Release Info:
- Developer: Sidhe
- Publisher: Tru Blu Games
- Platform: PC
- Format: Digital Download
- Release Date: October 13, 2011
Key Features:
- Features 93 teams and 31 stadiums
- Create custom players, teams and competitions
- Includes a 13-year career mode
- Play online with up to eight players
- Adjust difficulty level, weather conditions and match lengths
- Play or simulate each match
- Control the action via keyboard or Xbox 360 controller
- Features commentary from Grant Nisbett and Justin Marshall
System Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7
- Processor: Intel 2.2 GHz Dual-Core or AMD 2.5 GHz Dual-Core
- Memory: 1.5 GB (Win XP), 2 GB (Vista/7)
- Graphics: GeForce 8800 (512 MB) or Radeon HD3850 (512 MB)
- DirectX Version: 9.0c
- Hard Drive: 6 GB free space
- Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
- Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection
Description:
Rugby great Jonah Lomu headlines this computer rugby title from Wellington-based developer Sidhe. Players will be able to directly control the 3D athletes from 93 teams in a total of 31 stadiums. A broadcast-style presentation offers dynamic camera angles, commentary and weather.
Those unfamiliar with the sport can learn the basics with the hands-on tutorial mode, with other play options consisting of a single match, individual competitions, and a career mode. Options for single matches include a choice of stadiums, difficulties, match lengths, times of day, and weather conditions.
The tutorial mode features multiple scenarios in which to practice your rugby skills, divided into basic, intermediate, advanced and professional exercises. You can also freely run around the field if you so desire, and view a video to familiarize yourself with the sport’s rules.
Featured competitions include the World Rugby Championship, Rugby 15, Tri Nations, Quad Nations, Euro Nations, Euro Rugby Championship, ITM Cup, Aviva Premiership Rugby, Bledisloe Cup Series, Top 14 Orange, and the RaboDirect Pro12.
Once you’ve decided on a competition, you’ll be able to manage your squad by swapping players and setting both the captain and goal kicker. Both match and competition stats are available for your team as well as the opposing team, and you’ll have the option of playing the current match in the competition or simulating the results with a click of a button.
The career mode lets you control your favorite team (either a single team or multiple teams) over a span of 13 seasons as you attempt to build a perennial contender. After selecting your team, difficulty, and match length, you’ll be taken to a player drafting screen so you can set the starting lineup for your chosen squad. From there, you’ll be able to play or simulate individual games and view your career progress at any time.
Up to eight players are supported in four versus four online matches, but the catch is that only two computers are supported for head-to-head play. This means that all four players on a given team must play locally on one machine. Online options include a quick match against a randomly selected player, a private match against a friend, and the ability to view leaderboards.
Players can also create and customize their own athletes, teams, and competitions to expand the game’s scope. Attributes, physical appearances, team emblems, competition templates, logos, and trophies are just a few of the areas you’ll be able to modify and tweak.
Each match features commentary from announcers Grant Nisbett and Justin Marshall, and the game supports the use of Xbox 360 controllers. As you play online, participate in tutorials, and engage in other aspects of play, you’ll be able to earn “rugby dollars” to spend on various items from within the in-game Rugby Store.