rugby 2006

Graphics

The graphics in this game are amazing. Simply breathtaking. I still wonder how they manage to re-create a total of 31 people on the field (15 on each team plus the referee). The tackles look sharp and the passes look realistic, it even happened to me that the scrum half had to take a dive in order to get the pass out. The scrums look amazing. Some of them even collapse once the players are tired. I honestly have nothing to say against the graphics

Gameplay

What can I say. The addition of offload passing is a curcial addition. There is simply no better feeling then attracting two opposing players only to pass off the ball while you're being tackled and see your man run in for the score. Positively awsomne. The addition of impact players also helps but it doesn't really change the game much. Player specialties are a nice addition as well. For example you can create many kinds of Number Eights, one of them could be a scorer, the other a playmaker etc. Overall the additions since last year's title all add to the gameplay. The lineouts do cause a bit of a problem since it is somewhat difficult to get the timing exactly right. The scrums are also a bit hard to win unless you are the one putting the ball in since you can't really see the put in very well but other then that I have very little complaints about the gameplay

Sound

The sound does pose a bit of a problem however. I would have to complain about the repetitive grunts which come from the players when they hit/get hit. The crowds don't really sound all that alive which is some of a problem

Presentation

The presentation is very simple. Block text and unelaborate menus do get the job done but they easily could have used a bit more pizzaz.

Lasting Appeal

This game should last you a long time. The many different tournaments (World Championship, Guiness Premiership, Tri-Nations etc.) should definitely keep you going a long time and even once you get tired of all those there is always the good old match against a friend in multiplayer. Sadly there is no online mode in this game but that doesn't really affect me since I don't play online anyway.

Final Word

Overall I find this to be a great rugby game. The controls are tight, the graphics are great and the many modes are all as entertaining. I give this game a 9.2/10