Backbreaker Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

[swaldo]

I'm really liking the demo, it was well put together with lots to do and a good selection of teams to try. I love the tackle alley and it has a decent tutorial to get you up to speed.

I was going to flame because I thought it took too long to scan the field as a QB. However, I tried the alternate QB controls and it's much better! The difference is that you scan the field with the X and B button rather than the R stick. I tested this out in practice mode...after you hike the QB only takes one step back so you have to drop him back yourself. While doing so the QB will be looking at the primary receiver, and you can't scan the other way with the stick while dropping back! However, using the alt controlls scanning with X and B you CAN scan left and right while moving and it's much quicker. Alt controls also has the more familiar "A" button to throw for both standard and lob passes. You hold the A button to pass or click and release to lob. I didn't like the default lob with the stick, I thought it was too clunky and half the time I wasn't sure if it was even a lob.

- The main problem with QB is scrambling & throwing. It takes too long to "turn off" scrambling thus allowing you to throw. We should be able to fire away while moving but with a far less accurate pass. Also QB animations can be funky, just looks awkward at times.

- Tackles are just just plain filthy! It makes other games look so outdated. After my first completion I didn't know you had to manually control the WR, so he just stood there while a LB came firing in at full speed and creamed him. WOW, NASTY! When this game adds injuries look out.

- I love how you can pick any position on the field. Want to be a center, get dirty and pound bodies? No problem. It's a blast trying all the different positions.

- I like the option to protect the ball in the running game.

- Noticing too many sacks and interceptions. One time the CPU QB threw up a real air ball. He had just gotten hit in the side by the DL, but had enough momentum left to lung forward so he just tossed it up in desperation before falling to the ground. In a way it was cool but perhaps more disciplined QB AI is in order? I mean they were only 10 yards away from a TD, the ball was intercepted in the goal line.

- Had a nice completion for 30 yards but the safety didn't even react although he was right behind the reciever. After the WR caught the ball he just bumped into him and fell to the ground. Pretty ugly but I threw in 'focus mode' so perhaps that made the DB AI worse?

- Are you kidding me with 2 minute quarters and only one half - or 4 minutes of total play time? So for half the game you're in 2 minute warning mode - having to rush plays, call time outs, throw deep passes if losing etc. Meanwhile, if you're on defense and the CPU is winning it will run the clock down so you have to sit there watching the precious minutes burn. Oh well, at least we can play it early so I shouldn't complain.

- I don't like the player models. The kickers are ripped with 6 pack abs! I mean c'mon man.

- Nice presentation walking into the stadium with 75,000 fans. It really gets you fired up.

- Roughing the punter might be an issue. I've seen the kicker nailed 3 times, 2 for a penalty and one without. In all cases the ball traveled far short, so beware controlling your punt returner. I scrambled to get inside the catch zone but was late and the ball bounced off me for a fumble.

- Also just a tip: If you click the RT right before a sack the QB will duck and protect the ball. If the defender is far enough away he'll dodge and scramble.

- I like the "feel" of being a player on the field, the game does this very well. I would like to see player specific camera angles in the future though. For example another poster mentioned how difficult it is being a safety with the default camera and I have to agree. I can manage with what is there now but I hope they keep working to improve in this area.

If anyone is wondering why there are no super detailed impressions, it's probably because of the very limited instant replay in the demo version. You can't see the whole field many times so it's tough to get a look at how all the players interact. The game makes you feel like a real player though. You block someone, fall to the ground, look up and find out where the ball ended up - and sometimes you have no idea how it got there.

Overall even with quirks and all I really like the game, it's better than I expected for a first run. I can definately see this game being a Madden killer, if not this version then most definately the next. Madden will have to really step up it's game, no doubt about it! As things stand right now Backbreaker along with APF should satisfy my football cravings for this upcoming season. For the first time ever I don't feel that I "must buy" the other option. Good job BB dev team!

[Matt Young]

Quote: Originally Posted by michaeljordanjr

How is the tackle physics? Can you differentiate between a powerful hit at full speed versus a regular hit? Or does every tackle have the same intensity?

There is definitely a difference depending on where you hit them, at what angle, and whether or not you're holding down RT.

[NoDakHusker]

Quote: Originally Posted by michaeljordanjr

How is the tackle physics? Can you differentiate between a powerful hit at full speed versus a regular hit? Or does every tackle have the same intensity?

Tackles have varying intensities...and no two tackles are exactly alike.

[Glorious Arc]

What is everyones high score in tackle alley so far? I have only managed to get 11000 points but I wasnt showboating or trying to get points...I was just trying to complete as many levels as possible(last level is 5)

For the 3rd wave I would suggest trying to make the defenders miss because they look like and move like Dlinemen and so far I havent been able to power over them. I love the fact that the big men are stuffing me in my place.

[allBthere]

Quote: Originally Posted by michaeljordanjr

How is the tackle physics? Can you differentiate between a powerful hit at full speed versus a regular hit? Or does every tackle have the same intensity?

the variety is through the roof man. you can get 'barge' tackled, 'wrap' tackled or 'dive tackled' and I've seen each one do very different things. I've seen people ankle grab, get blown-up, glancing and lose balance, everything. Many times when you truck w/ a fullback and it's one on one you'll go down but over the tackler gaining an extra yard and a half...so he wraps you up and gets you down, but din't stand you up or anything like that.

[hatisback]

Quote: Originally Posted by Glorious Arc

What is everyones high score in tackle alley so far? I have only managed to get 11000 points but I wasnt showboating or trying to get points...I was just trying to complete as many levels as possible(last level is 5) For the 3rd wave I would suggest trying to make the defenders miss because they look like and move like Dlinemen and so far I havent been able to power over them. I love the fact that the big men are stuffing me in my place.

Got the same thing. I dont know how anyone could get through 100 waves.

[Altimus]

Yeah in the wave game you can't just run around trying to truck everyone. You have to start stringing moves together to make guys miss. Really fun, I like it.

[p_rushing]

I just got called for Off PI on a TD. There was contact and I never should have thrown the ball, but my WR somewhat pushed the DB in the back and was wideopen after the push.