Backbreaker Video: Offensive Passing Alpha Gameplay

[turftickler]

Quote: Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake

I was really excited about this game when we first got gameplay footage (i.e. developer's diary). With the first batch of IGN gameplay footage about a week ago or so, I was still sort of excited especially the 3rd person camera view. I watched it many, many, many times and each subsequent time, I was extremely pumped, ... ... my hype for this game is spiraling downhill, fast. As I suspected: 1. DB vs WR interaction still looks very poor. The DB is completely turning his back when he really should not be doing so. What exactly was the DB/CB doing on the first play from scrimmage. Replay tells the whole story. 2. DL pass rush is off the charts, poor. They have no speed. What in the world was the defensive end (DE) doing (left side of screen)? The QB should have been blind sided; the QB should have been put out of commission on the first play from scrimmage. As I suspected, there is no legitimate pass rush in this game as it appears. DE hesitated, and wasn't even rushing the quarterback but simply engaging with the offensive OL. (First play from scrimmage). Revisit past gameplay footage and you'll notice that all sacks happen directly in the QB's field of vision. There are absolutely no weak side or strong side sacks, ever. 3. The DL rushing directly at the QB's field of vision, hesitates his step. There is absolutely no speed in these defensive lineman. (first play from scrimmage). I am going to either have to release these linesman during free agency, or tell them that they are off the squad, or do I permanently put them on the bench as bench warmers. 4. Also take note of the OL that allowed the DL to rush directly down the middle at the QB. The OL says "well, the DL got by me, I'll just let him go straight to my QB, and I'll see if I can pick up another block on another DL directly in front of me. It's fine if I let my assigned DL sack the QB. No biggie." Blocking here is definitely a problem. 5. The sole reason the OL/DL interaction looks poor is because there is a lack of aggressive pass rush. Even though blocking is an issue. Overall, blocking is not even the major problem at this point, it's the lack of aggressive pass rush. OL is programmed to block the DL. But if the DL fails to rush hard at the QB, there is no reason for the OL to do their job effectively. I'll tell you what though, I am excited for the incomplete pass--haven't technically seen that before. I think I must pray harder. Or do I just stop praying. My excitement has been shattered. Still looking forward to May's release though. If team NaturalMotion doesn't improve gameplay quick, this could be simply a rental or used pick-up, or if I have $50 bucks lying around for no good reason. Advice anyone. Are things going to look brighter come next month? Plus, apparently users over at the official Backbreaker forum are giving high praise for this video gameplay footage. If developers are only reading that forum, they are going to get the wrong idea.

I like your honesty. I am from the official forum. Lots of people are expecting perfection or way too much out of their first time developing a pro football game. That other game has been reworked year after year since 2005 and no one is expecting perfection out of that one either, just better gameplay.

Anyway, bugs are still being worked out. Time is running short now. Hopefully, people are not expecting perfect coverage on every play. If BB has perfect coverage on every play, then I will leave both of my copies at the store. In some other games, there is perfect coverage that makes players motion shift, slide jump, and high jump to knock the ball down or pick it off for a pick-6.

I like what I see so far. Also, as far as sacks go, every down will be different from the last. Sometimes there will be broken coverage, missed assignments, and offensive/defensive breakdowns.

[Gusto1]

I see flaws in the game but I also see miles of potential I plan to commit to the purchase so there can be future versions that will be awesome. I spend money every year on Madden knowing there will be many flaws and let downs. This game does not have a NFL license but it is something fresh and different. I cant keep investing in Madden soley for the NFL teams heck I can watch NFL football on TV.

[kjcheezhead]

@Strawberryshortcake.

The blocking and wr/db interaction honestly seem on par with Madden's to me. I was really hoping the interaction would be more on APFs level tho instead of Maddens, but if it matches in it's first game that's still a positive in my book. The other thing is ratings are tied into euphoria. I'm starting to get the feeling the lowest rated guys are going to do some really dumb things on the field. Hopefully, the gold rated players will show better fundamentals.

That camera view is something I'm liking more and more every game. The incomplete pass was encouraging and the replays were really smooth and exciting. The sound overall was better than the first vids too. Without the commentary it was really lacking, but the music and replays really pump some life ino the game.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cryolemon

The video seems to be on Arcade mode which only gives you those options, Pro mode gives you more options.

Yeah, good point, your right. The glaring ball was on.

I wish they would capture some video with the pro mode. They are throwing a wide net by showing Arcade mode.

[LeonM]

I don't share the same pessimism that others have here. I think that the gameplay footage here looks great and the camera angle looks fine. I loved the replays. We are only getting two plays in this video but it was fun to see.

Remember, This is the game on "easy" level. Arcade mode so that's why the ball is glowing and that's why there is a limited playbook.

[CreatineKasey]

That shotgun pass was straight outta APF I think.

LOL @ giving us 2 plays.

Saying the playbook is "light" is an understatement lol. 4 plays was it? You know, I wouldn't be entirely opposed to giving us 4 random plays in each category to work with every snap. It'd kind of make it like we are the players and the coaches give us options.

[capa]

The overall movements of the players look stiff and somewhat robotic. The tacking looks great, as this is what the game featured as its signature. But the players don't really move like humans...I get the sense I am watching robots play football.

Also have seen suspect interaction between players...like a def end rushing the QB then all of a sudden peel off and run into an offensive lineman. The action also seems a little slow and plodding to me.

I don't know...I am hoping for the best, but aside from the tackle animations, I don't see a lot of promising stuff on any of the videos we have been shown. I think they have miles to go...

C

[BigZell20]

I wish they would give us some Pro Mode videos...maybe that would help some of the issues people have. I assume switching to Pro does more than just take away the glowing ball and open up the playbooks, it probably ups the AI difficulty too.

That would possibly resolve the QB seeming to stand in the pocket all day. I also pray that it creates more variation in ball trajectory and location, like others have mentioned they all seem to be to the same spot.

Everything looked smoother than the previous gameplay vids, but the audio sticks out like a sore thumb.