505 Games has updated its website, revealing the North American release date ...

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."

Key Features

• Technology – Through a combination of biology and robotics research, euphoria uses the CPU power of next-generation consoles to simulate the nervous system, muscles, and biomechanics of the football players in real-time. This is the first time this technology is being employed for a sports game.
• Replayability – While conventional football games can only load a finite number of animations from a disc, Backbreaker’s real-time technology will never allow the gameplay to become stale.
• Attitude – Forget about prim and proper, Backbreaker presents a fast-paced, gritty gameplay experience that’s more Burnout than Madden.
• Pedigree – With clients such as Rockstar Games and LucasArts, NaturalMotion’s euphoria technology is used by some of the most respected companies in the industry.