

Much of the blame falls on the nonadjustable camera, which is set far too close to players. Unfortunately, the actual football experience is not able to match this fantastic animation system.

But it's amazing how realistic Backbreaker looks. The throwing and kicking motions are a little off, and the lack of any injuries limits the ramifications of these punishing hits. Although the animations are usually incredible, they are not without some faults. Running backs can be pulled down by just their arm or held in place by a falling lineman, while a surging linebacker rushes in to finish off the job.

Get a clean shot on a quarterback, and watch the shock wave ripple through his body, forcing his head to snap back like a jack-in-the-box and his legs to lose the ability to support the weight above them. There has simply never been a sports game that so accurately reflects a player's movement and momentum. Players react like you would expect real people to, obeying the laws of physics so strictly that when their bodies contort and bend, you can imagine the pain these digital beings must be in. The animation in Backbreaker is incredibly realistic and makes every action you take on the field pop off the screen.
