Rugby 2005

"Best rugby game on the PS2 yet"

Rugby 2005 is a dramatic improvement on the diabolical (in my opinion anyway) Rugby 2004. I'll break down each section.

Graphics: 7/10

The graphics have definitely improved. Mud and grass stains will now collect during a game and players' faces can be made out clearly. However, this can still be improved to the standards of other EA Sports games, such as Madden NFL 2005.

Gameplay: 8/10

They have got rid of the awful menus during play, meaning it's now a more free-flowing game. Instead, you can have different formations at one touch of the D-Pad. It's also optional, which again frees up the play. The tackling is good, though it was over-hyped with the big hits. Madden NFL 2005 has much better tackling IMO. I am a great fan of American Football and I understand that you cannot do certain types of tackles in rugby, yet the animations are much more realistic. The passing is solid and there are no real problems. The kicking is good - the only problem there is is with drop goals and the camera angle. It's nearly impossible to score without changing the default angle. Grubber kicks also take a while to do, which is frustrating as it leads to many knock-ons.

Sound: 9/10

I personally loved the soundtrack, which includes The Futureheads' "Decent Days and Nights". The sounds during the game were very realistic too, although the booing of the crowd sounded exactly the same in a 10,000 seater as it did in Twickenham. This is something that can be improved on.

Lifespan: 8/10

This has a good lifespan, with many competitions to win and the season mode. You pick any club team and start out with nobodies, earning points game by game to strengthen yoru squad with new signings. The points are earned a little too quickly IMO, which allows you to buy top players quickly.

Easiness for Beginners: 9/10

There is a mandatory tutorial the first time you load this game. It provides helpful information on the different moves and you have to complete drills in order to prove yourself.

Overall: 8/10

This is a good rugby game, and although it may lack that WOW factor, it's still a solid title. A must buy for rugby fans, but rent it if new to the sport.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/31/05