Message from Rob, The Producer

[hatisback]

For the first time in many months, the Backbreaker team had a relaxing weekend off. We pushed to get the demo released as early as we could and coming back into the studio this morning, checking all your feedback, the comments, watching all the videos on YouTube… well, we're delighted with the response. It's so cool to see so many people just getting what we were trying to achieve with this game. You've been having a blast, seeing incredible, unique moments and telling us and your friends about them. That's just what we hoped and we're so glad that you've spent the weekend having so much FUN! Backbreaker is… all… about… fun!

We are checking out all your feedback, listening to what you're saying and we're taking it on board. Thanks for your enthusiasm and your honesty.

Your comments and reaction to the game prove that we were right to try something daring and different. We never wanted to take the safe route, or down a path that's been trodden before. Those paths tend to lead to dead-ends and we always wanted to blaze our own trail and create a revolution.

Now it's time for you to spread the word. If you like what you see, tell your friends, get them to join our Facebook group, our forums, post YouTube vids and shout about them on Twitter. You're a great community so go tell the world!

But now back to work then.

June 1. It's just round the corner.

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[Blzer]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Ah, good. Hopefully they realize their O-Line is terrible. To be honest, I'm surprised that's something they never picked up on with three years working on this game.

But above all, I'm glad that they're glad. I'm really interested in seeing how this game sells up until August.

[Jimixiii]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Ah, good. Hopefully they realize their O-Line is terrible. To be honest, I'm surprised that's something they never picked up on with three years working on this game.

I don't have much of a problem with the O-Line at all when I'm on offense, but the CPU on offense seems to have issues for some reason.

But I truly get the feeling these guys are doing all they can to make the fans happy & will hear out any true concerns. I really like that.

[foolish813]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Ah, good. Hopefully they realize their O-Line is terrible. To be honest, I'm surprised that's something they never picked up on with three years working on this game.

But above all, I'm glad that they're glad. I'm really interested in seeing how this game sells up until August.

Que? Tus loco, senior.

[Blzer]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

For guys confused about my comment on the poor O-Line play, look at the constant runs that are going for negative yardage, plus the number of sacks on the other side of the ball (you can partly blame poor CPU awareness though too).

[sniperhare]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Maybe it's because it's the demo, maybe it's done by design. If they can't deliver an NFL experience, maybe they went a different route.

Maybe in the BB leagues high sacks/int's are common?

I don't get many runs for negative yards, but tend to throw at least one INT a demo match. But most runs should be for only 1-3 yards, a back that averages 4.6+ YPC is having a pretty good year.

[Methlab]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

I used Oakland and had a series where I ran for +8 then +11 then +3 for a FB dive TD. So I don't think the Oline is an issue in the running game. It's more about the skill of the back and the user.

[Epiffani]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

I believe the contrary; I think the blocking by the o-line is very good for the most part. The thing about this game in regards to the o-line is they (the developers) aren't trying to mask, or give off an illusion that great blocking is taking place by vacuuming defenders riddling them stuck and unable to get off a block. I haven't noticed any warping when it comes to line play, and the thing about the A.I's blocking in Backbreaker is the o-line is always trying to protect the user (rather you're at RB or QB) from the most imminent danger in the vicinity, which means a play may have not been designed for your tackle to pull, but the tackle may do so instinctively. The o-line is always active, and actively looking for a defender to block, so people will not see them pirouetting in confusion because a defender isn't in front of them, or in their "zone". In regards to the o-line protecting for the run, again, I don't have many qualms. Have I had my play completely blown up in the back field for a negative loss while running the ball? Sure, but I believe it has more to do with my pre-snap reads, and me not making the adjustments accordingly (an audible).

Now as the user on defense, I do sometime get penetration rather easily, but I've been blocked far more often than I've gotten penetration and had an impact on a play. I can see where this area of A.I could be a problem however especially if the A.I isn't good at making adjustments on the fly, but it's one of those things where you pick your poison. Get constantly sucked into blocks, and run into impenetrable force fields, or be able to run passed defenders sometime with no restraint, or resistance. We won't know until the retail version of the game rather the A.I competent enough to adjust to something like blitzing over a span of 4 qts.

[RaginCajun]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Maybe in the BB leagues high sacks/int's are common?

Im sorry, but that the worst excuse for anything Ive ever heard.

[VTPack919]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Im sorry, but that the worst excuse for anything Ive ever heard.

I wouldn't call it an excuse. He has a point. Not everyone has to look to the NFL for the stats you can expect in this league. It's made up. You can customize it. Make it yours.

If one is okay with a high number of interceptions, what is wrong with that?

[Blzer]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

I wouldn't call it an excuse. He has a point. Not everyone has to look to the NFL for the stats you can expect in this league. It's made up. You can customize it. Make it yours.

If one is okay with a high number of interceptions, what is wrong with that?

This isn't baseball where they changed the field dimensions and ball's core to drastically affect the way the game is played. This is still football on earth, and as long as it is, there is a large human element that takes place, which says interceptions and sacks should be every bit as common as they are in the NFL, given that rules and penalties are left unchanged. QB's didn't suddenly get stupider in the future.

If so, then this isn't my kind of game. I just hope something is addressed, more specifically on the CPU side of the ball. If Hard difficulty ain't that hard, then that's obviously an issue.

As for the blocking, I understand what they were trying to do and I understand all of your reasons to back it up, but if I get handed the ball without even a chance of doing anything with it (meaning I get tackled instantly) and it's rather prevalent, what kind of good spells from that?

And I think you all must understand that this game is atop my list for most wanted games. I'm holding off on ModNation Racers and Skate 3 just so I can have this game to play over the summer. I'm not hating to hate, I'm pointing out something that I hope the developers look into come patch time. Sliders wouldn't hurt either.

[mestevo]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

If I remember correctly, they were pretty adamantly against sliders in the 90 minute interview.

[o Mass Murda o]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

the better u get, the less negative yardage u will see. the game has a learning curve thats the steepest ive seen in awhile. plus u gotta look at the matchups...ALWAYS!! the ratings in this game actually matter. no way in hell a punter/kicker/WR even, would ever maintain a block in this game like has been proven in madden/ncaa. he would be sent on his arse with the quickness. also gotta make sure ur play call matches the D pretty well or u best be calling an audible or switching direction. making sure u run to ur strong side of the line is also very important. i cant wait to get the full game and see what kinda run game ill really have with actual time to establish my run. in this game ive seen some very smart O-line play and seen some things i never thought i'd see in blocking and making good blocking decisions. one things for sure in this game...everybody has aggression and theyre all trying to do their job to the best of the ratings ability.

[Afrikan]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

I believe the contrary; I think the blocking by the o-line is very good for the most part. The thing about this game in regards to the o-line is they (the developers) aren't trying to mask, or give off an illusion that great blocking is taking place by vacuuming defenders riddling them stuck and unable to get off a block. I haven't noticed any warping when it comes to line play, and the thing about the A.I's blocking in Backbreaker is the o-line is always trying to protect the user (rather you're at RB or QB) from the most imminent danger in the vicinity, which means a play may have not been designed for your tackle to pull, but the tackle may do so instinctively. The o-line is always active, and actively looking for a defender to block, so people will not see them pirouetting in confusion because a defender isn't in front of them, or in their "zone". In regards to the o-line protecting for the run, again, I don't have many qualms. Have I had my play completely blown up in the back field for a negative loss while running the ball? Sure, but I believe it has more to do with my pre-snap reads, and me not making the adjustments accordingly (an audible).

Now as the user on defense, I do sometime get penetration rather easily, but I've been blocked far more often than I've gotten penetration and had an impact on a play. I can see where this area of A.I could be a problem however especially if the A.I isn't good at making adjustments on the fly, but it's one of those things where you pick your poison. Get constantly sucked into blocks, and run into impenetrable force fields, or be able to run passed defenders sometime with no restraint, or resistance. We won't know until the retail version of the game rather the A.I competent enough to adjust to something like blitzing over a span of 4 qts.

GREAT POST!....but it took me a while to get through the whole thing...not because it was long but I kept glancing over to your AV...that is just Sick Man..... You can't just have IT staring at us on online message forums... I left that fool in the 90's *shutters*

[khaliib]

Re: Message from Rob, The Producer

Community responses!
We know that doesn't consist of PS3 gamers.

Do they really think folks will buy without having a demo to try?

With money soooo tight these days, and NCAA Demo releasing a few weeks after launch plus No Demo for PS3 folks to decide, is not looking good for sales in my eyes.

I will rent to see what's going on, but that's the worst thing for them. They need gamers purchasing not renting, which is what I think many will look to do.