Backbreaker...all that was advertised...and not too much else!
First off, Backbreaker is a football game that attempts to simulate the feeling of what players experience on the field. This means that the camera is ALWAYS down low and up close. This seems to be one of the main sticking points in most of the reviews that I have read. Well, you can't change it...get over it...and get used to it.
Secondly, Backbreaker might be the most visceral sports game yet. By that, I mean that each and every interaction on the field is generated on the fly. The Euphoria engine shows it's power and promise like no other. Animations that we have waited over 20 years for (if you have been a Madden gamer since it's inception) are rendered right on the field. This results in some awesome tackles, but also some that don't seem quite natural. (such as legs and torsos being twisted to the point where there should be broken bones!)
There are 4 different modes to play in Backbreaker. Exhibition, Season, Road to Backbreaker, and Tackle Alley. No need to explain the first two, so I will skip to the final two. Road To Backbreaker is 505 Studio's answer to franchise mode. You will start in the lowest league and work your way to the top leagues. If you are familiar with the league structures of European Soccer, then you will understand. If not, then it's pretty simple. You win and you advance. You lose and you stay. If you make it to a higher league and perform poorly. You can be relegated, or dropped down, to the prior league. Tackle Alley is somewhat of a mini-game. It is just running back VS. defense in wave after wave of jukes and spins. The goal is to get to the endzone without being tackled. You are scored based on your moves, chaining moves, and keeping a combo as you go. You even get some bonus points for showboating into the endzone.
One of the brightest spots in the game is the team creator. Not only can you just create a team. But, you can build the logo, uniform, and endzone look from scratch. The toolset is almost as robust as something like Photoshop and has already yielded some beautiful renditions of NFL teams.
The core game of football is pretty well represented in Backbreaker. Especially for a group of English developers that probably had to study the game from scratch to learn it. Although the default plays list is skimpy, once you go pro...the list expands to something that can allow a more strategic approach. Traditional sets from I-formation to goaline are filled with plenty of plays. However, the plays stay the same for every team. Defense contains the familiar 3-4, 4-3, Nickel, Dime, and Goaline as well. So as far as plays Backbreaker has it covered.
Now, the game wouldn't be a football game if you couldn't...well...play football. To me, this is where the hairs will be split. (mostly because of the camera and aggressive defenses)
The running game in Backbreaker is fun and rewarding. What I mean by this is that IF you follow the play correctly, adding a bit of skill along the way, you can have a effective running game. There is the normal complement of jukes, spins, hesitations, and trucks. However, they are physics based. This means that momentum plays a roll in how effective a truck or juke is going to be. My suggestion would be to play the Tackle Alley Mode for a bit to get used to that.
The passing game in Backbreaker proves a bit more difficult. Passing is controlled by using the focus trigger (LT or L2) and the right stick to flick to the open receiver and pressing up or down then up to execute a bullet or lob pass. Despite what you might have read, Backbreaker also has the ability to lead a pass. Pressing in the required direction just after the up press (before the QB motion is finished) allows you to lead pass and receivers will break off their routes accordingly. One interesting thing, there is NO catch button. Just having your receiver in the right spot causes him to attempt a reception.
Defense is the area where most people will have a lot of fun. One, because you get to inflict some crazy hits. Two, because you have to focus on being in the right place at the right time. All players have a complement of swim and spin moves to allow them to get passed the O-line. However, because of the physics, it is easier to penetrate with the larger DT, DE, and LB positions.
So, there it is. Backbreaker in all of it's positivity. You might be asking, if you liked it so much why only a 7? Well, here goes.
The presentation is extremely limited. The graphics are good, not great. The stadiums are probably the highlight of the graphics department. My only issue graphically is that there isn't enough difference between the models. Heights and weights of Linebackers and running backs seem to be about the same. There is a bit of added bulk to the lines. But, that's about it. Even the kicker looks like a linebacker! The sound is sparse. There is a bit of on-field chatter, but not enough. Especially, saying as though there is only a PA announcer. There is no commentary simply because you are supposed to be in the middle of the game. There are some nagging things that might turn perfectionists off. Some of the physics are detrimental to you. For example, you can actually get knocked down as a running back when you run into the back of a blocker. This can lead to a negative rush here and there, but nothing major. There are some rules issues that creep up as well. Forward fumbles, mis-called safeties. If you are not a fan of turnovers, well, you have to get used to them. Gone are the days of a perfect throwing game. You will get picked. You will get sacked. End of story. The O-line play can cause undue pressure to throw and cause INT's. Good thing is that it affects BOTH sides. Finally, the one thing that was MUCH needed in a new game...is absent. Practice Mode. You do get a basic tutorial, but I would like to have the option of practicing each play. As it is, you will be learning on the fly. Finally, for a game that showcases brutal hits and wonderful physics it is a shame that the replay is just straight forward. There is no ability to change the camera during a replay to bask in the glory of a great hit.
In the end, Backbreaker is a great first effort from a team of non-American football playing Brits. It falters a bit in the balance of offense and defense. However, the Euphoria engine is just so amazing that I am more than willing to give them a pass. If you are a person that is anal and perfectionist, this might not be your game. On the other hand, if you are looking for a fresh, new perspective on an American original...look no further.