Backbreaker Preview - Natural Motion based football title

[ScoopBrady]

I definitely came away more impressed than I thought I would but I find it very hard to justify the $50 price tag. I'm thinking this game will be $20 by the end of the summer and I have Red Dead Redemption, Alan Wake, UFC Undisputed 2010, ModNation Racers, and Alpha Protocol to keep me plenty busy until that price drop. I will definitely get it when the price drops but until then the demo is more than enough for me.

The camera will definitely take some getting used to. They should at least have other options and there's no way in hell they should get a free pass on this when EA didn't with Madden. I don't want to hear how it's a first-time game either. It was inexcusable for EA and it's inexcusable here.

I do like how the hits seem way toned down from what I saw early on from this game. I didn't see anything unrealistic or arcadey. The hits are very impressive.

[GTHobbes]

In reading various forums, I see a lot of "definite buys" and "definite buy upon price drop" comments from the guys who have had a chance to play the demo. Hopefully that bodes well for the longer term sales numbers for this game.

I haven't seen much discussion about going into "focus" mode, or whatever it's called, and how it feels when running, passing or on defense. Anybody here have anything good/bad to say about it?

[Rodster]

It could be just me but lob passes are excruciatingly difficult to pull off and some of the special moves take some getting used to, in order to pull off.

I'll definitely buy it once it drops to $20 which is around the time Madden 11 hits the stores in August. The demo will hold me over until then.

[ScoopBrady]

It could be just me but lob passes are excruciatingly difficult to pull off and some of the special moves take some getting used to, in order to pull off.

I felt the same way but then realized that it worked much better when the down-then-up motion was supposed to be quick. I kept doing the motion like I was playing Tiger Woods like there was a rhythm to it. It was very counterintuitive for me.

[Rodster]

It could be just me but lob passes are excruciatingly difficult to pull off and some of the special moves take some getting used to, in order to pull off.

I felt the same way but then realized that it worked much better when the down-then-up motion was supposed to be quick. I kept doing the motion like I was playing Tiger Woods like there was a rhythm to it. It was very counterintuitive for me.

Mine was more like MLB2K10 pitching motion.

I'll try your suggestion.

[Danimal]

Focus mode works well when running, helps you control the RB better, I pretty much stay off the aggressive button. Passing it helps you see the receiver you're keyed on better, the receiver switching mechanic I just don't like.

I didn't think focus mode helped on defense at all, might just take time for me to get used to it but playing defense is not a lot of fun unless you anchor yourself as a linemen at this point for me.

As for the lob pass I also am having trouble with it, I heard there is the ability to switch from right stick to buttons so I am going to check that out.

The more I play it the more it grows on me, it's definitely does something outstanding...especially pass protection. But I agree with most it's not worth $50.

My biggest concern is the quirks I pointed out in my last post. There are way too many turn overs and just odd plays by the AI.

[GTHobbes]

Thanks for your comments on focus mode, Dan. I'm looking forward to using it when controlling a gunner on special teams. Really lighting someone up while using it should be a lot of fun.

I wonder how online play will turn out. And whether the fun factor will go up after creating some real teams and uniforms.

[Rodster]

I must say the stadium in the demo looks utterly sick. Has anyone figured out how to switch to the D-Line?

I cycled thru my players and all I was able to control were the LB's/DB's/Safeties. Another thing I like in this game is the reward you feel after you sack or tackle someone. I know lots of comparisons have been discussed between this and Madden. I'm not an EA hater just that I got bored with the stale approach to Madden over the years. last year was the first time in a long time that the game felt fun. But damn it why hasn't EA brought their physics game to this level is beyond me?

It'll be fun watching EA respond to BB when it finally goes to retail and gamers asking similar questions.

edit: Oh and anyone else have tips on fielding punts and KO's ?

[MizzouRah]

It's growing on me - the hitting alone makes the game worth putting some time into it.

I really like the running, but passing is damn tough and I feel like a lucky man when I complete one. If the camera was back just a bit further, I think I would really get the hang of it.

Spins are hard for me to pull of, but the rest isn't too difficult.

I love how your player starts gasping for air if you hold the aggressive button too long.

Defense isn't too bad if I play safety.. but again, I would like the camera pulled back.

Fir kickoffs and punts, you have to watch for the circle and move your player underneath it.

I'm still on the fence and with NCAA 11 coming, I'm not sure I'll get it until it drops to $20-$30.

Really impressed with all the tackling/hitting variations though, I've seen so many cool hits and tackles!!!

[Rodster]

I've been playing this more and more and it's also growing on me as well. For a first attempt it's pretty fun though the AI does some goofy stuff at times and with it's poor clock management.

I tend to overlook it because it's a non licensed game and I apply that criteria to it just as I would with APF 2K8. The tackle physics are freaking amazing and just goes to show how much EA has had it's head up it's ass for the last 10 years.

That's why I say this is where next-gen Madden should be at right now.

[Sport73]

I wanted to take my time with the demo before rushing to judgment, but I can sum up my thoughts in 3 words:

Move Over Madden.

I've played at least 100 games in the demo of BackBreaker, and while there are certainly the flaws, rough edges and gaps of a first-generation product, it already plays a better game of Football than Madden. For comparison, I played the Madden 10 demo again, and it's just night and day. Madden feels like it has for over a decade, just a step up from the vibrating table form of football where everything is floaty and loosely in your control. Everyone's in the right spot in Madden, so it 'looks' like football, but there's a layer of abstraction that ensures it never feels like football.

BackBreaker feels like football. If using a physics engine was just a gimmick, call me a sucker, because it makes a world of difference. The hits in Madden are laughable compared to the complex variety of animations and player interactions in backbreaker. Guys fighting on the line look and feel like guys fighting on the line, every step feels like a step, and you can see how each foot being placed down equals motion, not the ice-skating of so many games - we're talking 1:1 between what you see and the physical movement in the game.

The passing game, while difficult, is a breath of fresh air. It takes a while to become decent, but once you do it's just a ton of fun. If you practice the progressions pre-snap it make it easier to know what you have to do after the hike. Focusing in as a player makes his cut and hitting him with the pass at just the right time is fun, and the low-level camera makes you feel like you're in the eyes of the quarterback. You have very little time to make a decision, because you will get blind-side sacked if you delay. There's also a clear talent difference between the good offensive lines and QB's in the game, and the bad ones.

The running game is light years beyond Madden. The controls are easy to pull off, and the 'in the RB role' view is great for finding the seams. But the best part is that this is where the physics really shines; glancing hits are shaken off, jukes can leave guys in the dust, and the eventual take-down is unique and appropriate to the circumstance. A perfect example is that in Madden, you might get stuffed on the 1st down as soon as the RB meets the defender, regardless of whether his forward motion or the specific way in which offensive/defensive players collided would have kept him moving forward. In BB, you'll pick up the extra yard if the hit is off to your side, but you'll get pushed back if you were moving more laterally than forward at impact. The diversity and realism of hits is just sweet, and an utter embarrassment to Madden.

Downsides? The player models are not diverse, and the 'on-the-field' presentation, while great, just doesn't have the polish of Madden. Online offerings seem pretty limited (just exhibitions, no leagues), and the play books are not as diverse as they could be.

Mostly, it will just take a lot of adjustment for you to get used to the view, controls, feel, and 'method' of this game, but if you take the time to figure it out (be sure to play on Pro and not arcade by pushing right on that menu item) you will be rewarded by a solid foundation, fun to play game that is also a glimpse into the future of football sims.

Maybe I'm over-selling it, but I'm very impressed and have decided to get this and likely skip Madden this year.

[Naples39]

I can't wait to try this one when I get home this week.

I like football but not a real 'NFL fan' per se, so I don't think the licenses will bother me that much. I also got sick of Madden years ago and haven't really played it much since 04 I think. I really like what I hear about this one. Sounds fun.

[Rodster]

I wanted to take my time with the demo before rushing to judgment, but I can sum up my thoughts in 3 words:

Move Over Madden.

Good impressions Sport but while Madden has been an incremental rehash over the last 15 years or so, last year they put out a good fun game. But I bet EA is starting to squirm a bit because BB has no NFL license and many will ask EA the same question, why does there game feel like real football and yours doesn't? Why is there suction blocking in your game and there isn't in theirs?

Hopefully BB will push EA to restart Madden and bring it up to net-gen status. I just hope EA doesn't buy 505 Studios and kill off the Euphoria engine.

[miget33]

I Tried the Backbreaker demo, and well it's been since deleted. The one positive is running the ball/defending the run, that just feels right.

[seanmac31]

It's amazing how much Backbreaker looks and feels like the original NFL 2K. The player models really have the exact same quality to them, the playbooks are similarly watered down, and the whole effect is a jarring combination of things being alternately much better and much worse than Madden.

Anyway, it's interesting.

[Danimal]

Well to each their own, people see what they want to see.

This game has more flaws the more you play it, yeah the physics engine is spectacular but there is more to football then tackles.

Not sure how anyone could play over 100 games of the demo and see no problems with the AI.

[Sport73]

Well to each their own, people see what they want to see.

This game has more flaws the more you play it, yeah the physics engine is spectacular but there is more to football then tackles.

Not sure how anyone could play over 100 games of the demo and see no problems with the AI.

I saw the abundance of turnovers when playing in 'Arcade' mode, but not since switching to Pro. I've made my share of bad passes when rushed, but i can't say I've noticed the AI making dumb passes as you mentioned. I don't anticipate play-calling and clock management to be situation appropriate in the demo, because even Madden demos have always had the issue where the AI isn't told that the end of the half is the end of the 'game'.

As for coverage on the field, defenders seem to be mostly in position, and make the plays I expect. I guess we have different expectations. I never played in the NFL, but this feels pretty good to me.

[GTHobbes]

Another great video, further to Rod's and Sport's point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtlic2g5dOY

[Danimal]

I saw the abundance of turnovers when playing in 'Arcade' mode, but not since switching to Pro. I've made my share of bad passes when rushed, but i can't say I've noticed the AI making dumb passes as you mentioned.

I've never played on Arcade, I played all my games on Pro - Medium. I'm also not talking about my turnovers, I'm talking the aI.

What does abundance mean to you? I've had at least 1 AI turnover every game and in fact that is being generous it is usually 2-4. That number is absurd for 4 minutes of football, even 1 every game is crazy.

It's entirely possible the shipping game won't have this issue but if it does you can't fix it because there are no sliders I am aware of. There are constant AI throws to open receivers that are behind them, you're telling me you've never seen the AI QB throw it behind the back in the backfield for a fumble? You've never see a roughing the punter?

This game does a lot of things right and the physics engine is going to make it hard to play another football game but it also has a load of flaws and if people can look past that to play that's fine but I know personally I won't enjoy a game where say in 5 minute quarters there are oven a dozen turnovers each game. I'm also not buying the first time excuse, it took them what 4 years to get this game to shelves? that is a life time dev cycle.

[MizzouRah]

Just pull the freaking camera back!

[MizzouRah]

How the hell does OS keep the amount of posters it does?

They lock more threads than I care to count. If you're not gushing over a game, they tell you to quit trolling.. lol.. what a joke.

[JRod]

I saw the abundance of turnovers when playing in 'Arcade' mode, but not since switching to Pro. I've made my share of bad passes when rushed, but i can't say I've noticed the AI making dumb passes as you mentioned.

I've never played on Arcade, I played all my games on Pro - Medium. I'm also not talking about my turnovers, I'm talking the aI.

What does abundance mean to you? I've had at least 1 AI turnover every game and in fact that is being generous it is usually 2-4. That number is absurd for 4 minutes of football, even 1 every game is crazy.

It's entirely possible the shipping game won't have this issue but if it does you can't fix it because there are no sliders I am aware of. There are constant AI throws to open receivers that are behind them, you're telling me you've never seen the AI QB throw it behind the back in the backfield for a fumble? You've never see a roughing the punter?

This game does a lot of things right and the physics engine is going to make it hard to play another football game but it also has a load of flaws and if people can look past that to play that's fine but I know personally I won't enjoy a game where say in 5 minute quarters there are oven a dozen turnovers each game. I'm also not buying the first time excuse, it took them what 4 years to get this game to shelves? that is a life time dev cycle.

I doubt those four years were spent on making a football game. Maybe it was but this studio was an animation studio house not a game publisher. It sold it's engine to other games like GTA. So it's not like this is EA sports making a Lacrosse game for the first time.


Sucks that the demo is not out for the PS3 yet.

[Teal]

I actually really like it. Maybe it's only because it's a breath of fresh air, I don't know. But I like the camera alot, too.

The long and short of it is this: It's good to see a football game that isn't EA's 'cut and paste' philosophy. I'm looking forward to NCAA this year, from all I've read and seen, but I might just pull the trigger on this one, rather than Madden. I'm not that much of an NFL guy, anyway, and it'll be kinda cool to try and 'create' the team logos.

[Macca00]

I actually really like it. Maybe it's only because it's a breath of fresh air, I don't know. But I like the camera alot, too.

The long and short of it is this: It's good to see a football game that isn't EA's 'cut and paste' philosophy. I'm looking forward to NCAA this year, from all I've read and seen, but I might just pull the trigger on this one, rather than Madden. I'm not that much of an NFL guy, anyway, and it'll be kinda cool to try and 'create' the team logos.

Pretty much sums up my thoughts too. That said, I'll be the first to acknowledge I'm not a hardcore football fan and the last NFL game I truly enjoyed was 2K5 on the Xbox.

[Danimal]

Like I said to each their own.

The game has tremendous potential, but unless someone whose opinion I trust gets the final product and tells me the turnover fest is gone I won't be buying it at full price.