Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Sure! Here's a detailed review of Rugby Challenge 3 for the PlayStation 3:
Rugby Challenge 3 (PS3) Review
Released in 2016, Rugby Challenge 3 marked the series return after a long hiatus and introduced a range of new featuresincluding Sevens Rugby, a FanHub for custom content, and a more robust career mode. Developed by Wicked Witch Software, the game aimed to deliver a realistic and enjoyable rugby experiencebut its last-gen execution on the PS3 leaves some areas lacking.
🏉 Gameplay & Mechanics
Rugby Challenge 3 brings a solid core rugby experience to the table. The gameplay is fast-paced and generally smooth, with decent AI and mechanics that reward tactical play:
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Passing, kicking, and tackling feel responsive, though sometimes animations can be slightly delayed or clunky.
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Rucking and scrums are improved from previous entries but still not perfectthey can feel inconsistent or too reliant on button-mashing.
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One big plus is the inclusion of Sevens Rugby, which offers a much faster, arcade-style variation thats great fun.
AI behavior has been improved, but it still occasionally faltersespecially with defensive positioning and goal-line logic.
🧢 Career & FanHub
The Be a Pro career mode lets you create and develop your own player from amateur club level to international stardom:
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Its satisfying to build up your characters stats and earn call-ups to higher teams.
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Match performance influences progression, though the experience is relatively basic compared to career modes in other sports games.
The FanHub is a standout feature, allowing you to create and share custom players, teams, and even kitsa smart move considering the game lacks full licenses for many clubs and nations. Thanks to the community, you can fill in the gaps.
📆 Modes & Features
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Exhibition matches
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Full 15s and Sevens Rugby
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Local multiplayer and tournaments
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Online multiplayer (limited on PS3 due to smaller player base)
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Custom teams and players
Its a robust offering for fans of the sport, and while online features were welcome at launch, theyre now hit-or-miss due to server inactivity.
📺 Graphics & Presentation (PS3)
This is where Rugby Challenge 3 shows its age:
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Visuals on the PS3 are dated, with stiff animations, flat lighting, and basic textures.
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Player models are decent but not very detailedespecially compared to other sports titles on newer hardware.
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Stadiums lack atmosphere, and crowd animations are basic and repetitive.
Menus and UI are functional but feel clunky and unpolished at times.
🎧 Sound & Commentary
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Sound effects are averagetackles and kicks sound fine, but theres little variation.
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Commentary is limited and quickly becomes repetitive, lacking depth or insight.
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Crowd noise is flat, which can dull the intensity of big matches.
🟢 Final Verdict: 6.5/10
Rugby Challenge 3 (PS3) is a solid rugby sim with a lot of heart and gameplay depthbut its presentation, performance, and repetition hold it back. If you're a rugby fan and can overlook its dated visuals and quirks, theres a fun and satisfying game underneath. For PS3 users, it's one of the better rugby options out there, albeit not without flaws.
Pros:
Realistic and tactical gameplay
Sevens mode adds variety
Career mode and FanHub offer strong customization
Decent roster depth and game modes
Cons:
Dated graphics on PS3
Commentary is repetitive
Inconsistent AI at times
Lacks full licensing for many teams
Recommendation:
If youre passionate about rugby and want a full-featured, customizable gameRugby Challenge 3 is worth a look, especially for its gameplay and FanHub. Just temper your expectations when it comes to visuals and polish.
