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    Last summer, NaturalMotion announced the development of their new football game, Backbreaker, and the nature of the game has been shrouded in mystery since that time. We've known from the beginning that Backbreaker looks to become the first sports game to implement the euphoria engine, heralded for its realistic physics simulation. Information regarding the game has come in small doses since the initial announcement, but let's take a look at what we know about Backbreaker.

    Backbreaker uses the euphoria engine, also a NaturalMotion product, to feature realistic interactive tackles produced by the engine in real-time. This technique runs in sharp contrast to the canned animations used by the other football games we've seen in the past, and it essentially means that we will never make the same tackle twice. Backbreaker utilizes motion capture animations for movements such as running and catching, but makes use of another NaturalMotion technology called morpheme to manipulate these animations in real-time. These new technologies should provide not only realistic tackles, but the most genuine all-around animations we've ever seen in a sports game. Because these movements rely on the engine rather than scores of motion capture animations, the hope is that these technologies can also save time and resources that can be better devoted to other areas of development.

    In addition to the revolutionary animations, Backbreaker employs other methods to contribute to a stimulating experience. Rendering techniques such as full self shadowing, motion blur, and color correction bring more detail to the action on the field. The impressive graphics don't stop there, as they extend to the stands where nearly a hundred thousand 3D fans respond appropriately to the game in progress. While other games settle for 2D textures for the crowd, which often stick out like a sore thumb when compared to the models on the field, Backbreaker animates the crowd in 3D. The crowd also boasts a collective AI that assures that fans react realistically to the different types of events that transpire on the field.

    In keeping with the focus of delivering a rich on-field experience, the game's Dynamic Audio system generates sounds to match the different types of collisions. The sounds heard depend on the force of the contact as well as the elements involved. The sound of clashing helmets can be clearly distinguished from the wrap tackles, leg tackles, and other distinctive sounds of the game. The aforementioned crowd enjoys the benefits of Backbreaker's sound system too, as the crowd's mood reflects in their volume and cheers. With no mention of in-game commentary as of yet, it remains to be seen whether the game will feature an announcing crew or concentrate instead on the player's perspective. Given that a third-person chase camera broadcasts the action, the latter scenario isn't out of the question.

    Right-analog stick controls have taken on a greater role in sports video games over the last few years, with much success, and Backbreaker looks to continue that trend. Madden has made use of the right analog stick for running and tackling, but Backbreaker takes these ideas to the next level. While Madden adds running controls to the right analog stick because they seemingly ran out of buttons, Backbreaker makes the sticks the primary focus of its control scheme. The right analog stick controls all moves in an intuitive fashion. A spin move, for example, is performed with a circular movement of the right analog stick.

    The notion of relying on the analog sticks for nearly all of the game's controls seems complicated at first, but NaturalMotion decided to split the control scheme into two separate modes to keep things simple. Players operating in agile mode execute moves such as juking and spinning, while players in aggressive mode – which is activated by holding the right trigger – opt for more physical solutions like stiff-arms to escape defenders. This type of control scheme applies to all aspects of the game, even passing. Quarterbacks switch between available receivers by pressing left or right on the stick, and throw by tapping up for a bullet pass, or down and then up to air it out. Holding the left trigger allows quarterbacks to zero in on the selected receiver. This ability increases the accuracy of a pass to that receiver, but it also leaves the quarterback open to a sack as the third-person camera targets the receiver.

    Earlier this month, I explained that non-licensed football games such as Backbreaker can achieve success by distinguishing themselves from Madden and creating their own niches. Backbreaker seems to be following that blueprint. Its camera and control schemes, along with the impressive physics and graphics, prove that NaturalMotion's game will be different than anything we've played before. Developers have drawn inspiration from movies like Any Given Sunday and Friday Night Lights, as well as the Nike Gridiron commercial that featured Michael Vick and Terrell Owens. These influences have brought upon a more cinematic feel and focused the action on the field rather than your living room. Regardless of how the final product turns out, we're in for a football game set on creating its own identity.

    Backbreaker releases later this year. Be sure to check back with Operation Sports as we continue to learn about Backbreaker.


Backbreaker Videos
Member Comments
# 21 xylocaine @ 05/03/08 07:45 PM
Sounds cool, i'm sure it will be very raw which may be a downer, but I'm more optimistic about a new product than the same ole thing from EA... and that's sad.
 
# 22 jmood88 @ 05/03/08 09:04 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdmo9999
I really wish people would stop calling it a glorified tech demo. No one spends so much money and 2 years of development for a freaking tech demo. One person called it that and everyone hopped on that bandwagon, it's really disappointing to hear that. And no gameplay videos yet but at the end of this month we can probably expect a lot of information and some gameplay
Well you'll just have to get used to people saying it until they release some videos showing the gameplay.
 
# 23 jmood88 @ 05/04/08 01:14 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdmo9999
I really hope that I can throw your negativity back in your face if it's the best thing ever haha, if not, then I'll let you say whatever to me
Lol I haven't been negative at all, I've just said that I won't get excited until I see some substance.
 
# 24 eXperiment63 @ 05/04/08 09:03 AM
Now THIS is a game that would greatly benefit from total customization. 2K couldn't do it because they already had their engine and the likes... These guys built this game form scratch, so they could most definitely have built an amazing editor into it.

I can't wait to see some meat and potatoes, but this game has me excited!
 
# 25 Skyboxer @ 05/06/08 12:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdmo9999
I really wish people would stop calling it a glorified tech demo. No one spends so much money and 2 years of development for a freaking tech demo. One person called it that and everyone hopped on that bandwagon, it's really disappointing to hear that. And no gameplay videos yet but at the end of this month we can probably expect a lot of information and some gameplay
Ditto. If it delivers some good action on the field then I'll support then even at 60.00 to help insure the game progresses. I've given the same grace to EA and they've yet delivered a quality product, IMO.
So why not give the $ to another developer and help support some new blood.?
 
# 26 Skyboxer @ 05/06/08 12:36 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmood88
Well you'll just have to get used to people saying it until they release some videos showing the gameplay.
Cool. So everytime I see info on Madden I'll just reply with "Turd".

That is until they show something relevent and not a "new" feature (ie..old feature reinstated and still terrible)

Same difference.
 
# 27 jmood88 @ 05/06/08 02:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyboxer
Cool. So everytime I see info on Madden I'll just reply with "Turd".

That is until they show something relevent and not a "new" feature (ie..old feature reinstated and still terrible)

Same difference.
Well I'm not a Madden fan at all so I would probably agree with you if you did that in a Madden thread.
 
# 28 Skyboxer @ 05/06/08 03:59 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmood88
Well I'm not a Madden fan at all so I would probably agree with you if you did that in a Madden thread.
Well....... I wouldn't do that.....

My point was some feel it's a tech demo and some do not. Same with Madden. Some feel it's been great while others think it's junk for the most part. So when I see "Until I see other wise I'm calling it a tech demo" I feel the same could be said without repercussions for the other side of the yard. Which led me to the "Until I see " comment about Madden.

Either way I know I'm not getting Madden day one but will more than likely get Backbreaker. They deserve the same support and "forgiveness" as EA has gotten. Hopefully they'll do more with it.

I just want some football that doesn't feel like I've "done this before" and is a good recreation of the sport, NFL or not.
 
# 29 TDKing @ 05/06/08 05:38 PM
When is this game's release date ? June ? No game play videos yet. I think this whole game is one big internet hoax.
 
# 30 Hammerhunker @ 05/06/08 08:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TDKing
When is this game's release date ? June ? No game play videos yet. I think this whole game is one big internet hoax.
I'm pretty positive someone will blast you for this comment, but I had to snicker because I have felt this way too. There is just something suspicious about it. We shall see I guess.
 
# 31 jmood88 @ 05/06/08 08:19 PM
I don't know about hoax but I don't see why people aren't worried about how they haven't shown much when the game is supposed to be coming out next month.
 
# 32 K_GUN @ 05/06/08 10:19 PM
maybe it's a viral campaign by EA to show off new engine in madden 09 (even showing us 'old engine' movies to keep us thrown off

never know
 
# 33 gamerk2 @ 05/08/08 04:17 AM
Ummm...where did you all get June from?? First I heard of anything concrete...
 
# 34 coogrfan @ 05/08/08 08:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigdmo9999
The June rumor was on the boards a while ago, but was later changed to TBA 08. I'm thinking June is out of the question, no matter when they release it though I think it'll sell good. I'm thinking after everyone suffers through another crappy Madden and returns it is when people should start buying it
Weren't people around here saying pretty much the same thing about APF?
 
# 35 allBthere @ 05/08/08 10:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by coogrfan
Weren't people around here saying pretty much the same thing about APF?
It's true though for people who gave it a chance. I played it twice last week, and 4 times this week and got it the day before most people when it released.
I'll not play for a month or so, but it draws me back in. If it had a franchise, and the ability to edit the teams and confrences imo it would have been very special.
I thought about selling it for a while and decided to play it before i did and what do you know...i started 2 new seasons w/ 2 new slider settings and knew it wasn't going anwywhere but back in ye old library of games/dvd's.

I'm really looking forward to backbreaker- it's new it's fresh, it's not TV style, but on the field, new physics, ...it's a fresh take on the sport within vids. If I end up loving it, I'm not even sure that means I'd stop playing apf completely in the long term, because i expect it to be THAT much a different experience so as not to make one or the other feel stale or incompetent.
 
# 36 gamerk2 @ 05/08/08 10:59 PM
If BB has a franchise, I'm sure it will sell more than 250,000 copies...(sorry 2k, but that WAS dumb of you...)
 
# 37 JRod @ 05/14/08 04:51 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Soldier
No franchise had little to do with it.

The biggest reason for APF's lackluster support was the idiotic decision to release it the same day as NCAA. Anyone who's borderline is going to choose NCAA, and anyone who is buying NCAA probably isn't going to buy APF. Plus, any non-licensed sports game will struggle.

As for this, I'm going with the "I need to see gameplay" crowd.
It wasn't just the release day that hurt the game. It was a series of errors.

-Lack of Franchise, customizable season mode would have been fine.
- Hamstrung editing options after promising more customization.
- Few features.

I think the selling date was inconsequential. They thought since people we going to the store for NCAA they might pick up APF. That was the thinking and it's something that's done to have games piggy-back on other hot selling games.

The game just wasn't very good outside the gameplay, in the end that was it's undoing.

If it was good, word of mouth would spread and the game would have sold in later weeks. But how can you recommend a game with so few features.
 
# 38 muggins @ 05/14/08 02:43 PM
I doubt it'll sell more than APF. A non-licensed game from a developer who has never developed a football game before? Add to that a new non-standard camera angle?

We've seen what kind of problems games put out by EA and 2k have, and they've put out tons of them. I can't imagine at 59.99 this tech demo will sell much.
 
# 39 yamabushi @ 05/14/08 02:55 PM
Id love to see another football option out there as much as the next guy, but........
Im firmly convinced that this is nothing but a sales pitch, to EA and others, about the game engine.
 
# 40 Dudd @ 05/14/08 11:33 PM
Wow, 2 years, I'm sure APF was banged out in six months and that's why it didn't have franchise mode. Madden's been in development forever, that's why it's perfect, right? Until I see gameplay videos that go beyond a bunch of idiots diving wildly in a minigame, it's a nice physics engine that I hope can produce a solid game, nothing more.
 


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