Players can tweak the game's AI all the way from laughably easy to frighteningly realistic. This only works, however, if the player with the ball has space for a kick, as bullet-time ends the moment a tackle is imminent. If players opt for a kick during dynamic play, the game slows down briefly, allowing them to better direct their efforts the effect is similar to the bullet-time feature in Max Payne, complete with slow-motion players and muffled sound effects. Once the scrumhalf has the ball, players can flick it back to any player in the back line holding down on a shoulder button causes face-button prompts to appear over each player and then it's simply a matter of sending the ball exactly where you want it to go. Scrums are won or lost on the timed flick of both thumbsticks, but each team's pack power is factored in. Not only does this make winning the ball less reliant on luck, it also allows players to have their forwards take advantage of an opposition whose players are out of position. When the ball goes to ground, players can make their forwards form a fast or a heavy bind on the player with the ball. This means players can better see the position of their teammates, and also, the shoulder buttons aren't reversed at half time.įurthermore, players have a greater degree of control over the movements of their team on the pitch. Unlike RWC 2011, Rugby Challenge has wisely chosen to set the in-game camera behind the player's team, rather than to the side of the pitch. However, the stark difference in quality between Rugby Challenge and RWC 2011 is evident right from the first kick-off. The control system shouldn't present too many surprises for rugby sim veterans passing is mapped to the shoulder buttons, tackling and kicking to the face buttons and sprinting to the right trigger. While that may sound like we're damning it with faint praise – after all, there are only two recently released rugby sims on the market – Rugby Challenge towers over its competition in depth and gameplay. Step forward Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge, the creation of Wellington-based studio, Sidhe, which is the finest rugby video game currently available.
Unfortunately it's the only rugby sim that's been available – until now. After all, one of the key attractions of video games as a medium is wish-fulfilment.įor the length of the competition, gamers have only had Rugby World Cup 2011 to play, which, while boasting several official licenses for the tournament, isn't exactly a deep or engrossing experience. Refined and expanded gameplay with the addition of tightened up offloads and passing, reduced number of turnovers, new Conversions gameplay, improved and balanced strategies.With the Rugby World Cup now at an end, rugby fans and gamers alike (who aren't from New Zealand) may want to set the world to rights by playing a decent rugby sim. New tattoo system - customize players by selecting and positioning tattoos!Įven more custom strip designs and accessories.Īll New Rugby Seven-a-side mode added to quick match, International competitions and career mode.Ĭustomise the game with more options to also change game rules and behaviour to create and shape a unique game play experience.
Gain an all new insight and experience from controlling the game from a single player’s perspective.Īll New Online Player Creator – create, share and download customised teams and players.
All New Be A Pro mode - play rugby from a professional rugby players point of view, customise and control your player though their career.