Blood Bowl III

 PC
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 25
  3. Negative: 6 out of 25
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 23, 2024
    100
    The main problem at the moment is that it lags behind its eight-year-old predecessor in every way except graphics. [Issue#326]
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  2. GamingTrend
    May 1, 2023
    85
    The game is rather complex, with plenty of ins and outs to uncover and learn. It is undoubtedly challenging for newbies and can be overwhelming at first. However, you will eventually figure it out if you give the game a chance and don't get discouraged immediately. Once you get the gist of it, matches are engaging and gratifying, and you will be compelled to play over and over again.Blood Bowl 3 is not yet another turn-based RPG or rogue-like deck-building game. It is a rare mix of turn-based fantasy strategy and sports that requires relentless dedication. However, its significant emphasis on turn-based strategy, its fantasy theme, its Warhammer setting, and its extensive use of gore and violence may intrigue gamers who may not enjoy sports games at first but love tabletop-inspired games. Whatever the case, Blood Bowl 3 is worth trying; you may discover a rich, thrilling game that stands out with its bloodlust.
  3. Softpedia
    Feb 23, 2023
    85
    Blood Bowl 3 is a great video game adaptation of a popular board game, using an updated set of rules and great presentation. The 12 featured teams offer variety and plenty of surprises on the field. The mix of careful planning and chaotic execution means each match is filled with surprises and reversals. But the tech side of the game is in rough shape and might take some time to fix. Fans of the franchise who cannot wait to play with the new Games Workshop rules and are willing to tolerate some issues will find great fun in Blood Bowl 3. Newcomers and those still having fun with previous installments are better served by waiting for patches.
  5. But Why Tho?
    Feb 20, 2023
    80
    Blood Bowl 3 is undoubtedly the best new way to experience Blood Bowl. It is filled with character, brimming with options, and has plenty of depth for players to explore and toy around with. However, it is unfortunate that it doesn’t give new players the proper tools to break through its outer crust. For those that are hungry for more brutal sports action, however, you’d be hard pressed to find anything better.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
1.5

Overwhelming dislike- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 34
  3. Negative: 31 out of 34
  1. Killinsworth
    Feb 24, 2023
    0
    Now, I know it does sound dramatic to give a game a 0, as it does sound like a review out of anger, but please, do try and understand theNow, I know it does sound dramatic to give a game a 0, as it does sound like a review out of anger, but please, do try and understand the logic: This game, in the version that it is on release, has no reason to exist, as, unless you REALLY want the updates on the rules, bloodbowl 2 is an superior game, for cheaper.

    To say that the launch was incomplete is being kind. The game is nowhere close to finished, as gamebreaking bugs, constant crashes and server issues have made it impossible to play it, especially when early access was sold as a bonus. I do not joke that I could not complete 70% of the matches I attempted to play, either because the server just decided to break, the DRM decided that I was not online, or a perpetual loop started because a player used a skill that is currently bugged, ensuring that I would have to alt-f4 out of the game or just watch some repeating animation.

    The micro-transactions are.... obscene. On a game where the target audience are at least aware of the tabletop, everything that involves customization is paid for in real life money. Such includes things that WERE already included in bloodbowl 2, and now, you will have to buy them INDIVIDUALLY for each player. (Not a joke, each gear, paid with real money, is for one player only).

    I am still torn on the new aesthetics of the game, and with such a negative review, I will not comment on such because it is a matter of taste. If you do like a more gritty filter, it should please you. I prefer the bloodbowl colors flying high, but again, that part is taste.

    All in all, I do not reccomend this product, as it is unfinished, monetized offensively agressive and is a downgrade from its predescessor in almost all areas. I sincerely do know that this was not by accident, as there is no excuse for what they did. To both new and old players alike, this is worse then the worst fumble you had....    … Full Review »
  2. BloatedGuppy
    Feb 24, 2023
    2
    Well this is painful to write. Blood Bowl is a niche and often underappreciated franchise. The last thing it needed was an insulting disasterWell this is painful to write. Blood Bowl is a niche and often underappreciated franchise. The last thing it needed was an insulting disaster to smear the digital IP.

    THE GOOD:

    The fundamentals/ruleset of Blood Bowl are still good raucous, fun. And it can be an engaging multiplayer exercise. When it works.

    THE BAD

    Jesus wept, where to start. With the crashes? The always online requirement leading to unbearable server load, frequent disconnects, lost data and intolerable input lag? The vast ocean of missing features...and here I don't just speak of teams cut for additional content, but BASIC features that are roadmapped for 6-9 months out? The obtuse, confusing UI that was designed by either someone who had never seen a UI before or someone who'd seen many and come to hate them? The muddy graphical sidegrade?

    I suppose even with all of that, you could just call it a classic bungled launch, stick a pin in it, and circle around in a year when the game was on a deep discount. Assuming you weren't motivated to punish the publisher for failing to accurately market the game as early access.

    But the microtransactions. Oh my dear god, the microtransactions. This game makes Diablo Immortal look generous. Do you want some boots for your Pestigor? Buy them, one boot at a time, with the in game currency. But only for THAT Pestigor. Those are HIS boots. Want boots for the whole team? Get your wallet out. It might be the single most egregious, predatory, greedy implementation of paid cosmetics in the history of gaming. I say "might" because gaming has set the bar pretty low and there are a lot of mobile games I've never been exposed to.

    The game might be feature complete and widely playable in 2-3 years. If the microtransactions are left as is, it will still be an outrage.

    Avoid this gong show. I'd direct you to the second game, which is broadly identical but 1) actually works and 2) doesn't pick your pocket, but that would still be funneling money to a company that very evidently does not deserve it.

    Blood Bowl as a franchise deserves a robust 7-8/10. The 2 is for the negative 6 I would give the rest of this clown rodeo.    … Full Review »
  3. Razerfree
    Feb 28, 2023
    2
    Blood Bowl 3 is one of those games where you can't press refund fast enough if you've got the option to do so. Way worse than Blood Bowl 2 inBlood Bowl 3 is one of those games where you can't press refund fast enough if you've got the option to do so. Way worse than Blood Bowl 2 in almost every way possible. The things that are better (ruleset and graphics) are completely overshadowed by the bad things.… Full Review »
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