Rugby has always been a difficult sport to release as a video game. Only Jonah Lomu Rugby (1996), which was a re-release of the even older World Championship Rugby (1991), can claim to be a decent game. Unfortunately, it was mostly an arcade affair that neglected the strategic element of the sport.
Many publishers have subsequently attempted to introduce a title that would be able to benefit from the potentially lucrative market. The fact that fans are willing to buy any rugby game no matter its quality is testament to what an AAA offering would be capable of selling.
Unfortunately, even big-name publishers like Electronic Arts (EA) have burnt their fingers on below-par titles that have drawn the ire of gamers.
A new beginning?
When EA announced it would bring out Rugby 2005 this year, the response was understandably muted as several months earlier, the same company released what could be described as one of the worst offerings around in Rugby 2004.
EA assured all and sundry that the 2005 incarnation would be the game that turns rugby around as a viable offering on console and PC. In fact, EA Africa identified the game as one of its key franchises for this year. No mean feat, considering its top franchises include Need for Speed Underground, Medal of Honor, The Sims and Burnout.
The key elements of a game are the funding and development talent it receives. If it lacks on either front, the chances of releasing a high quality product decrease accordingly.
For Rugby 2005, EA used many of its FIFA franchise developers in conjunction with some of the existing rugby ones. In gaming terms, this is a major coup, as the FIFA titles are known for good graphics and all-round game play. Of course, graphics alone do not equate to a successful title. In the case of rugby, it needs to be accessible to newcomers and hardened fans alike and would have to be as hard-hitting as the sport on which it is based.
Clothes line him!
I am happy to report that Rugby 2005 gets more things right than it does not. For one, the improved graphics engine and soundtrack form the framework of a high production value offering. Gone is the widely criticised game play of Rugby 2004 and in comes a more fluent style of play.
Granted, the myriad control options do take a lot of getting used to. At least EA has included extensive tutorials on how to perform many of the moves and enhanced tricks of the game. Some of the new features include a shoulder charge, binding players to a ruck or maul and improved side steps.
Illegal moves like high tackles and collapsing the scrum have been added that, while not encouraged, definitely introduce some flavour to the franchise.
The game features all the major international competitions including the Tri-Nations, Six Nations, Super 12, European Cup and Lions tour.
There is also a club league that is reminiscent of FIFA games. The league is where the game comes into its own as players gain and lose experience dependant on the number of matches they play.
A nice touch is the ability to unlock historical players through your accomplishments in the game.
While it is not perfect, Rugby 2005 does offer the gamer a tantalising glimpse into what EA has in store for the franchise.
Rugby competition!
ITWeb, in conjunction with EA Africa, is giving away five copies of Rugby 2005 on PC and five on PlayStation 2. All you have to do to stand in line to win is answer one easy question:
Name one of the new features of Rugby 2005.
E-mail your answers to iwan@itweb.co.za with the subject line "Rugby 2005 competition". Winners will be contacted via e-mail by 15 April and will have to pick up their prizes from ITWeb`s offices in Rivonia.
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