PixlBit

BackBreaker is a one-of-a-kind experience when it comes to football games, offering both first and third person views in an effort to give players the point-of-view of the player from the field. While this is a great idea for a football game, BackBreaker fails to execute it properly.

BackBreaker, like most football games, has a few modes available including Exhibition, Leagues, Tackle Alley and Xbox Live Online Play.

Exhibition mode is a compilation of two different parts, Arcade and Pro. There is not much different between the two except that Arcade they only allow players to choose from a select number of plays. There are also a few less penalties but as for gameplay, they are one in the same.

While the gameplay can be fun, there is a learning curve associated with the controls. Originally, I struggled with the first person aspects of the game, but as I played it more it became easier. Even still, the concept is flawed because in the first person it's difficult to see large portions of the field thanks to a lack of peripheral vision. Being the quarterback only allows for you to see certain areas of the field making it hard to throw the ball without throwing an interception.

The exhibition mode also allows players to choose whatever player they want to be and run the play from that player's point-of-view. Again, a cool idea that is hampered by not being able to see the field well to run the play properly. With most of the mode being flawed, it is redeemed slightly by the running. Being the running back is the most enjoyable thing you can do in the mode and the game as a whole. Juking and spinning past defenders, with the ability to put the game into slow motion, allows for very exciting gameplay.

That being said, the standout mode of the game is Tackle Alley. Tackle Alley is much like the BackBreaker App on the iPhone. In this mode, you control a running back and your objective is to run into the end zone after a kickoff. You start at one end of the field and have to make it to the other side. Along the way you will face obstacles, whether it's players or boundaries. You have the opportunity to juke, spin and sidestep players which allow you to rack up points over time. There is a time limit to each Wave, but you are more likely to get tackled before ever reaching the time limit. There are 100 Waves and they get harder as time goes on. You are given a set number of lives and you gain more as you complete each wave. From the first time I tried this mode, I enjoyed myself, and even managed to make it to the 71st wave. It was not an easy feat, but with a bit of luck and skill you can reach 100 waves.

The final modes of the game are League mode and Xbox Live Online Play. The Xbox Live mode is essentially Exhibition matches versus other players online, similar to almost every other football game on the market. League mode is a bit different, playing similarly to the way Blitz The League works. You play matches against other teams in hopes to win a championship. Along the way you will have objectives that you need to accomplish in order to advance to the next round.

It's also worth mentioning that BackBreaker features no NFL teams or stadiums, but rather an assortment of NFL-like teams and stadiums. It's not really detrimental to the game, but if you really like playing as your favorite teams and players, it might be a hindrance.

In many ways, BackBreaker is to Madden as Skate is to Tony Hawk; a very cool idea that fails in execution. BackBreaker can often be both frustrating and boring during your typical exhibition match as result of the new ideas implemented. Thankfully, the inclusion of Tackle Alley highlights the best part of the game and allows players to enjoy it in a no-frills experience. Had Tackle Alley not been included in the game, BackBreaker would never be worth playing. To end on a high note, BackBreaker is a good start to a new series - if the flaws were fixed, there is a ton of potential waiting.