B
bujin
Guest
Hi guys, I'm a bit new 'ere!
(I've been lurking for a few weeks, following the discussions about the game, and the much appreciated video clips!)
I just got PC Zone magazine through and it's got a half-page review of the game (with a review of PRM2 underneath).
It goes something like this:
ETA: March 11
Requires: PIII 700, 128Mb RAM and a 32Mb 3D card
Desires: P4 1GHz, 256Mb RAM and a 64Mb 3D card
Anthony Holden draws the short straw and enters the scrum
When it comes to choosing between footie and rugger, it's no secret where PC ZONE's allegiances lie. However, as the Australian of PC ZONE, I do know more about rugby than the rest of th eteam put together. As such, it's testament to EA's mass-market know-how that beginners such as the others could actually play Rugby 2005 and - God forbid - enjoy it. Well, at least for a moment or two anyway.
To be fair, the game does cater pretty well for rugby virgins, with comprehensive training options and a new feature called Rugby 101. The rudiments of the game - and the sport - can be picked up in no time, allowing you to launch straight into a tournament or fixture of your choice.
As you'd expect from EA, all the major teams, players and tournaments are in place, with improved player likenesses and accurate stadia to set the scene. Other improvements include the new motion capture, on-the-fly play-calling and the ability to throw fakes. Or in layman's terms, bugger all (which funnily enough, is the motto of our local team).
As these things go, it plays acceptably well - the only major stumbling block being that rugby is simply too technical for a videogame conversion. The gameplay is repetitive and faltering, and much of your time in defence is spent struggling to select the right player.
For all that, Rugby 2005 is a polished and comprehensive affair that replicates the sport with some accuracy, and if that's what you're after then don't let us stop you.
PC ZONE VERDICT: 70% "Competent but rugby"
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So, to sum up, they seem to have marked the game down based on the simple fact that "it's not football"...

I just got PC Zone magazine through and it's got a half-page review of the game (with a review of PRM2 underneath).
It goes something like this:
ETA: March 11
Requires: PIII 700, 128Mb RAM and a 32Mb 3D card
Desires: P4 1GHz, 256Mb RAM and a 64Mb 3D card
Anthony Holden draws the short straw and enters the scrum
When it comes to choosing between footie and rugger, it's no secret where PC ZONE's allegiances lie. However, as the Australian of PC ZONE, I do know more about rugby than the rest of th eteam put together. As such, it's testament to EA's mass-market know-how that beginners such as the others could actually play Rugby 2005 and - God forbid - enjoy it. Well, at least for a moment or two anyway.
To be fair, the game does cater pretty well for rugby virgins, with comprehensive training options and a new feature called Rugby 101. The rudiments of the game - and the sport - can be picked up in no time, allowing you to launch straight into a tournament or fixture of your choice.
As you'd expect from EA, all the major teams, players and tournaments are in place, with improved player likenesses and accurate stadia to set the scene. Other improvements include the new motion capture, on-the-fly play-calling and the ability to throw fakes. Or in layman's terms, bugger all (which funnily enough, is the motto of our local team).
As these things go, it plays acceptably well - the only major stumbling block being that rugby is simply too technical for a videogame conversion. The gameplay is repetitive and faltering, and much of your time in defence is spent struggling to select the right player.
For all that, Rugby 2005 is a polished and comprehensive affair that replicates the sport with some accuracy, and if that's what you're after then don't let us stop you.
PC ZONE VERDICT: 70% "Competent but rugby"
----------------------------------
So, to sum up, they seem to have marked the game down based on the simple fact that "it's not football"...
