Backbreaker (Madden killer?)

[Requiem]

Was just told about this yesterday. hadn't heard of it. But it is a football game that is going to be using the Euphoria engine. Not a whole lot of information or details about it, but there is some footage on Youtube.

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It is in early development still obviously, but I can't wait to see what they do with this. I played Madden 10 for a while yesterday, and it's easy to see how Backbreaker could potentially be a lot more fun. If EA spent more time on animations and their engine, I might not think so. But this just looks to have way more potential for being more of a simulation than Madden. I also read that it will have full 11 vs 11 online football. That alone sounds pretty awesome.

[Xero]

This is why the Euphoria engine needs to be used for a wrestling game.

Just saying.

[Requiem]

Also just found out there was a tech demo for this back in either 07 or 08, and it was rumored that EA was trying to buy rights to the engine. Not sure what happened with that, but the above trailer is from the 2009 E3, so it appears this game is still a go.

[Vastardikai]

Holy Shit!

REFUSED!

[Kalyx triaD]

Looks good but there's more to games than animation. If they're banking on a hot physics system alone than they're in for the wake-up call of their lives.

[Requiem]

Considering we don't know a whole lot about the game, it's too early to say they're banking only on their physics system.

However, based on that video alone, it appears there will be the ability to create your own team and customize them completely, you will be able to play in 11 vs 11 online football games, and the local multiplayer has SPLIT SCREEN, which is awesome IMO. Hate the fact that everything takes place on one screen in current games. Makes it feel even more like you don't have much control over things.

Now obviously they can't use real NFL stuff, as EA has seen to that. But given what they have to work with, I think this could be real competition for the Madden series. Assuming EA doesn't just try to buy them out. :roll:

[FearedSanctity]

It's a football game, it's almost purely animation and physics.

[Requiem]

And when it comes to sports games Kalyx, the engine and physics is most of the game. Madden just feels clunky. Their tackling needs work, and it really doesn't give me the feeling of being very in control of things. Honestly, EA is just getting lazy because they don't have competition. I mean, that can't really even be argued. It's just the truth. Madden COULD be soooo much better, especially from a company with the ability to throw as much money at a project as they could. But, they have no real competition, so they only do what they have to to release the next game and have it be good enough that people will play it.

Don't get me wrong. I think Madden 10 is a lot of fun. I won 3 of the 4 games I played yesterday against DS, and it was great fun. But I found myself noticing the flaws in the game a lot. There was a lot I just didn't like. Just doesn't seem like a very polished game.

[Kalyx triaD]

We saw how people react to a football game with no NFL license, EA banked on the public's name-brand specific shopping habits. I'm betting EA's game plan from that deal is still as potent as ever.

I like the ideas in this football game, but it's fairly evident the physics engine is their selling point (and has been for the two years since they announced it). We'll see how it pans out, and I am hoping for a critical success. I just know the gamer community too well on these matters.

[Kalyx triaD]

And to be safe, make no mistake I am not damning this game or promoting EA. I completely understand where you're coming from, Req.

[Requiem]

I probably shouldn't have said "Madden Killer" in the title, because of course it won't be. Madden has the NFL license, and it is a recognizable name. It will be around for a while. But Backbreaker has the potential to change the feel of sports games. Imagine Euphoria being used in all sports games. Realistic motion and procedural animations for everything.

If it turns enough heads, Madden might be forced to actually change the way they do things.

[Kalyx triaD]

Euphoria would be awesome in other sports games, and WWE games would be an interesting take on it as well.

[D Mac]

2K sports should take the license to this. And add their great presentation aspects and commentary to it.

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Yeah really, no such thing as a "Madden Killer" with EA having the NFL license locked up.

[Skippord]

Yeah really, no such thing as a "Madden Killer" with EA having the NFL license locked up.
yeah

[CSL]

This has been in development for about 3 years, taking their sweet time

[Skippord]

why did I quote the post right above mine just to say yeah?

fucking weird

[Gonzo]

This has been in development for about 3 years, taking their sweet time

Tentative date is 2010.

[CSL]

It was 'Fall 08' originally I believe, followed by 'Coming Soon' etc :-\ Good to hear they finally found a publisher though

[Triple A]

The players seem to have abs on their uniforms. I don't think this will be "more of a simulation than Madden."

Seems like more of an arcade game.

This year's Madden is pretty fantastic.

"Madden killer." really

[Indifferent Clox]

i thought this was roderick strong's game.. :(

[RoXer]

The players seem to have abs on their uniforms. I don't think this will be "more of a simulation than Madden."

Seems like more of an arcade game.

This year's Madden is pretty fantastic.

"Madden killer." really

If you think Madden is great why don't you FUCKING PLAY IT

[Requiem]

Completely corrected that "Madden killer" statement if you guys would read the thread. GOSH!

[Gonzo]

The importance of this game goes far beyond football. Sports video gaming all uses motion captured graphics. Implementing a real physics engine into sports gaming would completely change the landscape.

Even though this year's Madden is good, the game still has inherent AI flaws year to year. I've seen videos of users being able to exploit the AI, or point out the inherent AI flaws. Every year EA Sports throws in some bells and whistles and the consumer has no choice but to accept Madden as the only legitimate choice for football gaming.

I'm all for any game that challenges Madden, especially one that implements this technology.

I don't know if it has been mentioned, but EA tried to buy the rights to use this game engine exclusively (or not use it as seen by their exclusive rights to use ESPN in their Madden games.) Obviously they know the threat is there. Even with all Madden's developments this year, the game is still blown out of the water presentation wise by NFL2k5.

[D Mac]

Backbreaker Football 2k10

[Kalyx triaD]

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[Kalyx triaD]

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Seriously, holy shit.

[D Mac]

Sweet. I might take this over Madden 11 this year.

[RoXer]

I will be goozexing it

[RoXer]

goozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexinggoozexing

[Kalyx triaD]

Look for the demo this weekend.

[D Mac]

cool

[D Mac]

demo is up

[Kalyx triaD]

Backbreaker 2 will fucking murder Madden 12. I believe this series will stir the pot.

[RoXer]

Pretty disappointed. Will elaborate more later.

[Kalyx triaD]

Oh this should be good.

[D Mac]

Yeah it aint no Madden killer. Will pass on buying it until it hits the used section.

[Fignuts]

Anyone who entertained the thought of this being a madden killer, even before the demo hit, needs their head examined.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Of course it's not going to kill Madden. It is a much, much more fun game for me though.

But the physics are wasted. You know what they should have used that on? A Slamball game.

[Fignuts]

I want to play slamball for real, so bad.

[Shaggy]

I was watching my cousin play the demo last night and it didnt seem so good. Seemed dissapointing but I will get around to playing it tonight to see what I really believe.

One thing pretty funny though was that when we were looking at the teams we made a crack about the team names being kinda like the XFL and then it hit me...

Wasnt there suppose to be a XFL game? I remember seeing it in GameInformer back when the league was around (you know...the whole one season). I was curious of if anything became of it like if they adapted it for another game.

[Kalyx triaD]

Game was set to release to XFL's second season. Both were canceled.

[Gonzo]

Passing is difficult to me. I like the "atmosphere" of the game. The music on the kickoffs is a nice touch. I think the final product needs to have options as far as camera angles go. It's tough on defense to switch players and keep going in the right direction necessary to make a play.

[Kalyx triaD]

I find defense easier than offense.

[FearedSanctity]

Can't play this until the camera is less fucking retarded

[Kalyx triaD]

Love the camera.

[RoXer]

Speaking of personality, Backbreaker could really use some. Sadly POD's "Here Comes the Boom" brings none of it, but that doesn't stop the song from playing on every single kickoff. That's right, each and every one.




lol come on. I thought that was because it was just the demo.

[Funky Fly]

lol

[D Mac]

So no commentary or TV style presentation?

[DAMN iNATOR]

IGN.com VIDEO REVIEW
<object id='vid_3225401' width='480' height='270' data='http://media.ign.com/ev/embed.swf' type='application/x-shockwave-flash'><param name='movie' value='http://media.ign.com/ev/embed.swf' /><param name='allowfullscreen' value='true' /><param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always' /><param name='bgcolor' value='#000000' /><param name='flashvars' value='vgroup=backb_vdr_060210&object=958004'/></object><div style='width:480;'><a href='http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/958/958004.html'>More Backbreaker News & Previews</a></div>

[D Mac]

Yeah I'll buy it.


In the $10 bargain bin.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2010/08/backbreaker-greathouse-3-impressions.html

Actually wanting to rent this again after reading that.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The list of changes is incredible. Don't forget this is the 3rd patch so the first 2 squashed a lot of bugs.

Here it is, the long awaited Greathouse change list. I've already posted the big features, this is an extremely in-depth look at everything in the patch. If you just want a quick look at the major features you can read the other thread, but if you've got some time I highly encourage you read this one. Please Tweet, Facebook, and MySpace about Greathouse This is a major patch, here's a look at what Natural Motion has done:

List on Facebook

BRAND NEW "GREATHOUSE" SCREENSHOTS show the new replay suite!

From the NaturalMotion Games team:

Over the past few months, the team at NaturalMotion Games has been talking with the community and listening to all of their ideas for Backbreaker. We’ve taken it all on board and, as you know, we’ve been working hard on an update. As a tribute to the Backbreaker forums’ favourite player, we’re naming this update “Greathouse” and it does a whole lot more than simply tweak a few things here and there. We’re very nearly done and now we want to share with you exactly what “Greathouse” will bring to Backbreaker.

One final thing. We take great delight from seeing all your videos and we’re humbled by your support and enthusiasm. If you’ve seen something uniquely amazing in Backbreaker that made you smile, laugh, point, call a friend or rub your eyes in amazement, then you ‘get’ Backbreaker… and we’ve made this game, and “Greathouse”, for you.

Key Additions

Brand new replay camera suite

• New free-flight camera
• Sideline and Endzone cameras including ball lock, pan and tele-zoom function
• A player-centric camera including zoom and rotation function. Track any player on either team.
• Ball camera including zoom and rotate
• Complete replay suite functionality added to Tackle Alley
• Added pause/play to all replay cameras for greater footage control
• Added ability to remove OSD for clean footage capture


Offensive Gameplay Camera

• The Quarterback camera has been pulled back and raised a little. This still keeps the feeling of being down in the action, but provides a slightly wider view and vision over the line
• Added a ‘glance’ button which allows you to instantly check your blind-side


Expanded Playbook

An Extra 59 Offensive plays consisting of these formations:
• Ace – Double Tight End
• Spread – 4 Wide
• Bunch – Bunch right
• Empty – 5 WR!!
• T-form – Old fashioned power football, 3 running backs in the backfield

An Extra 51 Defensive plays have been included consisting of these formations:
• 44 – 4 Defensive linemen, 4 linebackers.
• 46 – Traditional old school defense born of Buddy Ryan
• 33 – Nickel package with 3 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers
• 3 Deep – 7 defensive backs package with 3 deep across the back.

Gameplay Enhancements

Improved Passing Game & Reduced Interception Frequency

Following valuable feedback from reviews and Backbreaker forums, we rewrote elements of the AI that will help make passing a more effective way to gain yards.

Here is a summary of the changes:

• We’ve improved the O-Line for teams throughout the game. This will give you longer in the pocket to make your reads correctly and go through your progression
• We’ve increased the passing animation speed and increased the minimum distance where a long windup will be required. You will now be able to execute the pass more quickly and hit your target more effectively
• There were too many dropped passes to the flats. We’ve introduced a new pass classification for these simple passes and have ramped up the accuracy of the QB when performing this type of pass
• The accuracy of QBs has been increased across the board
• Defensive Backs now fully respect their visibility cone, only seeing interception opportunities when appropriate. The DBs will continue with the assigned role until the either “see” the need to change, or “hear” the need to change, which is typically about 1-2 seconds after the snap
• We’ve tweaked the amount your QB will lead a receiver when activated
• Moved pump fake to shoulder button to make lob passes easier to execute
• Improved mechanism for Quarterback scanning the field
• Reduced penalty applied for throwing out of focus mode




User Interceptions and User Controlled Catching

• Following community feedback, the user is now given full control over interception attempts when controlling a defensive player. Interception attempts are made by holding the left trigger (focus mode), ie. by actively looking towards the ball as it comes in
• Wide Receiver catching in now also uses this mechanic (i.e. hold left trigger when ball is approaching)
• To signal an incoming ball, the user-controlled WR will be highlighted red when targeted by the QB

QB AI Logic

The QB AI has received a major overhaul. Firstly, the opposition QB will now recognise double coverage better. He is also more likely to throw the ball away rather than risk a throw / take a sack. This results in fewer AI interceptions and sacks. We’ve also reworked the QB receiver selection logic and increased prioritisation of throwing to the primary.

Improved Pocket Protection

Following numerous tweaks, the pocket is more solid. Pocket time now averages around 5 seconds and is all linked to the players’ attributes.

Show and Hide Blitz

New ability to show and hide blitz, pre-snap , by pressing the shoulder button.

Jukes and spins

The animation speed of these has been increased and better linked to a player’s agility attribute.

Improved AI Time Management, Audibles and Play-calling

Sophistication of play selection, audibles and timeouts has been improved. Additionally, the AI is more likely to flip their selected play depending on the situation.

Opposition AI

This has been given an overhaul and you should find your opponent much more of a threat. We’ve also rebalanced Easy, Medium and Hard settings to be more challenging and linked almost all AI decisions/speeds to their attributes. Also, you should be aware that all of the notes relating to AI, animation and behaviours above will apply to your opponent as well. These are game-wide changes.

New RB Focus Mode

When holding the left trigger, the camera will turn upfield when the RB is heading towards the sidelines. This is NOT automatic – you need to press the hold the trigger to manually glance upfield.

Stumble Mechanic

We have added a stumble recovery mechanic for when your player has been knocked off course. To recover from a stumble, just press the Action button as quickly as possible.

Fumbles

• Fumbles are now more likely to happen for non-QB players.
• Passes backwards are now classified as fumbles (respecting QB arm movement direction)
• Catches bobbled / dropped within 2 steps as a result of a tackle are marked as incomplete passes rather than fumbles (player deemed not in control of ball)
Bug Fixes & Other High Priority Issues

Friendly Fire!

Your players occasionally reacted too strongly to friendly physical impact. This happened especially when controlling a RB/FB and clashing with your line. We’ve dialled that back, which should make your running game more effective. Players will still react to the collision but will be less likely to be knocked down

Penalties

Users have been reporting a multitude of penalty issues. We have done a comprehensive review of all penalty complaints and bugs (including the infamous roughing-the-kicker) and have been able to resolve them. We believe you will find this drastically improves the quality of the game.

Online Gameplay

• Reduced online lag slightly
• Built in a new protection system against people hacking the game to create a “super team” and taking it online
• Removed the Cancel Stats Posting option as reported by the forum. People were abusing this to avoid losses showing up in their profile
• Fixed a number of other stat posting related issues

D-Line

• Users playing as part of the D-Line were experiencing a slower-than-desired speed in getting off the mark due to a delay in input control. This has been solved
• Users playing D-line can now bat the ball (pull down on the right-stick)
• Spins, rips and swims are now more effective to help you get that sack

Too much Boom!

Stopped “Boom” playing every kickoff. It now only occurs at the start of each half. Yay!

Team Ratings

Offense, Defensive and Overall ratings for teams have been recalculated and now more accurately reflect the quality of the team if all the best players are on the field.

Play Exploits

Thanks to feedback from the forums we have put tweaks in place to prevent exploits on the following:
• RB spinning through the line
• QB sneak
• FG block
• Punt block
• Nanoblitz

Rule Fixes

• Players must take 2 steps before they gain possession of a caught ball
• Tipped punts and kick-offs that touch receiving team players and subsequently go out the back of the endzone no longer cause safeties (just touchbacks).
• Intentional Grounding penalty now causes a loss of down.
• Scrimmage kicks (punts/field goals) can only be returned by the kicking team if blocked before the line of scrimmage
• Two Minute Warning will only stop the game clock after the play has ended.
• Defensive/Offensive Pass interference rules are turned off when the ball touches a player.
• Pre-snap penalties (Encroachment, Delay of Game, False Start) no longer stop the game clock.
• Touchbacks and Safeties are determined by whoever intentionally touched the ball last, instead of whoever physically touched it last.
• Failed field goals restart at the 20 yard line or the point the ball was kicked from (used to be from the 20 yard line or the previous LoS).
• Improved Pass Interference detection.
• Defensive Holding rule now active during punts.
• Game clock is only stopped by a penalty if it is within the last 2 minutes of the first half, or the last 5 minutes of the second half.
• No longer declaring a pass as incomplete if a player catches it in the air with their feet out of bounds (the feet must be grounded).
• Fumbles on a 4th down, or within the Two Minute Warning, can only be advanced by the Defense or by the player who fumbled the ball.
• Improved the "ball carrier" logic.
• Now awarding a touchback when the punting team catches a non-live ball in the opponent’s endzone
• A ball is only considered blocked/batted if it changes the impetus of the ball.
• Intercepting the ball before your own endzone but being carried into the endzone with momentum will now give a touchback instead of a safety.
• If a QB fumbles a ball while in the motion of throwing (i.e. hands moving forwards), then this is now considered a forward pass.
• Ineligible receiver downfield during a pass down penalty now excludes tight ends.

[D Mac]

Might have to check it out then.

[Boomer]

Some dude edited all the NFL teams into the game. Gonna try that out, and see if the patch really feels any different from what I've played before.

[D Mac]

Some dude edited all the NFL teams into the game.

PS3?

[Boomer]

PS3?

Its 360, but I believe there is a PS3 roster update someone has done.

I played an Exhibition game last night (Falcons vs. Bucs), and will admit that I had a lot of fun. The passing felt damn good actually. The running I was having difficulty with, but I might have just completely ignored them stacking the box. Defense is definitely the most difficult part of the game, considering you are always focused on your one player. I had all the highlights off, so I really had to pay attention to where the ball was. I barely edged out the victory. I could go into more specifics, if anyone cared.

POD thankfully only plays at the start of each half...otherwise I'd shoot myself.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Yeah, that's all the patch by the sounds of it. Even the POD.

[YoungFlyFlashy]

Madden Killer? Lame.

[Boomer]

I've read that they are gonna keep working on the balance issues with big patches. Maybe they'll take POD out entirely in the next patch.

After a few more games, I can say that running is straight broken. I am tackled by the legs of my own teammates on nearly every play. Hitting a hole is nearly impossible for me. Haven't played that much though, again due to time constraints.

[Kane Knight]

The list of changes is incredible. Don't forget this is the 3rd patch so the first 2 squashed a lot of bugs.

Here it is, the long awaited Greathouse change list. I've already posted the big features, this is an extremely in-depth look at everything in the patch. If you just want a quick look at the major features you can read the other thread, but if you've got some time I highly encourage you read this one. Please Tweet, Facebook, and MySpace about Greathouse This is a major patch, here's a look at what Natural Motion has done:

List on Facebook

BRAND NEW "GREATHOUSE" SCREENSHOTS show the new replay suite!

From the NaturalMotion Games team:

Over the past few months, the team at NaturalMotion Games has been talking with the community and listening to all of their ideas for Backbreaker. We’ve taken it all on board and, as you know, we’ve been working hard on an update. As a tribute to the Backbreaker forums’ favourite player, we’re naming this update “Greathouse” and it does a whole lot more than simply tweak a few things here and there. We’re very nearly done and now we want to share with you exactly what “Greathouse” will bring to Backbreaker.

One final thing. We take great delight from seeing all your videos and we’re humbled by your support and enthusiasm. If you’ve seen something uniquely amazing in Backbreaker that made you smile, laugh, point, call a friend or rub your eyes in amazement, then you ‘get’ Backbreaker… and we’ve made this game, and “Greathouse”, for you.

Key Additions

Brand new replay camera suite

• New free-flight camera
• Sideline and Endzone cameras including ball lock, pan and tele-zoom function
• A player-centric camera including zoom and rotation function. Track any player on either team.
• Ball camera including zoom and rotate
• Complete replay suite functionality added to Tackle Alley
• Added pause/play to all replay cameras for greater footage control
• Added ability to remove OSD for clean footage capture


Offensive Gameplay Camera

• The Quarterback camera has been pulled back and raised a little. This still keeps the feeling of being down in the action, but provides a slightly wider view and vision over the line
• Added a ‘glance’ button which allows you to instantly check your blind-side


Expanded Playbook

An Extra 59 Offensive plays consisting of these formations:
• Ace – Double Tight End
• Spread – 4 Wide
• Bunch – Bunch right
• Empty – 5 WR!!
• T-form – Old fashioned power football, 3 running backs in the backfield

An Extra 51 Defensive plays have been included consisting of these formations:
• 44 – 4 Defensive linemen, 4 linebackers.
• 46 – Traditional old school defense born of Buddy Ryan
• 33 – Nickel package with 3 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers
• 3 Deep – 7 defensive backs package with 3 deep across the back.

Gameplay Enhancements

Improved Passing Game & Reduced Interception Frequency

Following valuable feedback from reviews and Backbreaker forums, we rewrote elements of the AI that will help make passing a more effective way to gain yards.

Here is a summary of the changes:

• We’ve improved the O-Line for teams throughout the game. This will give you longer in the pocket to make your reads correctly and go through your progression
• We’ve increased the passing animation speed and increased the minimum distance where a long windup will be required. You will now be able to execute the pass more quickly and hit your target more effectively
• There were too many dropped passes to the flats. We’ve introduced a new pass classification for these simple passes and have ramped up the accuracy of the QB when performing this type of pass
• The accuracy of QBs has been increased across the board
• Defensive Backs now fully respect their visibility cone, only seeing interception opportunities when appropriate. The DBs will continue with the assigned role until the either “see” the need to change, or “hear” the need to change, which is typically about 1-2 seconds after the snap
• We’ve tweaked the amount your QB will lead a receiver when activated
• Moved pump fake to shoulder button to make lob passes easier to execute
• Improved mechanism for Quarterback scanning the field
• Reduced penalty applied for throwing out of focus mode




User Interceptions and User Controlled Catching

• Following community feedback, the user is now given full control over interception attempts when controlling a defensive player. Interception attempts are made by holding the left trigger (focus mode), ie. by actively looking towards the ball as it comes in
• Wide Receiver catching in now also uses this mechanic (i.e. hold left trigger when ball is approaching)
• To signal an incoming ball, the user-controlled WR will be highlighted red when targeted by the QB

QB AI Logic

The QB AI has received a major overhaul. Firstly, the opposition QB will now recognise double coverage better. He is also more likely to throw the ball away rather than risk a throw / take a sack. This results in fewer AI interceptions and sacks. We’ve also reworked the QB receiver selection logic and increased prioritisation of throwing to the primary.

Improved Pocket Protection

Following numerous tweaks, the pocket is more solid. Pocket time now averages around 5 seconds and is all linked to the players’ attributes.

Show and Hide Blitz

New ability to show and hide blitz, pre-snap , by pressing the shoulder button.

Jukes and spins

The animation speed of these has been increased and better linked to a player’s agility attribute.

Improved AI Time Management, Audibles and Play-calling

Sophistication of play selection, audibles and timeouts has been improved. Additionally, the AI is more likely to flip their selected play depending on the situation.

Opposition AI

This has been given an overhaul and you should find your opponent much more of a threat. We’ve also rebalanced Easy, Medium and Hard settings to be more challenging and linked almost all AI decisions/speeds to their attributes. Also, you should be aware that all of the notes relating to AI, animation and behaviours above will apply to your opponent as well. These are game-wide changes.

New RB Focus Mode

When holding the left trigger, the camera will turn upfield when the RB is heading towards the sidelines. This is NOT automatic – you need to press the hold the trigger to manually glance upfield.

Stumble Mechanic

We have added a stumble recovery mechanic for when your player has been knocked off course. To recover from a stumble, just press the Action button as quickly as possible.

Fumbles

• Fumbles are now more likely to happen for non-QB players.
• Passes backwards are now classified as fumbles (respecting QB arm movement direction)
• Catches bobbled / dropped within 2 steps as a result of a tackle are marked as incomplete passes rather than fumbles (player deemed not in control of ball)
Bug Fixes & Other High Priority Issues

Friendly Fire!

Your players occasionally reacted too strongly to friendly physical impact. This happened especially when controlling a RB/FB and clashing with your line. We’ve dialled that back, which should make your running game more effective. Players will still react to the collision but will be less likely to be knocked down

Penalties

Users have been reporting a multitude of penalty issues. We have done a comprehensive review of all penalty complaints and bugs (including the infamous roughing-the-kicker) and have been able to resolve them. We believe you will find this drastically improves the quality of the game.

Online Gameplay

• Reduced online lag slightly
• Built in a new protection system against people hacking the game to create a “super team” and taking it online
• Removed the Cancel Stats Posting option as reported by the forum. People were abusing this to avoid losses showing up in their profile
• Fixed a number of other stat posting related issues

D-Line

• Users playing as part of the D-Line were experiencing a slower-than-desired speed in getting off the mark due to a delay in input control. This has been solved
• Users playing D-line can now bat the ball (pull down on the right-stick)
• Spins, rips and swims are now more effective to help you get that sack

Too much Boom!

Stopped “Boom” playing every kickoff. It now only occurs at the start of each half. Yay!

Team Ratings

Offense, Defensive and Overall ratings for teams have been recalculated and now more accurately reflect the quality of the team if all the best players are on the field.

Play Exploits

Thanks to feedback from the forums we have put tweaks in place to prevent exploits on the following:
• RB spinning through the line
• QB sneak
• FG block
• Punt block
• Nanoblitz

Rule Fixes

• Players must take 2 steps before they gain possession of a caught ball
• Tipped punts and kick-offs that touch receiving team players and subsequently go out the back of the endzone no longer cause safeties (just touchbacks).
• Intentional Grounding penalty now causes a loss of down.
• Scrimmage kicks (punts/field goals) can only be returned by the kicking team if blocked before the line of scrimmage
• Two Minute Warning will only stop the game clock after the play has ended.
• Defensive/Offensive Pass interference rules are turned off when the ball touches a player.
• Pre-snap penalties (Encroachment, Delay of Game, False Start) no longer stop the game clock.
• Touchbacks and Safeties are determined by whoever intentionally touched the ball last, instead of whoever physically touched it last.
• Failed field goals restart at the 20 yard line or the point the ball was kicked from (used to be from the 20 yard line or the previous LoS).
• Improved Pass Interference detection.
• Defensive Holding rule now active during punts.
• Game clock is only stopped by a penalty if it is within the last 2 minutes of the first half, or the last 5 minutes of the second half.
• No longer declaring a pass as incomplete if a player catches it in the air with their feet out of bounds (the feet must be grounded).
• Fumbles on a 4th down, or within the Two Minute Warning, can only be advanced by the Defense or by the player who fumbled the ball.
• Improved the "ball carrier" logic.
• Now awarding a touchback when the punting team catches a non-live ball in the opponent’s endzone
• A ball is only considered blocked/batted if it changes the impetus of the ball.
• Intercepting the ball before your own endzone but being carried into the endzone with momentum will now give a touchback instead of a safety.
• If a QB fumbles a ball while in the motion of throwing (i.e. hands moving forwards), then this is now considered a forward pass.
• Ineligible receiver downfield during a pass down penalty now excludes tight ends.
Holy fuck that's a lot of improvement.

[D Mac]

Got it for 30 bucks. Pretty fun distraction thanks to the patch.

[D Mac]

Its 360, but I believe there is a PS3 roster update someone has done.

I played an Exhibition game last night (Falcons vs. Bucs), and will admit that I had a lot of fun. The passing felt damn good actually. The running I was having difficulty with, but I might have just completely ignored them stacking the box. Defense is definitely the most difficult part of the game, considering you are always focused on your one player. I had all the highlights off, so I really had to pay attention to where the ball was. I barely edged out the victory. I could go into more specifics, if anyone cared.

POD thankfully only plays at the start of each half...otherwise I'd shoot myself.

So how can I get this NFL custom shit on mine Xbox.

[D Mac]

I figured it out and got all 32 NFL teams in this. So Madden 11 can suck it.

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