I think training is a big aspect that should feature in Rugby 12 in comparison to other sporting games.
Obviously it would play a major role in the 'manager' and 'be a pro' modes (which should of course be in the game) but the little bit of pre-match training could be a part of gameplay which really immerses you in a match.
Some examples;
- Running through some tricky line-outs to see the order of triggers for lifting and throwing and allowing managers to change their set piece slightly to avoid the oppositions best jumpers and ball thieves. The stats of whom would be displayed as the line-out practice took place.
- Similarly, practicing back row moves off the base of the scrum to see who goes where and editing them to keep the opposition guessing or to exploit a weak flanker or scrumhalf.
- Practicing backs plays to target holes and adding hotkeys that can be specific to that game; triangle - shout for kick, square - go to ground, circle - run at Nonu (yeah right), etc...
- Defensive drills with tackle bags to decide who to double up on, when to drop back for the kick, to hold men up or drag them to ground etc.
- Coming up with a trick play that could be the turning of the game, combination of backs and forwards, bending the rules, and so on...
- The way in which your teams plays were edited by you for that game would be how the AI of the other 14 men you're not controlling would act during the match and the opposition AI should act accordingly. After the game they would go back to default but at the next match you could just select "play scrums like we did against the Boks" or "defend like England defended against us."
Obviously these are only rough ideas and theres probably loads more you could stuff in to the little pre-match drills.
If anyone has played Fifa 10, where before each game you control a single player running around with the ball taking shots on the keeper, this is the equivalent of that in my mind. Just about 3 - 5 min of running through plays and editing them to suit the match ahead. There should be no time limit so as to allow the managers who think they know rugby to flex their tactical muscles.
What do people think?
Obviously it would play a major role in the 'manager' and 'be a pro' modes (which should of course be in the game) but the little bit of pre-match training could be a part of gameplay which really immerses you in a match.
Some examples;
- Running through some tricky line-outs to see the order of triggers for lifting and throwing and allowing managers to change their set piece slightly to avoid the oppositions best jumpers and ball thieves. The stats of whom would be displayed as the line-out practice took place.
- Similarly, practicing back row moves off the base of the scrum to see who goes where and editing them to keep the opposition guessing or to exploit a weak flanker or scrumhalf.
- Practicing backs plays to target holes and adding hotkeys that can be specific to that game; triangle - shout for kick, square - go to ground, circle - run at Nonu (yeah right), etc...
- Defensive drills with tackle bags to decide who to double up on, when to drop back for the kick, to hold men up or drag them to ground etc.
- Coming up with a trick play that could be the turning of the game, combination of backs and forwards, bending the rules, and so on...
- The way in which your teams plays were edited by you for that game would be how the AI of the other 14 men you're not controlling would act during the match and the opposition AI should act accordingly. After the game they would go back to default but at the next match you could just select "play scrums like we did against the Boks" or "defend like England defended against us."
Obviously these are only rough ideas and theres probably loads more you could stuff in to the little pre-match drills.
If anyone has played Fifa 10, where before each game you control a single player running around with the ball taking shots on the keeper, this is the equivalent of that in my mind. Just about 3 - 5 min of running through plays and editing them to suit the match ahead. There should be no time limit so as to allow the managers who think they know rugby to flex their tactical muscles.
What do people think?
