Q & A with Alastair - The Answer Thread

[to_Hell_or_Connacht]

This is something we’ve been investigating recently and that may feature in future versions of our game. It's a feature that relies somewhat on the return of the radar or a different gameplay camera that offers a wider perspective on the backline.A note on gameplay cameras: We've had all sorts of experience with almost every camera angle you could wish to include in the game. Often times we've simply included them because we could. Frankly many of them were unplayable and shouldn't have been included. This year we've focused this year on the views that are most often used: Side on and End on.

Is there any adjustment available in said camera options, such as zoom in/out or pan in/out or is it simply a fixed setting?

 

[Getofmeland]

I think it's safe to say that the best will be found on the TRF and that you'll have plenty of opportunity to back up your words against this lot.

We are currently looking into methods to track peoples games, and host tournaments etc.

 

[HB_AJ]

Guys - I'm going to go offline for a couple of hours, then I'll be back to answer the remaining questions. There's plenty more to come.

Cheers,
A.

 

[Getofmeland]

any news on how often you will be releasing the licenses you have on the game?

Licenses will vary on the Unions, I believe there is a timeline in place with info being released up to the games release. So just sit tight and we will have the latest news

 

[tomascole]

thanks for the questions you have answered AJ nice to see someone who works really hard and comunicates with the community thumbs up

 

[Getofmeland]

Fixed settings, though you can select on End On whether you want to always be playing up the screen or whether you want to always have the team in possession of the ball playing up the screen.

Just to add to Alastair's comments, I really didn't find the need to change the camera angle in terms of the position or the zoom. It won't suit everyone, but I think back to Rugby 08 and I only used either Side On or End On like the majority of people... Simple is good!

 

[HB_AJ]

thanks for the questions you have answered AJ nice to see someone who works really hard and comunicates with the community thumbs up

Thank you.

Apologies I wasn't able to check in earlier today. I had a last minute commitment that I had to attend to. Apologies especially to those who cancelled their evening plans to monitor this thread. ;-)

OK back a bit later.

Cheers,
A.

 

[Getofmeland]

Guys - I'm going to go offline for a couple of hours, then I'll be back to answer the remaining questions. There's plenty more to come.

Cheers,
A.

Cheers for the Answers so far Alastair...

Look forward to the rest later on.

 

[to_Hell_or_Connacht]

Just a note mods, with AJ going offline for a while the answers thread will prob become flooded with new questions taking away from the idea of the orig thread (i'm already a culprit!).Would it be an idea to lock this thread until AJ comes back?

 

[pjfr201]

Thanks for the replies, really appreciated- obv. a lot of time and effort is still being pumped into this project!
Though for the future jukes, spins and crash ball animations (like ps2 maddens maybe?)- i'm sure would mix up the speed of the gameplay and variations on attack.
But hey, really hope you guys have the chance to go on and produce a steady stream of decent sequels to follow what is lining up to be a great game!

 

[Getofmeland]

Just a note mods, with AJ going offline for a while the answers thread will prob become flooded with new questions taking away from the idea of the orig thread (i'm already a culprit!).Would it be an idea to lock this thread until AJ comes back?

The thread will be tidied up tomorrow, once Alastair has finished

 

[StevoIRL]

Fixed settings, though you can select on End On whether you want to always be playing up the screen or whether you want to always have the team in possession of the ball playing up the screen.

That's a big worry if you can't change the zoom level. I find from a playing aspect 08s Side On camera was zoomed in far too much in general play which resulted in you being unable to see things out wide at ruck time.

Was there a reason to remove the custom camera options that featured in 08?

 

[lionmaull]

So are there any mauls at all? Atleast like 08.? A reviewer said they saw it in general play, not just lineouts, kick offs.

 

[Getofmeland]

Don't forget to look at this thread before you ask anything as it may have already be answered here - http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?23343-Rugby-World-Cup-2011-Explained

It will make Alastair's life easier and more people's questions will get answered if we ensure no duplicate questions are being asked, and also easier to read for the members

Thanks Everyone, please keep comments and questions coming tho!

 

[nathan-cymru]

in regards to advantage, will you still get the penalty if say you attempt a drop goal and miss? ..was pointless attempting one in 08 if you were close, as the opposition would get the 22 drop out if you missed. also was annoying if you were tackled in to touch with advantage, as a lineout was given. lastly, you didnt get advantage if there was a high tackle? ..even if it was late and the player you already passed to had a clear run in? thanks for explaining

 

[jovialjonny]

Yes



You'll find there's been a lot of work done on the lines a player can run while receiving an offload. They no longer have to be running straight down the field to be candidates for these passes out of the tackle. I think you'll find it has greatly improved the flow of gameplay - something reflected in TRF_Getofmeland's experience that he shared with you.

From my perspective, this is an example of why we prioritize something like this over new sidestep animations. I've said this many times, but we have prioritized gameplay over presentation. Does a new animation for the sidestep provide a new and improved mechanic or support our goal of fast, flowing, fun rugby gameplay? No.

Completely agree. People get ridiculously wound up about bells and whistles on here. Gameplay is king.

We all loved lomu and that looked like shite, I think grand slam tennis on wii is the best gameplay tennis game I've ever played and it's cartoon graphics.

Yeah there is a baseline on ps3/xbox and yeah bells and whistles are nice but if it gameplay is sacrificed it will only be bought by hardcore fans.

One gripe from me though is not at the very least having points for a win that you accumulate or a win loss ratio online is a bit old hat. Even basic stuff, storing a one number points value against your username gives bragging rights and allows comparison with friends and online communities.

Without this online matches can become a but pointless after a bit, it drains some longevity.

You don need to store a leaderboard or anything fancy,just give us a points total and we'll do it ourselves in places like this forum.

 

[TVH11]

Not so gutted about no "unique animations" (thats not quoting anyone just my own interpretation). To be fair, i don't know why I asked that, cause FIFA/PES/Madden etc don't have it, they rely on quality everywhere else which by the sounds of it, this game looks extremely promising (not that i ever doubted it).

Thanks Alastair for answering the questions enjoy your rest, cause i'm sure there will be moaning to come

Also like the sound of L2/Left trigger + pass button for dummies, nicer layout

 

[OnTheBall]

Thanks Alastair, really looking forward to this game. Feels to be really starting to gather momentum.

 

[ACT1NUP]

I guess we can assume nothing is done about quitters if there are no leaderboards etc. Still wonder if there are any more improvements to forward play that havn't been mentioned yet or if it's all fast and furios style aka "bubble gum rugby"-stephen jones. Hopefully anyone can clear the ball from a ruck. Used to be a pain in the ass waiting for the halfback sometimes in 08.

 

[HB_AJ]

Aaaand, we're back...