth and skill enhancement as you progress.”
“I love how the character development system rewards you with new skills and abilities as you level up.”
“The depth of character development keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, making each level-up feel rewarding.”