Backbreaker tackles PS3, Xbox 360 next Spring @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on December 01, 2009

News: 505 Games publishing the latest NFL-less football video game.

Aside from a handful of challengers that were quickly swept aside, EA Sports has had the exclusive claim to football video games for the last few years. Another challenger will step onto the gridiron next Spring as developer NaturalMotion and publisher 505 Games will be bringing Backbreaker to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Backbreaker will be powered by NaturalMotion's acclaimed euphoria engine (which was also used in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Grand Theft Auto IV) to provide "realistic, physics-based motion AI" instead of the canned animations found in other football games.

УBackbreaker is about being on the field and in the actionФ, said Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion. УThrough 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.Ф

While it obviously won't feature NFL teams, Backbreaker will include 11-on-11 gameplay in two modes: a pick-up-and-play Arcade Mode and a demanding Pro Mode that turns off AI and visual assists. The game will also attempt to stand out from the pack by offering an on-the-field camera angle that follows the perspective of the player. Finally, NaturalMotion has promised Backbreaker will include online multiplayer and split-screen multiplayer modes.

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

We'll have more soon.