T
toup
Guest
Got hold of my copy yesterday (PC - from France) and as I am far from the first person to play it, I thought I would stay away from a full scale review, and instead look at this in terms of WCR (a lot of people seem to want to know how it differs) and also how it caters to serious rugby gaming beyond it's arcade intentions.
I decided to start with some of the training games (which are a nice feature and do a good job of teaching the basics), and immediately noticed the game is slightly slower, and a feels a little more 'solid' than its predecessor - this is no simulation, but it feels a little more lifelike this time around. The graphics remain charicatured and chunky, but much more detailed (particularly the licensed kits) than last time.
After I'd got used to the basics (which admittedly are easy to get to grips with if you've played WCR) I went into a friendly and was very impressed by the licensed strips and some of the player likenesses... but we all know gameplay is the key factor. Following a decent kick off, I resorted to the old WCR tactic of big hitting the catcher to force a turn over... imagine my surprise then, when despite my big hit, the opposition retained possession and following a controlled ruck, kicked a decent clearance. Although some have criticised this game for having too few turnovers, I think this is a positive thing - in real rugby turnovers are infrequent, and I like the fact that sometimes you just have to concentrate and pin the opposition in their own half until you can turn them over.
The rucking system is basic, but I think that it wroks quite well - the key for me is piling in players when you can see the opponent isolated, but pulling them out if it's clearly a lost ball and add numbers to your defensive line. Contrary to some reviews, I think it actually does involve a lot of strategy, and rather than pouring all your forwards into every ruck, it is better to keep some out and hope to pounce at the next breakdown. I have turned over much better sides using these tactics.
Another criticism has been the stamina bar. I agree this is not my preference, but I like the fact that backs can sprint a lot longer this time, and I have managed some breakaway tries. This is another aspect which adds a little depth in my opinion, as a sudden sprint when you see a gap can result in some very exciting line breaks, and the support play means that if you run the right line and time the pass then it should be try time - just like real rugby.
The passing system is fluid as ever, and whilst the occasional banana pass still occurs, I do like how slick it is. Offloads do seem a little hit and miss to me at the moment, but timing the draw and pass is so easy that I have not had to use them too much. When they do work, you quite often end up getting caught pretty soon, but I have scored a couple of great tries from offloads. I am curious to see if offloads, like sidesteps etc, will become more useful when I have had time to master them.
The kicking system is great for place kicks, although kicking in open play is tricky as you get closed down very rapidly at first receiver, and it is also worth noting that turnovers are few and far between, so possession is crucial!
This game was always going to be geared towards a more arcade-like experience, and it doesn't disappoint - it is fast without being ridiculous and does have a few more simulation aspects to it this time. A lot of bugs have been ironed out, and passing straight to the winger no longer works. I love the fact that you can beat the defence with clever lines of running or well timed passes and offloads (although yet to get fends and sidesteps to work effectively), and when you break the line then look for support this game is very exciting.
It is certainly no simulation, and as a serious rugby fan I think I will prefer EA's effort this year, but I reckon some excellent clashes between mates are to be had here. If you have the money for this very reasonably priced offering then I can heartily recommend it - it's not going to set the gaming world alight, but it encapsulates what 'fun' sports games are about.
I decided to start with some of the training games (which are a nice feature and do a good job of teaching the basics), and immediately noticed the game is slightly slower, and a feels a little more 'solid' than its predecessor - this is no simulation, but it feels a little more lifelike this time around. The graphics remain charicatured and chunky, but much more detailed (particularly the licensed kits) than last time.
After I'd got used to the basics (which admittedly are easy to get to grips with if you've played WCR) I went into a friendly and was very impressed by the licensed strips and some of the player likenesses... but we all know gameplay is the key factor. Following a decent kick off, I resorted to the old WCR tactic of big hitting the catcher to force a turn over... imagine my surprise then, when despite my big hit, the opposition retained possession and following a controlled ruck, kicked a decent clearance. Although some have criticised this game for having too few turnovers, I think this is a positive thing - in real rugby turnovers are infrequent, and I like the fact that sometimes you just have to concentrate and pin the opposition in their own half until you can turn them over.
The rucking system is basic, but I think that it wroks quite well - the key for me is piling in players when you can see the opponent isolated, but pulling them out if it's clearly a lost ball and add numbers to your defensive line. Contrary to some reviews, I think it actually does involve a lot of strategy, and rather than pouring all your forwards into every ruck, it is better to keep some out and hope to pounce at the next breakdown. I have turned over much better sides using these tactics.
Another criticism has been the stamina bar. I agree this is not my preference, but I like the fact that backs can sprint a lot longer this time, and I have managed some breakaway tries. This is another aspect which adds a little depth in my opinion, as a sudden sprint when you see a gap can result in some very exciting line breaks, and the support play means that if you run the right line and time the pass then it should be try time - just like real rugby.
The passing system is fluid as ever, and whilst the occasional banana pass still occurs, I do like how slick it is. Offloads do seem a little hit and miss to me at the moment, but timing the draw and pass is so easy that I have not had to use them too much. When they do work, you quite often end up getting caught pretty soon, but I have scored a couple of great tries from offloads. I am curious to see if offloads, like sidesteps etc, will become more useful when I have had time to master them.
The kicking system is great for place kicks, although kicking in open play is tricky as you get closed down very rapidly at first receiver, and it is also worth noting that turnovers are few and far between, so possession is crucial!
This game was always going to be geared towards a more arcade-like experience, and it doesn't disappoint - it is fast without being ridiculous and does have a few more simulation aspects to it this time. A lot of bugs have been ironed out, and passing straight to the winger no longer works. I love the fact that you can beat the defence with clever lines of running or well timed passes and offloads (although yet to get fends and sidesteps to work effectively), and when you break the line then look for support this game is very exciting.
It is certainly no simulation, and as a serious rugby fan I think I will prefer EA's effort this year, but I reckon some excellent clashes between mates are to be had here. If you have the money for this very reasonably priced offering then I can heartily recommend it - it's not going to set the gaming world alight, but it encapsulates what 'fun' sports games are about.
