Backbreaker (Madden killer?)

[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

More Backbreaker News & Previews

[D Mac]

Yeah I'll buy it.


In the $10 bargain bin.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2...pressions.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.

[Kane Knight]

Originally Posted by 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.

Holy fuck that's a lot of improvement.

[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]

Originally Posted by Boomer Some dude edited all the NFL teams into the game.

PS3?

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Diesel Mac 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.

[D Mac]

Originally Posted by Boomer 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.

[#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.

[D Mac]

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

[D Mac]

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