Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

[spankdatazz22]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa_Bonami

Are you guys noticing the differences in player ratings and abilities to make the game feel really dynamic or do you think everyone seems to be performing more on a linear platform?

There are definite differences in the way players perform. Part of the issue with it being really noticeable imo is that we're playing with fictional players. Hard to look at a player from a particular team and say "that's how he should behave/perform". It's a big downside on Backbreaker's part not to have players that are easily identifiable, but it speaks to the quality of the demo that there is differentiation between the players. Although it does make me think how cool it would be to play safety in this game as an appropriately spec'd out Troy Polamalu/Ray Lewis/etc., or Adrian Petersen/Randy Moss/etc. As it is now it's hard to know how fictional players should perform, unless you dig into their ratings. The differences are noticeable though. And visible in the many videos online

[hatisback]

Had my first few problems with the game, but not game breaking. Probably can patch easily if the final build was this.

These happened in the same game.

1) I score a rushing touchdown and then it asks me if I want to kick off or onside kick. I choose onside for the heck of it and then I noticed the score is 8-0 though I never attempted a 2 point conversion or an extra point.

2) I was playing defensive tackle and when the ball was snapped, my DT didnt move for about two seconds.

3) They kicked off to me after scoring a fieldgoal at the end of the half and after the kick return, the clock still continued to count down.

[SA1NT401]

My initial Impressions after about an hour or so.....

Pros:

- Euphoria makes such a huge differance in every single area of the game. HUGE addition to BB and will only get more impressive the more you play. Great accomplishment right there. In practice i ran the drill to RUN INSIDE. DId that about 50 times...Dont recall seeing the same tackles...SWEET!

- Camera is great IMHO. Sure it will take some getting used to and it should. We have been playing from GODS VIEW for over 20 yrs (many of us anyway). Wonderful view for the game of football.

- Identity...Natural Motion has established itself and has actually done something quite differant and it works.

- Gameplay. BB Plays NOTHING like what we have had in the past...NOTHING at all. This is a GREAT thing honestly.

-AI- This was my biggest concern. On NORMAL (pro Mode not Arcade) the AI seems MORE than up to the task without being CHEAP. This makes me very happy. WR were covered when they should. I got to the QB a few times and got 3 sacks in my time with the DEMO. Same for the CPU. Passing will take PRACTICE (never thought i would say that).

Cons:

-Camera: Although is listed it as a pro (which it is) it can be a bit touchy. Sure it has a bit to do with the game being a demo and possible a slightly older build. Either way it has its good and bad points.

-Defense: Again, with practice, the new perspective will still take some getting used to and DL moves and getting a good jump off the line is gonna take alot of practice. This area may turn some people away mainly due to the fact your view is limited and when swithcing players the camera can really goof you up and cost you.

-Playbooks: Maybe it is the DEMO, but even tho all teams have a slightly differant playbook (good selection of plays overall tho) seems like formations are pretty vanilla. This area doesnt bother me really as i figured there would only be 1-2 total playbooks. Some could be put off.

All in ALL the demo solidified my purchase...I am very pleased. Hope ROad to BB and their "Franchise" mode really adds to the experience (dont plan on playing online). So the franchise modes are really gonna determine how much i get put of it

[Tyrant8RDFL]

WOW im downloading it now ,and I could really give a damn about any reviews of the demo. Even from this site, but I do respect the thoughts of the members in this site, and many of you are enjoying this game.

Man I feel hyped. I felt this game was going to be a pleasant surprise.

[turftickler]

Quote: Originally Posted by hatisback

Had my first few problems with the game, but not game breaking. Probably can patch easily if the final build was this. These happened in the same game. 1) I score a rushing touchdown and then it asks me if I want to kick off or onside kick. I choose onside for the heck of it and then I noticed the score is 8-0 though I never attempted a 2 point conversion or an extra point. 2) I was playing defensive tackle and when the ball was snapped, my DT didnt move for about two seconds. 3) They kicked off to me after scoring a fieldgoal at the end of the half and after the kick return, the clock still continued to count down.

Thanks for that. I honestly can say that the only one I have noticed is the punt/field goal roughing the kicker.

Again, I'm not expecting perfection from any game, just true effort to please the fans.

[nuttyrich]

Am I the only one getting this? I get a roughing the kicker over and over I'm on Pro and Easy mode) but c'mon 4 times in a row? This happens every time they are backed up.

I was originally just waiting to receive the ball as usual with most games, didn't even think to go on the line because in the other games it doesn't even help.

Well this does help as it's great to rush the Kicker or anyone.. but the problem remains.. if I take control of a defensive lineman and rush the kicker my CPU guy runs INTO the kicker over and over... too quickly for me to stop him because they're so backed up.

So far on Pro and easy mode I don't think the cpu has ran for more than 2 yards total in about 4 games.
1 completed pass in 4 games. Is it just easy mode?

I hope if I increase the mode it won't happen.

This game definitely has a different feel to it, and welcome different feel. Running game seems nice passing is fine not sure how the defense is because no matter what I do I either sack the QB or an Incomplete pass again on easy mode.

Anyone else have this problem with the roughing the kicker many times?

[seriousluboy83]

Liked everything except the camera movement and zoom on offense other than that i'm good

[Matt Young]

Using the right stick to juke/spin/truck feels good and works fluently, but Madden's been doing it for years and they're improving on it this year. As far as the rest of the game goes, it's like they took Madden's Superstar mode and made it into a game, which is not a good thing. Yes, you can switch players, but too often on defense, you aren't even a part of the play.

Speaking of defense, the lack of control is astounding. You have no ability whatsoever to jump up to tip or intercept a pass. None. You just have to stand by the receiver and hope your man automatically jumps up and catches it. I'm complaining even though I got interceptions on nearly every pass. I saw no tips whatsoever in all the games I played.

The fact that fact that you face the same direction whether on offense or defense is really off-putting. In fact, everything about the camera angles sucks. I get that they were trying to put you "in the game", but you can't see anything downfield while passing. And, speaking of passing, they again ripped off Madden. Their receiver switching mechanism is exactly the same as the "vision cone" from Madden, just without the actual cone shape shown on the field. Again, not a good thing.

At its core, the game is pretty fun, but it falls well short of the hype. Not one single thing aside from the physics engine/tackling is better than Madden, NCAA, or the 2K series. Combine that with the fact that this game will drop in price to $30, if not $20, by the time the NFL regular season starts... I'll pick it up for that price, but I have no problem waiting. Keep in mind that this is coming from someone who has become increasingly frustrated and angry with how Madden 10 plays, the more time I spend with it.

Overall impression: Thumbs in the middle.