Rugby 2005

Rugby 2005 Description

Electronic Arts, as holders of the current official license for the sport, have been the only company to publish action-based Rugby Union games for some time now. Their first, in 2000/2001, was developed by Creative Assembly, a software house perhaps better known for their stewardship of the Total War strategy series on PC. Rugby 2004, released to ride the wave of publicity surrounding the Rugby World Cup, was developed by HB Studios, a small Nova Scotia-based outfit also responsible for EA's Cricket titles. As well as fully licensed international sides, the game featured a whole host of club teams from across the globe, and allowed payers to take part in such revered competitions as the Super 12 and World Cup. As well as attempting to recreate the big hits, rucking, mauling, scrumming and kicking that constitute the action of any rugby match, the game also allowed players to select a number of pre-programmed set plays to befuddle and confuse their opponent. Now HB Studios are back, delivering the latest instalment in the Rugby series, Rugby 2005. Out in a week that the real-life Six Nations Tournament is in full flow, the game will offer fans the chance to participate in this tournament, as well as a fully licensed representation of the British Lions Tour, also scheduled to take place in 2005. On top of that, there's Super 12, the European Cup and European domestic leagues. More licensed club teams are featured than last time around too. Also much updated is the training system, which promises to take care of newcomers to the game and sport alike, with a potted explanation of the rules of rugby football, a tutorial mode teaching them the game's controls, and a practice pitch where they can undertake a series of challenges. Controls are noticeably different from the last version, with 'on the fly' set plays being assigned to the d-pad rather than the pause menu, and sidesteps and hand-offs mapped to the right analogue stick, in a similar way to other titles in the EA Sports catalogue. The player model graphics have been improved, as have the physics governing them, with height and weight making a bigger difference than ever on the pitch. In relation to this, the player editor has also been given an overhaul. International stadiums are more evocative than ever before with new camera angles, replay controls, and new sound effects including commentary and authentic chants and songs from different nations. Rugby 2005 certainly looks to be taking decisive strides forward for the series.

Visual Improvements - Rugby 2005 shares the look and feel of all EA SPORTSTM franchises, integrating the highest visual quality and standards. To that end Rugby 2005 features new player models, including Star Heads for the top 100 players, and new and improved full-motion videos demonstrating the big tackles, high emotions, and key plays associated with the game. These visual improvements deliver a hard-hitting experience rugby fans are accustomed to.

Training Mode - It is important to not only learn the game controls, but the rules governing the sport as well. To help you become an expert at Rugby 2005, and to help experts become even better, several new features in Training mode have been introduced including Rugby 101 interactive training movies that outline the rules, controls, and advanced tactics. Training Pitch has also been added offering challenge-based training drills using advanced controls, as well as a "Get in the Game" tutorial for users to grasp rugby basics through a pick up-and-play orientation.

Updated User Control and Gameplay - Rugby 2005 features unprecedented control over every aspect of the sport, enabling casual rugby fans to pick up and play the game. The controls allow more opportunities for high-impact collisions, plus the chance to better avoid tackles and break into the open field. In an effort to provide the most realistic game on the market, Rugby 2005 introduces the ability to continue play after missed goal kicks, just like in real rugby matches.

Enter the Creation Zone - Play in the game you have always wanted to play at the professional level with the stars of rugby at your side. The Creation Zone allows you to create players based on their own likenesses, classic players of the game, or any other characters you wish to place in Rugby 2005.

Teams and Tournaments - Rugby 2005 once again brings home official licensed leagues while introducing new leagues and teams.

Broadcast Presentation - New camera angles, commentators, and full-motion video, plus authentic crowd noise, in-game sound effects, and enhanced replay control all come together to help produce a game that creates a look and feel of a live TV broadcast. This immerses players in the atmosphere of the game, while seamlessly integrating the commentary into the flow of play.