Backbreaker

 Xbox 360
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 29
  3. Negative: 7 out of 29
  1. GameShark
    42
    All of this hammers home the notion that you’re playing a really nice tech demo and not a complete football game—and the $10 discount price of $49.99 isn’t enough to warrant a purchase.
  2. Gaming Age
    42
    Overall, Backbreaker has a couple good things going for it with the physics of the Euphoria engine, the team customization, and the unique POV when on the field, but the actual gameplay really sets this one back.
  3. Eurogamer
    40
    A soulless attempt at straddling the fence between the over-the-top action found in the Blitz series and trying to accurately simulate the sport of football like the competition.
  5. Giant Bomb
    40
    Chalk this one up to a valiant, but ultimately wasted effort.
  6. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    40
    More failed conversion than touchdown. [July 2010, p.102]
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  7. Destructoid
    35
    Any game that makes me listen to P.O.D.’s “Boom” every damn time someone kicks off (and Refused’s “New Noise” at the beginning of every game) is going to draw my ire. For all its lifelike hits, Backbreaker simply isn’t fun to play.
  8. Game Revolution
    33
    But among the worst of it all is the lack of presentation. Nearly every football player looks the same. Their uniforms look like they're made from plastic. Referees have been transformed into Jumbotron cut-scenes. There are no coaches or players on the sidelines. And the crowds are comprised of the same four people copied a million times over.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 69
  3. Negative: 14 out of 69
  1. Hobsie
    Jun 7, 2010
    10
    The Graphics are far better than Madden, the game play is far more exciting than Madden, the entire feel of the game is far better than The Graphics are far better than Madden, the game play is far more exciting than Madden, the entire feel of the game is far better than Madden. As long as you can look past the lack of licensing (which just isn't that important for me) then this is the best Football game on the market as far as I'm concerned. And yes, I am sick fed up of being drip fed a 'new' Madden each year. This game is is such a breath of fresh air!… Full Review »
  2. DarCbrGr
    Jun 26, 2021
    9
    Hands down the best football game I've ever played. While the exhibition mode may be a little confusing in terms of its controls, Tackle AlleyHands down the best football game I've ever played. While the exhibition mode may be a little confusing in terms of its controls, Tackle Alley is where you will spend most of your time. You try to see how many waves of defenders you can get through before running out of lives. It's addicting and fun as hell.… Full Review »
  3. gamingisgreat
    Mar 10, 2017
    6
    Backbreaker is a decent non-NFL licensed game that outclasses Madden in some places,but falls short in many others.

    The gameplay is    Backbreaker is a decent non-NFL licensed game that outclasses Madden in some places,but falls short in many others.

    The gameplay is good.The physics engine is amazing,and for a game that released in 2010,considering that Madden didn't get a similar engine until Madden 13,is even more impressive.The analog-stick based controls are great for running but poor for passing.

    The game lacks NFL teams but has a such an in-depth team creator you can create them all anyway.The game also lacks modes with only custom season and Road To Backbreaker,which is just a 3 tier campaign that isn't really exciting at all.

    The game's graphics are solid,and the framerate is solid too.

    The sound design and soundtrack are weak however.

    Overall,Backbreaker is a decent game.    … Full Review »
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