This is my customer review from amazon;
Sadly a very poor effort here.
I'd been wanting a new rugby game for ages and usually I stick to the Union games. I thought I'd try something new with this and was not only dissapointed but a little bit shocked too.
The graphics are poor, nothing better than a Playstation 2 game. It definately looked like something from the last generation of consoles. I could understand a sacrifice in looks had it meant more focus was put on gameplay. Unfortunately, thats not the case. This plays worse than any other rugby game I've ever played.
When running with the ball and attempting a a pass the receiver always stops to make the catch then starts running again. This is the fundamental flaw in the game. It doesn't run smoothly at all.
Its not just the running, catching which lets it down. Other basic actions such as passing can go flakey at times. Passing has a late response and often when you first intend to pass and hit the button it takes a few seconds to execute the move. By this time an opposing player has come in and taken an interception. This really tested my patience.
The difficulty settings and AI are just mesmerising. The 'Easy' setting is like playing aginst ivnvisible opponents who are sluggish and constantly make errors. In contrast the medium setting is so difficult and really all that happens is the game gives you errors which are not your fault, the opposition are quicker and the re-set of the tackle by the opposition is so quick it makes you wonder why as a human player you can't do the same...
One unforgiveable howler they've made is having no tutorial or training function. This game was a fantastic opportunity to gain a strong foothold in the rugby gaming race. With such little competition you'd think they'd grab the chance to get something half decent out there. It seems like Big Ant/Tru-Blu are actively trying to distance themselves from people who might want to get into Rugby League. the instruction manual is very basic while giving very little assistance.
I'm in no way lying when the gaming engine in Jonah Lomu Rugby on the ps1 is better than this. Not only did I dislike the game I found it astounding as to how it could have been released on this generation of consoles. The people who did the QA testing should be ashamed of themselves as should the two companies involved. They should really be worried about the negative effect this will have on the any future attempts.
There is a player/team editor but is very limited. There is no trade player function and created players can only join created teams. The competition editor can give it slightly more mileage if you can get through the frustration of the gameplay.
In looking for positives it does have online play. Human VS. Human might be slightly better but taking into consideration the already shuddering, jaunty gameplay added with bandwitdth/lag problems of online play it just seems like a recipe for disaster.
I will say, they have secured the trademark's, copywrights and all players and teams. If you're into stats this is the only positive point. I do fear that in securing the franchise rights the cost has been taken from developing gameplay which is just essential. Genrally, an all round failure of epic proportions.
This is a realy body blow to fans of rugby league, fans of gaming and Rugby League itself. A perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the game and maximise profits with HB Studios not realeasing a Rugby Union game until 2011.
I'm genuinely shocked this was released into the public domain. The companies behind this should really be ashamed of this dismal effort.
My advice would be to stay clear and keep on playing Rugby 08. Rugby 2012 will hit summer next year.
