Since signing an exclusive contract with the NFL in 2005, EA’s Madden series has faced little competition. Various attempts at reinvigorating the Blitz franchise have fallen short, and while 2K’s All-Pro Football was well received it too failed to capture enough of the football market.

That’s where Backbreaker comes in. Backbreaker was shown off about two years ago, in a video highlighting the Natural Motion’s euphoria motion synthesis engine to show off a realistic, physics based game.

“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.

Now for the first time, the game seems real. It’s been given a Spring 2010 release window, and some facts have come out about the game.

1. Break out from the Pack: Backbreaker redefines standard football games with intuitive plays, an endless variety of unique tackles and outcomes based on actual in‐game collisions.
2. Jump Straight Into Action: Backbreaker offers intuitive controls for casual sports fans intimidated by the complexities and learning curve of other football games.
3. Feel the Explosive, Hard‐Hitting Tackles: Gone are the days of rigid, canned animations. NaturalMotion’s euphoria engine delivers high quality, hard‐hitting, true‐to‐life action, giving players an unparalleled experience on the gridiron.
4. Look Through the One‐of‐a‐kind Camera View: Backbreaker’s camera system has been designed to complement the controls, with techniques such as shake and dynamic field‐of‐view changes that give the game its distinct ‘on‐the‐field’ feel, aiding the player by dynamically framing the action.
5. Watch JumboTron‐Worthy Graphics & Instant Replay: Backbreaker uses state‐of‐the‐art animation and rendering technology for high definition dazzle. The instant replay system allows players to celebrate each tackle or touchdown, complete with reactions from crowds 90,000 strong.
6. Throw the Pigskin Online: Backbreaker supports extensive online functionality including competitive and team co‐op (live and split‐screen) gameplay online, and the ability to play in exhibition mode with up to four players.
7. Choose Between Powerful or Precise Plays: In evasive mode, players are more agile and can dodge, turn and jump to avoid threats, though they are more likely to fumble when tackled. In aggressive mode, players can stiff arm and fight through linemen, run faster and fend off big hits and tackles.

An intriguing list to be sure. Canned animations are something that has plagued Madden for a while. The one thing not mentioned here is the level of customization. According to the press release, and the game’s site, Backbreaker will have a franchise mode, along with complete team customization, including a logo editor.

For those seeking a game to compete with Madden, this could provide it. While it’s still early, Backbreaker shows promise. Already it has avoided one of the things that plagued All-Pro Football 2k8 with the addition of a franchise mode. Hopefully, we’ll be able to take a more in-depth look at the game.

Backbreaker will arrive on the PS3 and Xbox 360 sometime during the Spring. For more information, you can visit the game’s website http://www.backbreakergame.com.