Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

[stiffarmleft]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

As much as I support the game and hope it succeeds it cannot be overstated how bad the QB AI is, I don't think I've seen a pass from the computer that wasn't thrown into double coverage, maybe a couple, but it's rare for them to make the correct read. Also the DBs break to where the ball is thrown without even looking, this could be why the computer is seemingly throwing into double coverage all the time, the DBs simply react way to fast to the pass. I'm going to buy the game to support what I hope is a franchise that will continually improve because the core game is fantastic, but I'll admit I will not be playing it much if these issues exist in the retail version, I'll treat my purchase as more of a donation to the cause.

[bkrich83]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I don't have alot of money at all. However, This was the last straw for Sony... I'm not giving them anymore of my money.. I have found a friend that will buy my Ps3 and 2 games for 250 plus give me a Bluray Player.. This will probably take place in the next week or so.. I will make my way out and buy a 360... I was highly dissappointed witht he Ps3.. the Browser is teriible, and the Sony managment is even worse... Sorry.. I will gladly pay for XBL.. Oh and I play mostly sports games.

Why would you even use a browser with a game console? You realize Xbox has no browser right?

I read that the final release cam is a little more zoomed out and maybe a bit higher? That's encouraging. If that's the case and the CPU Offensive AI is smarter in final release, we're off and running,.

[louisianared]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

Finally downloaded the Demo.

Initial thoughts: I like the presentation with the music while walking out the tunnel and during the kickoff.

I thought the player models might distract me but I really didn't even notice the "futuristic" look while playing.

I dig the way the game is set up. Feels different and not just more of the same ole, same ole that we've gotten from pretty much every game.

I like the collisions and are some of the better collisions I've ever seen in a game. Controls have grown on me and I really like the way the game feels.

Was going to pass on this game but definitely buying this game on day 1.

[swaldo]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I read that the final release cam is a little more zoomed out and maybe a bit higher? That's encouraging.

I don't think so, this was posted yesterday by Todd on the BB forums...

The camera in the demo is identical to the camera in the full game.

Todd

Bummer

[fldash]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I don't think so, this was posted yesterday by Todd on the BB forums...

The camera in the demo is identical to the camera in the full game.

Todd

Bummer

haha, I was tricked by a forum poster... drats!
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[Dudd]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

Almost had a game where the AI showed some semblance of life, unfortunately they decided to throw a pick down near the goal line to ruin the first real sustained drive I've seen. I guess it's possible though!

[bkrich83]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I don't think so, this was posted yesterday by Todd on the BB forums...

The camera in the demo is identical to the camera in the full game.

Todd

Bummer

That indeed is a bummer. Even a little tweaking to allow some more depth perception down the field and a little wider field of vision would be a huge improvement imo.

I am assuming the CPU offense AI will be improved or at least improved via some patching in the future, but this camera imo, really detracts from what is potentially a fantastic football gaming experience.

I understand it was the devs vision and all that, but imo, and it's strictly my opinion they really missed the boat with the current cam. And to me that's unfortunate as I wanted to enjoy this game to it's utmost potential.

[swaldo]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I'm thinking perhaps we are their "beta testers" until the football season starts. Get our feedback then throw out a patch and big time marketing around the time Madden is released. Hopefully that will include improved AI and a tweaked cam.

[bkrich83]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I'm thinking perhaps we are their "beta testers" until the football season starts. Get our feedback then throw out a patch and big time marketing around the time Madden is released. Hopefully that will include improved AI and a tweaked cam.

Yes and to be honest, I'd rather they shore up any potential AI problems before they attack any camera tweaks. Although that probably goes without saying.

[TombSong]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

I know there are gonna be many who disagree with this but after a few days of playing the demo. I think they nailed the camera view perfect.

My first day reaction was what the heck, I cant see. Too much going on.
Once I started learning the controls and learning to stop wanting to see everything like we are used to, I learned to only look at what I need to and make my read progression from that point.

You have to look at your primary WR's route pre-snap and SEE before the snap what the defense should look like for that route to be open. Post snap the cam auto looks you to the primary. Its gonna take a second or two(depending on the route) for the WR to make his first cut. During that time you should give the pass rush a quick glance, then look to see if the defensive coverage is shaping up for that route to be open. If not move on to the next WR OR check the pocket again and move around to buy some time for the route to come open(if you think it will) If the rush is to heavy RUN, or throw the ball away. Moving around the porcket and scanning through the WR is easy once you understand the controls. Focus button is your friend, LOL. It speeds up how fast your WR looks at each WR. It also helps if you just want to quickly look at your blindside to make sure the protection is holding up till your primary gets open.

All this will not come easy at first, but once you stop having to think about the controls and focus on making your reads, this game is beautiful. I cant tell you how satisfying it is to see a RB about to cross the first down marker and you come charging in from the side and knock his behind in the direction YOU are going, not help pushing him for more yards because some canned animation said he must go forward.

Its not perfect by any means. I think they need to work on the AI play calling. I am also worried about multiplayer games. Can nano blitzes be made ? They also need more plays were you can keep both backs in to pass protect if you think a blitz is coming. Or let you hot audible to keep a extra blocker in(TE or HB)

I would say to guys on the fense, give the game some time and get yourself out of the frame of mind that you MUST see the whole field. In real life if you were playing football you cant look at everything. Just worry about what needs to be seen.

[TombSong]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

Also if you want to see more of the dline call shotgun plays. Shotgun gives you a better view of the pass rush.


Another cool thing I have seen is I had a Wr get tackled near the first down marker. As he went down he actually reached the ball forward pass the first down marker tagged the ground then brought it back in to protect it.

[Afrikan]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

great post TombSong...

also, here is some tips from one of the deveolpers Todd, if you missed it from the previous page.

Another post from Todd today....

Originally Posted by Bonecrusher...
Focus(LT) + R stick goes way faster than just using R stick.

"Basically yes, this is the answer. Using the right-stick on its own "scans" the field and sticks to the closest receiver. Using L-trigger + right-stick will "flick" between valid receivers."

When running with the ball - If you let go of the left-stick you enter stutter-steps (PRIMED). From here pushing the left-stick in any direction will cause the player to cut-turn in that direction.

In addition to that, after you receive the ball you are automatically PRIMED to do a cut-turn unless you are holding the left-stick directly 'up'. This is useful if you want to cut straight after receiving the ball and great for darting through holes in the line.

Spins break tackles.

If you are aggressive in a block you can get thrown down, but you can push the blocker back.

You can spin into(around) a block

[more later when I can remember them]

Todd.

[Primal80s]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

Just a quick paragraph or three about my updated impressions now that I've had a good few days of BB. This may also address some people's worries about the number of INTs in the throwing game.

I had adopted the Spartans as "my team" until the game comes out and was having a pretty good time playing against teams of equal skill level. Sometimes I'd get a good run and a first down, sometimes my passing plays would work and about 20%-25% of the time I'd throw INTs or incompletes. But hey, that's why they have 4 downs. I was reaching the point where my D and my O were balanced though and I was reaching half-time with 0-0 or 0-3...low scoring no TDs.

I switched to the Cougars and started playing against the Colonels. Wow! What a difference! The extra second in the pocket that comes from playing against teams with less skill really is a game changer. Suddenly my eyes were wide open and I could see my primary and secondary clearly and started throwing more and more completes. My running game also got better, with an extra second or two to spot the incoming linebackers. The game continues to amaze me. The CPU still throws some good plays and some bad ones and you will still be sacked sometimes but that is football.

So this is my message to anyone having trouble with learning to play QB. Yes, it IS a learning curve, there's no easy way around it. It's not the camera's fault, it's your fault. But if you practice, play smart and don't delay too long (not like the ten second luxury of being a QB-in-the-pocket in another football game) you'll find your throwing game gradually getting better. Play Cougars vs. Colonels for a few games and see how that feels. Don't hold Focus until you're ready to throw. Ultimately, just keep at it. It is not like anything you've played before, don't try to play it like any other football game you're used to.

P.S. I've never had a roughing the kicker penalty and I've never seen a punt or a field goal blocked yet. Maybe it's because I enact the play on the field instead of cheating to the outside and running around the line of scrimmage, maybe I'm not good enough at football games to break that line, but I haven't encountered this problem yet.

[Afrikan]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

Great Post Primal80s...

I also have not had any roughing the kicker penalties...or any blocked punts..

I have been playing on Pro/Hard settings this whole time, so I don't know if that decreases the chances for those situations happening.

[roadman]

Re: Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

Great Post Primal80s...

I also have not had any roughing the kicker penalties...or any blocked punts..

I have been playing on Pro/Hard settings this whole time, so I don't know if that decreases the chances for those situations happening.

Over the weekend, on Pro/Hard settings, I saw 9 missed XP's/FG's from the CPU over 5 games. Very odd and peculiar.