'Backbreaker: Tackle Alley' Comes up Fourth and Inches

When I first came across the screens for Natural Motion's Backbreaker: Tackle Alley, I nearly pulled a cliché and spat coffee all over my monitor. The game looked good, too good. But my skepticism soon waned when I got my hands on the title a couple days ago. Backbreaker is most definitely a looker. Developed by Ideaworks3D, the game employs Natural Motion's groundbreaking endorphin engine (not Morpheme, as we originally stated), which allows for highly-tailored model animation. I spoke to Natural Motion's PR and Marketing Manager, Rob Donald, who was very excited about endorphin's role in a mobile device.

"I’d say we’re raised the bar on what gamers can expect in the future. In fact, what they should expect," he said. Donald also confirmed that the engine does not rely on ragdoll physics, which some other iPhone gaming sites have incorrectly stated.

"The tackles in Backbreaker Football were created in NaturalMotion endorphin, which perfectly simulates real motion. With ragdoll physics, you get what the name suggests and you would simply see limp, lifeless dummies flopping about. endorphin is full on simulation which is why that technology is used by VFx companies in TV, adverts and movies."

Backbreaker is also being developed for home consoles, which lead me to believe that the iPhone translation would be more of a teaser than anything. Donald assured me that the game could hold its own as a standalone title, but having spent a couple days with the title, I'm not so sure that Backbreaker makes the conversion. 

The principal goal of Backbreaker is to maneuver your running back across the football field and into the endzone. This is of course complicated by aggressive defenders and restricted running paths, which is why you're equipped with a few evasive tactics. On either sides of the screen are transparent juke and spin buttons. Jukes are considerably easier to pull off, but spins do more for your point total and look way more badass. A sprint button on the right portion of the screen can also be utilized to circumvent defenders, though it comes with the trade off of no access to the spin and juke moves, in addition to slowed turning. Employing these tactics is primarily a matter of timing, and secondarily a familiarization with the A.I.'s pre-tackle animations. Once you've managed to hustle past the last defender on the field, you can use the "showboat" button (positioned across from sprint) to rub your elusive fortitude in the opposing team's face.

The game offers Challenge and Endurance modes of play. Challenge mode features five levels with 10 "waves" each, for a total of 50 separate stages. These challenges increase in difficulty, from merely avoiding a few defenders, to running within paths defined by red boundaries and finally going out of your way to run over blue and yellow zones that increase your overall score. Strangely enough, traversing the bonus score zones is not required to complete a level, meaning there are really only defenders and boundaries to stand in your way of a touchdown. You must complete each wave in four lives (tries) or less, with failure resulting in restarting the challenge from wave one.

Endurance mode plays out as you would expect. You're awarded five lives per wave, which are identical to those in Challenge mode, the object being to last as long as you can.

Controlling your player is an enjoyable experience. Using the accelerometer, you simply tilt the device forward to run, and from side to side for turns. As previously mentioned, there are six virtual buttons on screen: two for juking, two for spinning, one for sprinting and one for showboating. The controls were very responsive, and relatively easy to pick up. 

There are a few customization options to fiddle with. You can choose your team, skin tone, uniform number and name (which displays on the back of your jersey). As you complete game challenges - racking up a silver or gold helmet, depending on score - you'll unlock new teams. The game is not NFL licensed, so these teams are somewhat generic. This really isn't an issue. What is an issue, however, is that the team you choose and the teams you face off against have absolutely no impact on gameplay. They are merely aesthetic differences.

Backbreaker's hail mary is (not surprisingly) how hot-dog-damn good it looks. Donald got it right when he said that the endorphin animation engine raises the bar for iPhone gaming. The low and close 3rd person perspective on your running back looks great, and really puts you in the middle of the maelstrom. Following each tackle is a replay, and the footage is often worth a viewing. There are seemingly dozens of variations, from clothespins to diving take-downs. I did find it odd that the tackle replays could not be manually triggered or the viewing angle adjusted. Once you reach the endzone, there are a few seconds of replay, but I would've loved to view my entire successful drive as well. In my opinion this is a significant oversight.

Perhaps my expectations have been ruined by titles like Home Run Battle 3D and Real Soccer 2009, but Backbreaker seems to skimp a little on replay value. Once you get the hang of timing your moves, there's really nothing to stand in your way of beating every available level consecutively (a feat I pulled off after a few hours with the title). If you couple this with the fact that the waves between play modes are identical, then Backbreaker's luster really starts to fade. 

Equipment upgrades based on score totals, the ability to choose between showboat behaviors and a global score board would all be strapping improvements in a future update. You can push your scores to Facebook to share with friends, but I'd like to see Natural Motion take things a step further. The addition of head-to-head multiplayer over WiFi and/or 3G could put Backbreakers on par with the most addictive of iPhone games. My fingers are crossed.

TS Recommendation:

In its current form, Backbreaker: Tackle Alley is a fun little action-arcade package. The graphics are astounding, it controls well and it's mighty satisfying to watch your running back crumple into the fetal position on the field. Unfortunately though, the game doesn't hit hard enough on replayability. Few customization options, not-so dynamic level design and the relatively quick process of mastering the A.I. prevent Backbreakers from running alongside other sports arcade giants on this platform. For $.99, Backbreakers is worth a shot. For more than three bucks, I might hold off. In the event that Natural Motion issues a game-altering update with the additions I've suggested, then grab your cleats and adorn your face paint. In the meantime, exercise your best judgment. Or better yet, grab a pigskin and get some exercise in a park or something. Just kidding. iPhone gaming is far superior.

Title: Backbreaker: Tackle Alley
Developer: Ideaworks 3D and Natural Motion
Price: $.99
Lite Version: No
Compatible Devices: All Devices Supported
Test Device: iPhone 3G

'Backbreaker: Tackle Alley' Comes up Fourth and Inches