Breaking Down Backbreaker

[RaychelSnr]

For five years, some Madden players have annually dished out $60 to play a game they wish was simply NFL 2K5 with improved graphics. Since Electronic Arts obtained the exclusive rights to make an NFL-licensed video game, there have been several attempts by various companies to re-create a football experience sans the NFL label. We have seen new versions of the Blitz franchise as well as a new Tecmo Bowl game, but only one game, All-Pro Football 2K8, has even come close to tapping into what most gamers are looking for.

In August 2007, some were filled with hope when another football game, Backbreaker, came to the forefront. While Backbreaker started off as a nameless tech demo, NaturalMotion -- a middleware development studio that decided to try out game development -- later decided to build an entire game based on the technology used in the initial tech demo.

Read More - Breaking Down Backbreaker

[bonannogiovanni]

it's still unclear to me if we will be able to recreate the NFL with the editor or just one team a la APF.....

[mm boost]

Re: Breaking Down Backbreaker

One worry that surrounded Backbreaker for while was whether or not there would be a franchise mode. For a while there was no answer, but now there is -- Backbreaker will indeed have its own franchise mode. All the teams and players will obviously be created by NaturalMotion (32 teams in all), and you will also be able to create your own team as well. The franchise mode will be similar to the one you find in the NFL. You will have a regular season, playoffs, free agency and draft to name a few key components.

Going back to creating a team, you will have a plethora of options -- with everything from your team’s logo and colors to the naming of its roster being customizable. Certainly nobody will create their favorite NFL team with these tools at their disposal.

Bravo! This is what I have been waiting to hear!!! Thank goodness!

[jdr4693]

Free agency in franchise mode is new info to me... I'm starting to really have high hopes for the depth of franchise mode now.

[Cryolemon]

Re: Breaking Down Backbreaker

The developers have confirmed there are 56 default teams, not 32.

[ambelgra]

Sadly, without an NFL license, few will buy what looks like a great football game.

[spit_bubble]

Re: Breaking Down Backbreaker

it's still unclear to me if we will be able to recreate the NFL with the editor or just one team a la APF.....

I've been wondering about this too. I kind of think it's going to be one team, for legal reasons.

[schnaidt1]

ok so i have been following backbreaker for over 2 years....and there are a few things they still havent explained that i am very interested in.....1. how in the world are we spose to pass using the right analog stick? what if we have 2 receivers in the same area....that just doesnt seem like it will work. another is presentation........are we going to have commentary!??! or great stat overlays....ppl loved 2k5 cuz of its presentation....so u would think backbreaker would include this..but they havent mentioned it..another is....are we going to have options to change the camera angles!? if they have it as u can only run 3rd person..and do defense only how there camera lets u....this could really cut down on how many ppl buy the game if they dont like it

[Eski33]

I will give this game a rent. If it is fun, I will buy....I like the fact that they aren't trying to compete with the Madden franchise as a Spring release date is excellent marketing....

[TheWatcher]

Re: Breaking Down Backbreaker

I've been wondering about this too. I kind of think it's going to be one team, for legal reasons.

legal reasons aren't an issue. I think the legal issue idea sprang up because of what 2K did. But 2K did that because they didn't want customization so deep that people could recreate the NFL. They did it not because of legal issues, but because they didn't want to "upset the NFL" (as one of the Thomas brothers said) and weaken their position to get the NFL license which was due to expire shortly at the time. Little did they know, the NFL and EA were poised to renew, which they did. It was a total loss and the gamers were the ones that got screwed by that decision... but it's ancient history now.

I'd have to believe that the BB team learned from that incredibly boneheaded mistake made by 2K and wouldn't dare repeat it. It's much too absurd to repeat, so I consider it a non-issue at the moment.

[bigsmallwood]

I am really looking forward to this game!

[Cryolemon]

Re: Breaking Down Backbreaker

I've been wondering about this too. I kind of think it's going to be one team, for legal reasons.

As TheWatcher explained, it really isn't. If it was an issue how the hell did Forza get away with their logo editor?

I'd have to believe that the BB team learned from that incredibly boneheaded mistake made by 2K and wouldn't dare repeat it. It's much too absurd to repeat, so I consider it a non-issue at the moment.

You'd hope so.

[LingeringRegime]

One worry that surrounded Backbreaker for while was whether or not there would be a franchise mode. For a while there was no answer, but now there is -- Backbreaker will indeed have its own franchise mode. All the teams and players will obviously be created by NaturalMotion (32 teams in all), and you will also be able to create your own team as well. The franchise mode will be similar to the one you find in the NFL. You will have a regular season, playoffs, free agency and draft to name a few key components.

YES!!!!!!!!

[xylocaine]

tackle alley... really? really?

[therizing02]

Not sure what I think of the "evasive" and "aggressive" running modes. There's obviously a choice there but shouldn't player ratings determine what type of runner you are?

Who knows? Maybe there is no rating system in BB. Now that would be fresh.