GameBreaker 98 Review

NFL GameBreaker 98 is the best console football game currently available
period!  No comparisons with Madden 98.  GameBreaker 98 has been vastly
improved over the original GameBreaker, and outdistances Madden 98 by 50
yards!  The most noticeable improvement, of course, is new polygon
characters.  A unique feature is the analog cam which allows the ball
carrier to view left or right.  Several other improvements include real
player performances; realistic animations such as wrap tackling, dragging
tacklers, and pre-snap movements; dynamic camera; customizable CPU
offensive and defensive strengths; and clearer sound effects.  I have
seen every football title out since 1991, so I hope that I can provide
some insightful comments.  A more detailed discussion is done below.

-Graphics
New for GameBreaker 98 are polygonal characters.  Also included are more
realistic animations including wrap tackling, quarterbacks throwing on
the run, wide receivers tight roping the sidelines.  Ball carriers now
drag tacklers, break tackler's grasp, or switch the football to the
opposite hand to block potential tacklers.  Characters actually bend over
to pick up the football from the field.  Animations need to be added
depicting chest, overhead, and knee level catches to make the game more
believable.  Pre-snap motions for quarterback audibles and defensive
movements are also accurately shown.  The touchdown celebrations are far
too short.  Uniforms are now more detailed with real helmet markings. 
Some stadiums have a working replay screen.  Unfortunately, players still
wear ugly 1950s black cleats which from a distance make their feet look
as though they are cut off.  I hope that GameBreaker 99 will include more
realistic animations of defenders swatting at the football.  Most people
out-stretch their arms to lessen the impact when they fall back.  The
characters here instead simple fall back with their hands to the side
making the fall look stiff and artificial.  Necessary for next year is
darker shading of characters.  Defensive players celebrating after
sacking the quarterback on crucial downs would also add personality to
the game and enhance the excitement.  

-Sound
The crowd now chants defense when the visiting team is on third down. 
Impact and character grunting noises during tackles are now clearer.  The
quarterback actually calls out the play signals.  The crowd needs to
however roar and stomp louder when the home team is in red zone, scores,
or makes a big play.  Boos from the crowd after the visiting team scores
would also enhance the game's atmosphere.  Commentary needs to be more
descriptive to add more anticipation and excitement to the game.  Madden
98 does a much better job at handling penalties with referees making the
announcement and providing users with an accept or decline option.

-Realism
Left hand quarterbacks are also represented.  Wide receivers sometime
make catches under tight coverage, although way too few.  All America
receivers should possess the ability to time passes and out-leap their
opponents.  A problem that has haunted the GameDay series is that CPU
controlled quarterbacks never run past the line of scrimmage. 
Quarterbacks as a result never gain rushing yardage as reflected in the
stats.  GameBreaker 98 has remedied this by introducing the college
option play.  It is far too easy to inadvertently pitch the ball away
however.  The CPU controlled team does not simply run clock out on 4th
down when it is winning and 30 sec left in fourth quarter (CPU 2:00
minute drill needs to be improved).  It instead punts or attempts a field
goal.  Blocked punts or kicks are mysteriously not allowed to be returned
by the opposing team.  The game's biggest shortcoming is that playing
against the CPU does not feel exciting enough.  The CPU needs to be able
to execute more spectacular plays such as receivers making leaping
vertical mid-air catches or one-hand catches.  A CPU controlled running
back should lower his shoulder to charge and break a tackle.

-Camera
A dynamic camera reminiscent of the original GameDay is back.  It zooms
in automatically and tracks the football as it is in play.  The default
position for the QB and Breaker Cams is zoomed in just behind the
quarterback.  After the snap, it zooms out to view receivers.  If the
ball is handed off or the quarterback runs with it, it immediately zooms
back in to follow the ball.  This quick zoom out and then in temporarily
confuses users.  A suggestion is to position the Cam default as already
zoomed out prior to snap.  This will eliminate the need to quickly zoom
out and then in.  Polygons are best viewed from a distance which makes
motion capturing silky smooth.  When viewed up close however, characters
become unappealing blocks in motion.  The new overhead view would have
been perfect if it was not initially positioned so high above the field. 
It becomes very difficult to track the football during passing plays. 
What is needed here are manual views programmable to any angle and zoom.

-Presentation
I am not sure why extra point attempts are not replayable.  It sure would
be nice to study holes in the defense when attempting to block kicks. 
Small text underneath the ball carrier appear to be all that is needed to
show possession as well as identify players.  Large bright icons simple
create on-screen distractions.

-Game Play
One nice feature is the ability to customize CPU pass and run offensive
as well as defensive strengths.  An in game overlay showing CPU defensive
plays would allow beginners to study how plays unfold.  The icon passing
interface is one that was adopted from the Madden series.  Although
effective, it does not accurate yield the feeling of passing.  The
actions required to throw a ball to a specific location include being
able to control distance first and secondly location.  While the Total
Control Passing used here allows location control, controlling distance
is missing entirely.  One suggestion is to introduce a new interface
which controls distance based on how long or hard a specific button is
pressed.  Practice would be allowed in a new Quarterback Challenge mode. 
This mode would possess a visible marker showing where the football will
actually land.  The marker would have an on/off option to prevent
revealing location when playing against other users.  One receiver would
be available to throw to in practice mode.  This receiver, as all
receivers in other modes, would run to the location at which the football
will land.  A kick meter based on this new  passing interface would
definitely work better than the current imprecise two directional kick
meter.  Receiver color designations for play diagrams seen in the
original GameBreaker are missing here.  At times this can be confusing
when following receiver checkoff (i.e. primary, secondary, etc.). 
Another very important element missing is  ability of users to make their
receiver perform a mid air catch or leap just as the football approaches.

My rating:  8-1/2 out of 10.  Although no game is perfect, GameBreaker 98
continues to get better with each new release.  This game improves upon
the advances made by GameDay 98.  It is certainly a much more improved
game compared to the original GameBreaker.