The only experience I’ve ever had with Blood Bowl is reading the novels put out by Black Library (the publishing arm of Games Workshop). However, I’ve heard it’s a pretty entertaining tabletop game. The game is a parody of American Football; populated with the likes of orcs, elves, and dwarfs instead of beefy men on steroids. Like the real game tactics are key, but unlike reality you can use excessive violence to win the game (no, that doesn’t mean you can punch the player across the table). Overall it sounds like it would be right at home as a video game, and developer Cyanide agrees.

The game seems to be trying to please both crowds by offering a tactical turn-based mode (a bit like the board game) and a more fast-paced action orientated mode. The latter looks a lot like an RTS, as in moving your players by clicking around the field. So if you were expecting a Madden style game then you may be disappointed. However, does it really matter when you can pound another player into a bloody mess? Depending on your lust for violence I’ll let you decide, but I’m all for digitised extreme violence!

As shown in the trailer you will also be able to customise and manage your team, leading them through both singleplayer and online seasons.

If you’re after a more vanilla American Football video game then there’s always the Madden series. I’ll pass though, as I’d rather be swinging a dwarf around a field by his beard.

Blood Bowl will be out for Nintendo DS, PC, PSP, and Xbox 360 in the second quarter of this year.