Rugby League 2

"Good game, average sequel, major option missing"

It is unavoidable that this game will be compared with its predecessor. On first play it doesn't disappoint. The gameplay feels similar, the same pace, same action all packed in a prettier package this is until you try to change the controls.

Graphics:7/10
The graphics is good enough for a sports game but nothing spectacular. There are noticeable improvements over the first game. With the biggest coming from character faces. There are now less generic faces and most players are instantly recognizable. The stadiums and scenery didn't change much from the first game and most stadiums are also instantly recognizable. Sadly the crowd still looks like paper cut outs.

Player movements such as kicking, passing and tackling are all fluid. Although on rare occasions especially out of dummy half and scrums the player seem to skip frames which results in this jerky effect that lasts for half a second.

Sound:7/10
As with the first game the playing sounds are all finely done. The tackling and kicking all feel solid. The crowd noise changes along with the on field action and can really immense you in the game. The commentary from Andrew Voss is also good and doesn't have too much repetitions.

Gameplay and Controls:3/10
Don't expect the game to be played any differently from the first game. The gameplay still revolves around the same tactic of passing the ball to a line breaker and bashed the sprint the button as fast as possible, simple yet strangly enjoyable. The game's fast pace means any tactical kicking is hard to pull off because of the speed at which the opposition defense moves.

When it comes to the controls this is where the gameplay gets let down bad. I don't understand why they actually removed the option to customise the controls. Something that should not be left out in any game especially a sports game requiring 12 buttons or more to play. What's worst is the preset controls doesn't feel comfortable at all and even if you have a gamepad you can only hope that the buttons binded on you gamepad are mapped put in a comfortable manner across you pad since there is no way to change it.

New features:8/10
The developer included tonnes new customizable features. Alot more of the game rules can now be changed ranging from inclusion of injuries, to the presence of knock on. A brand new franchise mode is also included. This mode allows the player to be the head coach of a club for several seasons. There is alot to do in franchise mode ranging from buying players to training. Luckily if you are only interested in playing footy most of the micro managements can be bypassed.

New moves are included, some are useful such as pass to playmaker and switch to fullback and others such as shoulder charge seem to be redundant since there is already side step and fend. All three seem to perform the same function of breaking lines.

Recommendations:
If you liked Rugby League and don't mind play with uncustomizable controls then by all means get this, its as close as you can get apart from playing real rugby. If you already owned the first game then rent it before you buy because I don't think there is enough differences and new features to justify it as a sequel.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/16/06