Mutant Football League 2 is a masterclass in arcade style carnage. While it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, it polishes the bloody spokes of the original, offering a deep, hilarious, and unapologetically violent alternative to simulation sports titles.
The story of MFL 2 remains rooted in a post-apocalyptic Earth where humans have been replaced by mutants, aliens, and undead monsters who settle their disputes in the most brutal way possible: American Football. The game leans heavily into its raunchy, irreverent world building; featuring hilarious parodies of real NFL teams like the Karkass City Creeps and the Diami Krakens. The new Dynasty Supreme mode adds a layer of narrative weight to your carnage, forcing you to manage your team’s survival across multiple seasons while navigating a corporate yet dystopian landscape where product placement is rife and “character building” abuse from referees is the norm.
Gameplay has been expanded to an 8-on-8 format, which increases the density of the chaos on the field. The controls are responsive and intentionally simple, making it easy to pick up, though the inclusion of Dirty Tricks really adds a layer of gambling of sorts. Things like bribing refs or arming your players with chainsaws are just some of the outlandishly violent things you can bring to the table.
The addition of “permadeath” means you can actually kill off the opponent’s star quarterback, permanently removing them from the season. While the hit-boxes can occasionally feel a bit loose during passing plays, the sheer fun of dodging landmines and fire geysers while trying to score a touchdown overshadows any minor technical gripes.
On the Xbox Series X, the leap in visual fidelity is immediately apparent, as the game targets a rock-solid 4K at 60 FPS, ensuring that the high speed tackles and explosive “pink mist” effects are rendered with crisp detail. Character models have been completely rebuilt to look more “badass” and unique, moving away from the generic assets of the first game. The arenas are more dynamic than ever, featuring impressive lighting and particle effects during mid game acid rain or thunderstorms.
The addition of large crowds in the stands is a really nice touch and looks spectacular on the platform. I have played the first game on the original Nintendo Switch and really like that, but going from that to this really helps to show how far the series has come. While the load times are much improved from the first game to this release, they aren’t as fast as I was hoping for. Though thankfully you aren’t sitting at a load screen for more than about fifteen to thirty seconds.
The audio design is a high point, anchored by the legendary Tim Kitzrow (the voice of NBA Jam and NFL Blitz) and his commentary is unfiltered and raw, just like the game itself! He is often heard breaking the fourth wall to complain about player names or crack jokes about the game’s own mechanics. This adds a comedic tone to the game and he’s always a delight to hear in any game he’s a part of. The bone crunching sound effects of tackles and the roar of the bloodthirsty crowd perfectly encapsulate the game’s “heavy metal” atmosphere. While the commentary can get repetitive, it’s ok because it’s Tim Kitzrow! As for the music, it’s alright and serviceable for a sports title; but isn’t anything memorable or that will really stick with you after you are done playing.
Mutant Football League 2 is a resounding success for anyone who misses the glory days of NFL Blitz, or similar arcade style football games. It balances its “silly and quirky” spirit with genuine tactical depth in its Dynasty mode, providing a refreshing break from the often sterile nature of modern sports simulators. It’s loud, brash, and potentially friendship ending in local or even online multiplayer. While the AI can occasionally be frustratingly “rubber bandy,” the overall package is a visceral, laugh-out-loud experience that feels right at home on next-gen hardware!
I would definitely recommend this title to anyone that enjoyed the original game Mutant League Football on the Genesis, of which this game is loosely based. Even if you have never played one of the games in the series, if you’re looking for an over the top sports game, this game has you covered!
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
In addition to writing articles, Ryan Byers also creates content for his YouTube channel called "Obscure Games and Consoles", collects video games, and dabbles in video game development.