505 Games & NaturalMotion Announce Backbreaker Football Spring 2010 Release Date

Ripten has been following NaturalMotion and their puffy blue football test animations since our site launched back in 2007. At that time, I was convinced that the company’s physics based euphoria technology (showcased in the animations) was being utilized for the then yet to be released All Pro Football 2K8, however that was not the case as NaturalMotion later announced their intent to create a football title of their own. That title — Backbreaker.

Today’s announcement reveals that Backbreaker, developed by NaturalMotion, will be published by 505 Games for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles with a worldwide release in Spring of 2010.

NaturalMotion CEO, Torsten Reil, talks about the game experience and the 505 partnership:

“Through the use of euphoria, we are able to create an experience that is truly interactive and different every time. We’re thrilled to be partnering with 505 Games and can’t wait for gamers to experience this new type of sports title.”

Unlike 2k’s All Pro Football, which allowed users to select from a list of prefab logos when customizing their created teams, NaturalMotion’s Backbreaker claims that it will allow for “total team customization” including a “fully featured logo editor”. Depending on how this is handled, it may mean that gamers could hypothetically have the option to recreate the logos of their favorite NFL teams.

In addition to online and offline support, Backbreaker’s key feature fact sheet reveals some unique gameplay characteristics such as aggressive and elusive mode options, each with benefits and drawbacks. Aggressive mode turns you into a battling ram of sorts, allowing you to break tackles easier but making you easier to run down. Evasive mode gives you an agility edge when it comes to dodging, jumping, and overall avoidance, but makes you more prone to cough up the rock when tackled.

Here is a short developer interview that highlights some of the game’s footage as well as the euphoria engine itself.

There are still a lot of unknowns when it come to Backbreaker, but the early animation footage and general sense of direction the game seems to be headed in gives me hope. This is one title Ripten will continue to follow closely. Full press release, key feature fact sheet, and high res image gallery below.

505 GAMES AND NATURALMOTION ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING BACKBREAKER FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME

Backbreaker Revolutionizes the Football Video Game Genre on Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – Dec. 1, 2009 - 505 Games U.S. and NaturalMotion today announced the worldwide debut of Backbreaker, offering gamers a breakthrough in football video games. Targeted for release in Spring 2010 for the Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 platforms, Backbreaker is next generation football for the new generation of football fans.

Backbreaker redefines gameplay in the football video game genre with a stunning on-field camera view, accessible controls and a relentless onslaught of hard-hitting tackles. With NaturalMotion’s acclaimed euphoria motion synthesis engine featured in a sports title for the very first time, Backbreaker offers intense gameplay, dazzling graphics and an endless variety of unique football moments. From the moment players step onto the gridiron, Backbreaker is in a class of its own.

“Backbreaker sets the new standard for football,” said Adam Kline, president of 505 Games U.S. “Repetitive, canned animations are a thing of the past. We recognize that fans are eager for something new, and Backbreaker will blow them away.”

Backbreaker breaks the mold of traditional football video games with realistic, physics-based motion AI, crisp high-definition graphics and a camera angle that follows the perspective of the player. At its core, Backbreaker is full-on 11-versus-11 competitive play, and also includes online multiplayer and split-screen multiplayer modes. In addition, the game features total team customization including a fully featured logo editor.

The game welcomes newcomers to the genre with its intuitive pick-up-and-play Arcade Mode control scheme, while seasoned players can go head-to-head in the game’s demanding Pro Mode that turns off AI and visual assists.

“Backbreaker is about being on the field and in the action,” said Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion. “Through the use of euphoria, we are able to create an experience that is truly interactive and different every time. We’re thrilled to be partnering with 505 Games and can’t wait for gamers to experience this new type of sports title.”

Players will be able to take the field in Backbreaker for Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 platforms in Spring 2010.

Key Features

Break out from the Pack: Backbreaker redefines standard football games with intuitive plays, an endless variety of unique tackles and outcomes based on actual in‐game collisions
Jump Straight Into Action: Backbreaker offers intuitive controls for casual sports fans intimidated by the complexities and learning curve of other football games
Feel the Explosive, Hard‐Hitting Tackles: Gone are the days of rigid, canned animations. NaturalMotion’s euphoria engine delivers high quality, hard‐hitting, true‐to‐life action, giving players an unparalleled experience on the gridiron
Look Through the One‐of‐a‐kind Camera View: Backbreaker’s camera system has been designed to complement the controls, with techniques such as shake and dynamic field‐of‐view changes that give the game its distinct ‘on‐the‐field’ feel, aiding the player by dynamically framing the action
Watch JumboTron‐Worthy Graphics & Instant Replay: Backbreaker uses state‐of‐the‐art animation and rendering technology for high definition dazzle. The instant replay system allows players to celebrate each tackle or touchdown, complete with reactions from crowds 90,000 strong
Throw the Pigskin Online: Backbreaker supports extensive online functionality including competitive and team co‐op (live and split‐screen) gameplay online, and the ability to play in exhibition mode with up to four players.
Choose Between Powerful or Precise Plays: In evasive mode, players are more agile and can dodge, turn and jump to avoid threats, though they are more likely to fumble when tackled. In aggressive mode, players can stiff arm and fight through linemen, run faster and fend off big hits and tackles.

Backbreaker will be available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in Spring of 2010, and the website itself officially opens in 20 days.