NFL Blitz — DaBomb Edition

Released Projects

Native Linux & Windows

2000 Edition

The classic arcade game, adapted for modern PCs. Play against the CPU or with up to four local players, create your own plays, and keep your profiles, remaps and progress with the game folder.

Latest version: v1.3.18 · October 11, 2026

Download for Linux v1.3.18 · .tar.gz · 562 MiB Download for Windows v1.3.18 · .zip · 562 MiB

Recent changes

The latest ten releases, newest first. Each update includes the improvements from earlier versions.

v1.3.18 Arcade versus artwork restored
- Restores the arcade background, city and team-name graphics, original scale and positions.
- Importer 1.1 is included on both platforms. If you previously imported opdx0, run it once more to obtain the missing versus artwork.
v1.3.17 Importer included on both platforms
- The opdx0 NFL Blitz 2027 downloader/importer is included in every Linux and Windows game download and auto update.
- Run the included Install-opdx0-2027 launcher beside the game. Native Windows conversion now handles source-file identity correctly.
v1.3.16 Content switch and community importer
- Turn installed content packs off in Options → Roster Updates and restart to return to the original game, keeping packages and saves.
- A separate Linux/Windows tool imports the supported opdx0 NFL Blitz 2027 patch from GitHub or a local ZIP/BPZ.
v1.3.15 Arcade controller mappings
- Loads SDL community mappings for additional controllers and arcade panels, including the Windows AtGames Legends Gamer Pro USB mapping.
- Add your own mappings in saves/gamecontrollerdb.txt; existing action remaps and device prompts remain available.
v1.3.14 Editor controls and screen alignment
- Set Audibles uses separate Page/Flip controls: Xbox X/Y, Nintendo Y/X and PlayStation Square/Triangle, with independent remapping.
- Postgame records and extra-point backgrounds are corrected; statistics and versus labels align with their plates.

Show 5 older releases (v1.3.13–v1.3.9)

v1.3.13 One press per editor action
- Opening an audible now waits for a new button press before assigning its play.
- Editor menus and the name grid move once per direction press, without repeating when held.
v1.3.12 Update version and keyboard fixes
- Startup and update checks show the installed version correctly, preventing the same update from being offered again after installation.
- The installation window no longer requests the on-screen keyboard.
v1.3.11 Kick hints and custom-play labels
- Original 3 PTS and PUNT hints flash green and white when the corresponding kick is offered.
- Unavailable slots and saved custom-play names keep their labels when highlighted.
v1.3.10 Team selection and Play Editor
- CPU Watch keeps both chosen teams; Controller Select separates focus from Ready, loading transitions close correctly, and menu prompts no longer overlap.
- Audibles use explicit side, slot and play selection. Save Plays keeps the editor open, and custom-play cards retain their names.
v1.3.9 Frame rate options
- Choose 60 through 240 FPS presets or Unlocked in Graphic Settings while keeping the original game speed.
- Simulation continues independently of rendering delays, and quick Jump and Pass presses are retained.

opdx0 NFL Blitz 2027

The NFL Blitz 2027 project by opdx0 brings updated teams, players, uniforms, logos and voice calls to the arcade game. Its downloader/importer is included by default in DaBomb 1.3.18 on Linux and Windows. The standalone tool ZIPs below also require game 1.3.18.

It imports 32 teams, the source team selection ratings, home and away uniforms, helmet and endzone textures, and supported selection graphics and audio. Each team has nine named starters and seven unnamed roster slots, as supplied by the source.

Importer for Linux Tool v1.1 · .zip · 3.1 MiB Importer for Windows Tool v1.1 · .zip · 3.4 MiB

Already imported with tool 1.0? Close the game and run the included importer once more to obtain the arcade versus city and team-name artwork. Your existing saves and controls are preserved.

Install or update DaBomb to 1.3.18 or newer, then close the game.
The importer is already included in the game folder. Its launcher sits beside DaBomb.sh or DaBomb.exe.
Run Install-opdx0-2027.sh on Linux or Install-opdx0-2027.exe on Windows, then choose Download and install. No CHD or separate Python installation is required.
Start DaBomb when the tool finishes. To return to 2000, select Options → Roster Updates → Content packs: Off and restart.

For offline use, download the supported repository ZIP, drag it onto the tool window and choose Import. You can also put one ZIP or blitz2027.bpz in tools/opdx0/inbox/. Keep the repository ZIP intact.

Supports opdx0 build 1006a, commit e5adf7a. The tool converts locally and preserves existing packs and saves. DaBomb retains its own arcade rules and individual player gameplay attributes; this is a content adaptation. Modified executable behavior, portraits, trivia, title branding and empty voice calls are not imported. The game download includes original 2000 content; the tool obtains 2027 content from the source repository.

Using Content Packs

The DaBomb base game always includes the original NFL Blitz 2000 content. A separate .dbpack changes its annual edition without replacing game files.

Use the latest game download above for current content packs. Run the included importer for opdx0's supported source patch.

Close the game. Open its folder, then saves → content → updates. Create these folders if needed.
Put exactly one annual .dbpack in that folder. Leave the archive intact.
Start DaBomb. The pack loads automatically and its edition appears in the main menu. No import or activation step is needed.
To change years, close the game and replace that file with the next edition's pack.
To return to NFL Blitz 2000, choose Options → Roster Updates → Content packs: Off, then restart. Set it to On and restart to resume the installed edition.

For example: DaBomb/saves/content/updates/annual-edition.dbpack. The filename may vary; the pack's contents identify its edition.

Controller profiles and settings remain shared. Each annual edition starts new progress; updating the same edition keeps its progress. Returning to 2000 preserves annual saves. Multiple files or invalid content are rejected as a whole and the original game loads.

Download the content-pack instructions

Custom Attract Videos

From version 1.3.3, replace any of the seven attract movies by placing an MP4 in the game's videos/ folder. Replace just one movie or several. No content pack or import step is needed.

Close the game and open the folder containing DaBomb.sh on Linux or DaBomb.exe on Windows.
Open videos. Copy your MP4 into this folder and rename it using the table below, for example Midway.mp4.
Start the game again and let attract mode run. Files are scanned at startup; adding or changing them requires a restart.
To restore an original movie, close the game, move its replacement out of videos, and restart. Remove all replacement MP4s to restore every original movie.

Use one MP4 for each movie you want to replace
Filename	Attract movie
`Main_Title.mp4`	Blitz main title
`Midway.mp4`	Midway logo
`NFL_Logo.mp4`	NFL logo
`Blitz.mp4`	Blitz feature movie
`Running.mp4`	Fire-running clip
`Cheerleaders.mp4`	Cheerleader clip
`Hut.mp4`	Hike / snap clip

Example: DaBomb/videos/Main_Title.mp4. Names are case insensitive; keep exactly one file for each name. Other filenames are ignored. The three short clips retain their original random selection, so a replacement may not appear in every cycle. Static pages, team displays, records and live gameplay demos are separate from these movie slots.

Export settings

Use an SDR H.264 MP4, up to 1920 × 1080 at 60 fps, between 1 and 180 seconds, with a maximum size of 256 MiB. Audio is optional; use AAC-LC mono or stereo. The game preserves aspect ratio and includes its decoder. A 4K display is supported, but native 4K and AV1 input files are not accepted.

Main title logo and voice

When the active annual pack supplies title branding, Main_Title.mp4 still receives its animated edition logo, custom narration and ending fades. The larger logo keeps the existing twelve-second sequence and final three-second fades; changing the video does not remove that animation. Other replacement movies play their own picture and soundtrack.

Videos are independent of rosters. Disabling or removing an annual pack restores original branding; your local MP4 replacements remain available. Version 1.3.3 no longer accepts videos inside DB packs. Older packs containing videos must be rebuilt without those files and video declarations; retain the old archive and put the MP4 in videos instead.

If your replacement does not appear

Check the filename, folder and export settings, remove duplicate names, and restart. Missing, ambiguous, unsupported or changed files fall back to the original movie. After a failed replacement, that slot uses the original until the next launch. Keep your custom videos when moving the complete game folder.

Download the video instructions

How to Help

All I need right now is bug reports. If something looks wrong, sounds wrong or does not work, please let me know.

Include your game version, operating system, controller model and connection, the steps to reproduce the problem, and what you expected to happen. Screenshots or a short video help. If it happens only sometimes, mention that too. Please remove personal information from any logs you attach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an official NFL Blitz release?

No. DaBomb is an independent fan project based on BLITZ 2000, arcade revision 1.5. It is not affiliated with the NFL, its teams, Midway or EA.

Is this the old Windows game running in an emulator?

No. The current game is a native port based on the arcade version. Linux runs without Wine or Proton. The Windows download has its own native executable.

How do in-game updates work?

Choose Download now, then Install now. After installation succeeds, press Restart now to open the game. From 1.3.6 onward the installer shows progress while the game is closed. Your first update from an older version still uses its older installer during replacement, then shows Restart now before entering the game. Install on exit finishes without reopening the game. Saves and your local videos are preserved.

How do I install it?

Extract the entire archive into a folder you can write to. On Linux, run DaBomb.sh; on Windows, run DaBomb.exe. Keep all the included files together. Linux may require you to allow the launcher to execute. Version 1.3.18 is a portable folder release, with no AppImage.

Where are my saves, controls and created plays?

In the saves/ folder beside the game. Close the game before moving it. From 1.3.1 onward, a main-menu notice shows when a new version is available. Confirm to view the changelog, then choose Download now or Cancel. No archive downloads without that choice. Use Options → Game Updates to install now or on exit into the same folder. Saves are preserved and the archive is deleted after success; there are no backups or rollback. To move from an earlier version, close it and extract the new archive into the same installation while preserving saves. Older AppImage data needs a separate manual migration.

Which controllers can I use?

Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch layouts are supported, along with keyboard input and optional action remapping. Button prompts follow your bindings and the last active device. You can also choose your controller family manually. Version 1.3.15 loads SDL community mappings, including the Windows AtGames Legends Gamer Pro USB mapping. Add a matching SDL2 entry in saves/gamecontrollerdb.txt when needed.

How do I join, and what are the basic controls?

Use the controller's physical Start button: Menu on Xbox, Options on PlayStation, or + on Nintendo. On keyboard, use Space. By default, the bottom face button is Jump/Confirm, the right face button is Pass/Switch/Back, LT is Turbo, held RT is Blitz Passing, and RT with left/right selects a pre-snap audible. Start pauses during a match. Nintendo's bottom button is B; Xbox's is A; PlayStation's is Cross. Prompts follow any remaps you make.

Can I play with friends or online?

The game supports up to four local players. Players join each launch, while profiles and remaps persist. There is no built-in online multiplayer.

Can I create my own plays?

Yes. Direct entry has no countdown. Save Plays keeps the editor open. In Set Audibles, choose a side, an audible slot and a play; Confirm assigns it, Back cancels, Editor page changes page and Editor flip flips offensive plays; the default buttons are Xbox X/Y, Nintendo Y/X and PlayStation Square/Triangle. Custom offensive plays appear on PAGE 5 during matches and stay with your portable saves.

Does a higher frame rate change the game speed?

No. The original game speed stays the same. In Options → Graphic Settings, choose 60, 75, 85, 90, 120, 144, 165, 240 FPS or Unlocked. Actual FPS depends on your PC and VSync setting. Video options also include windowed, fullscreen, borderless, MSAA and FXAA; choose either MSAA or FXAA.

How do I launch it through Steam on Linux?

Extract the Linux download into a folder you can write to, then add DaBomb.sh to Steam as a non-Steam game. Keep the complete game folder together. Saves stay beside the game.

Which arcade version is included?

BLITZ 2000, arcade revision 1.5, with its original content and rules, plus modern controls and graphics options.

Does the download include the 2027 roster?

No. The game download includes original 2000 content. Use the included opdx0 importer to download and convert the supported NFL Blitz 2027 source patch. Its team selection ratings are imported from that patch.

Are more modes or platforms planned?

The current focus is the BLITZ 2000 arcade game on Linux and Windows, with optional community content. Season mode, built-in online play, mobile and console releases are outside the current scope.

I found a bug. What should I do?

Read the release notes, then use the email button in How to Help. Include enough detail to reproduce it. Bug reports are the help this project needs right now.