NaturalMotion and 505 Games Detail Major Backbreaker Update, Codenamed Greathouse

IGN.com | 03 August 2010 12:00
 
Response to community feedback will radically enhance the Backbreaker experience.
 
OXFORD - NaturalMotion Games have lifted the lid on Greathouse, the forthcoming update to their revolutionary, euphoria-powered football game, Backbreaker. The update introduces brand new features, gameplay enhancements and dozens of important tweaks, resulting in a greatly enriched Backbreaker experience. "We are lucky to have such a passionate community who have supported us throughout the development of Backbreaker and continue to do so post-launch," said Todd Gibbs, Head of Game Development, NaturalMotion Games. "Greathouse will give them what they have asked for, packed as it is with additions, changes, tweaks and requests taken directly from our online forums, reviews, as well as from individual players who spent time at our offices testing the latest features. I am extremely proud of what the team has managed to achieve in just a month." Major features in Greathouse include:

• Brand new replay system with the addition of seven fully functional cameras, including free flight mode and a cinematic 'ball-lock' option.
• More than 100 new plays added, including an additional nine formations.
• Improved Quarterback camera view and passing game.
• A user-catch system, giving the player a much greater level of control over the on-field action.
• Interception control, the user is now given full control over interception attempts when controlling a defensive player.
• Comprehensive review of the penalty rulings following an analysis of reported errors.

"We were stunned by the sheer volume of user videos that were posted on YouTube following the release of Backbreaker," said Ant Lewis, Lead Designer, NaturalMotion Games. "It is obvious that the community loves the realism and live nature of the game and wants to share their unique moments. The new suite of cameras introduced with Greathouse will give them complete creative control over their footage and we are excited to see what appears as a result." The Greathouse update is currently progressing through final tuning and is scheduled for release in early August. Backbreaker, developed by NaturalMotion Games and published worldwide by 505 Games, is the world's first truly live sports title. Utilizing the studio's own euphoria engine, Backbreaker brings a revolutionary in-game animation system to the on-field action, meaning no two tackles will ever be alike. Backbreaker is available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. About NaturalMotion Games NaturalMotion Games is an Oxford, England based game studio, shortlisted as 'Best New Studio' by Develop. Formed in 2006, the studio's goal is to create a revolution in interactive entertainment by employing the animation technology created by its parent company, NaturalMotion Ltd. Already featured in world-class games Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, NaturalMotion's euphoria engine can now be found powering the studio's debut tile Backbreaker on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
 
About 505 GAMES (U.S.) Based in Los Angeles, CA, 505 Games (U.S.) is the North American division of 505 Games, a global videogame publisher. The U.S. operations launched in May, 2008 to bring quality interactive entertainment to North America on all game platforms including Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Nintendo Wii and DS, as well as PC, online, and mobile. The company's management team hails from the leaders in global entertainment including major motion picture studios, videogame publishers and leading game development studios. With the company's deep experience and proven success in interactive entertainment worldwide, 505 Games is looking to drive the industry forward with innovative game experiences that integrate next generation game play, immersive stories and integrated brands that can take the business to a new level. The company offers a broad selection of videogame titles in all genres for players of all ages.
 
Supplied by IGN.com