Suggestions/ideas for Rugby 2012

[Lochsta22]

ANZ Cup, Currie Cup, and Top 14 would be nice new additions

 

[monkeypigeon]

I don't understand where the licensing problem are coming from. I understand when it comes to soccer or tennis where you have at 2/3 big names fishing around for exclusive deals and the like and the federations will be carefull with what they licence. But there's only one studio chasing the rights here.

Surely t can be spun as a mutual benefit of better sales for the game vs free publicity for the people Celtic League people and the ERC and the RFU. And telling prospective sponsers that their names also appear in-game for 100,00 copies sold (or whatever it is).

Hmmmm...

 

[Lochsta22]

I don't understand where the licensing problem are coming from. I understand when it comes to soccer or tennis where you have at 2/3 big names fishing around for exclusive deals and the like and the federations will be carefull with what they licence. But there's only one studio chasing the rights here.

Surely t can be spun as a mutual benefit of better sales for the game vs free publicity for the people Celtic League people and the ERC and the RFU. And telling prospective sponsers that their names also appear in-game for 100,00 copies sold (or whatever it is).

Hmmmm...

I think the reason why Rugby 08 didn't have the Top 14 was because Rugby Challenge or some other game had the rights to it. By now though the contract has probably ended. Also, I think that some competitions have certain laws over player "likenesses" such as the NCAA.

 

[tommowins]

- World Cup
- Tri Nations
- Six Nations
- Super 15
- Heinekien Cup
- Some sort of Tour mode (play the opposing national teams multiple times as well as local clubs)
- Air New Zealand Cup/Currie Cup/Top 14/Guiness Premiership

Possibly a create a tournament tool where you can choose the teams involved? So you could choose some Heinekien Cup and Super 14 teams to play in a cup/league format. This doesn't have to include a create a team mode, just select which teams you want to participate. There was a tool like this in World Championship Rugby. Please don't take anything else from World Championship Rugby, it was a terrible game. Absolutely terrible.

 

[grt-m]

I'm gonna be honest and say that i haven't read this whole thread so I'm sorry if someone has already said this.
There are 2 things i'd like to be changed in the game from rugby 08. The AI and the edit mode.

Editing shouldn't be such a chore, it's been years since I've done it (because of the lack of games coming out!) but I remember it taking so long and being quite hard to create/edit a player. Just copy copy Madden or Fifa's edit modes, they've been done well.

And the AI in 08 was useless. It was far to easy and predictable, every single time you played against the computer it left the exact same gaps in the defence, so even if you were playing it on the hardest level with Canada Vs NewZealand you could win by 60 points. This was really annoying because I liked the campaign mode but couldn't play it because i just couldn't bring myself to play against the computer. Now I'm no computer expert so I don't really know how to fix it but my suggestion would be that the computer mixes up its defence a bit more (example: blitzing you if it thinks you're about to run or hanging back if it thinks you're gonna chip it over)

Actually there are 2 more less important but more enjoyable things to add too. You could add deliberate knock ons and rolling mauls. Mauls drive direction done with analog sticks and the deliberate knock on done like in Madden when you knock down a pass

 

[lynam1104]

I think the reason why Rugby 08 didn't have the Top 14 was because Rugby Challenge or some other game had the rights to it. By now though the contract has probably ended

i think your right i belif they al0so had the celtic league so that would be a reoson for it not being in rugby 08

just to comfrim that it did have the top 14(witch had it's own cometators for the torument) the celtic league and the gunisse perumship(wtich was in EA's games too) i also had an editour mode like many peole have sugested to have. but everything else in the game was to simple the games was pass to your wings and score. bu ea's game ins pass to the OC(outside center and you have a 90% change to score.

 

[Canadian_Rugger]

Features I didn't like:

The AI needs to be better in Attack, the AI was terrible in Attack
Better ball physics and game mechanics
No multiplayer, when I had my friends play it was fun, although the fact that nobody understands rugby in Canada means i'd like to be able to play people overseas

Features I'd like to see added

Better ball mechanics, more responsive controls, better ai
Play NHL 10 I think dummy passes, sidesteps, fends etc should be done the same way aka with the right analog stick and your players movement should be responsive to that
Way more licenses Magners League, Top 14, Guinness Premiership, Heineken Cup, 6 Nations, Four Nations, World Cup, Super 15 are a must, work on smaller comps later
Add custom tournament, custom team creation... I would love to be able to create custom teams and custom tournaments, it would allow me to create tournaments such as Americas Rugby Championship NHL 10 has this feature
World Club Competition, Manage a Club in its Regional tournament, play through GP, ML, T14, S15 seasons, NH has Heineken Cup, LNV Cup etc, end season with World Club final between HC and S15 winners, Allow for teams to organize tours, manage sponsorships, salaries etc... World transfer market, run scouting combines, etc, develop players, model it after NHL 10 franchise mode

My dream would be a Be a Player Mode, work your player up from minor leagues aka, ANZ, Currie Cup, Div 1 eng/wales/ire/scot, Americas Rugby Championship, Argentina Prov Champ, Japan top league, and gradually get signed to bigger teams, in higher leagues, get scouted for national team, play in world cup, etc

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Tommy Bowe would please everyone. Irish fans, Ospreys fans, and fans of good Rugby. We all have one thing in common: We love Tommy.

Realistically, we're looknig at one cover for the British Isles and one for Mainland Europe, and then possibly one for each of the SH nations, although we'll see. Carter, McCaw, Cueto, Wilkinson, O'Driscoll and Henson have been on recent ones, so I'd like to see someone else. I'd have...

UK/Ire- Bowe & Roberts
Contenent- Parise & Parra
NZ/AU- Giteau & Nonu
Rest of the World- Bowe on his own

 

[Feicarsinn]

We've had our own one for the last 2 games so I expect HB to follow that course.Either that or Tommy for everyone, except Nickdnz who then wouldn't buy the game due to it being overrated.

 

[tobocop]

A great feature of Jona Lomu Rugy was the challenges to play against teams such as the all star team and the all Jonah Lomu team. To re-iterate previous comments along these lines I think this was something that lacked in 08, it was particularly annoying to complete the challenge modes and just have a video to watch. If I want to watch rugby videos, i'll go on youtube.

 

[gowerton]

There should be a lions tour and they should make the game more difficult than the previous rugby games. There should also be like fifa and ea where your a career with one person with an individual person and there should be like a manager mode on fifa instead of the world league on previous gams

 

[RyanOspreys]

Yes! About time we all had a new rugby game out. I can see people are recommending improvements to the game. The game needs to be more difficult as the old games where pretty easy. There needs to be a bigger variety of competitions in the game and i would like to see a Magners League in the game. I would like to see something like a manger mode like in Fifa where you can choose any team instead of a hand full like in the World League on the old Rugby games. Finally got a game to look forward too.

 

[ranger]

Tommy Bowe would please everyone. Irish fans, Ospreys fans, and fans of good Rugby. We all have one thing in common: We love Tommy.

Realistically, we're looknig at one cover for the British Isles and one for Mainland Europe, and then possibly one for each of the SH nations, although we'll see. Carter, McCaw, Cueto, Wilkinson, O'Driscoll and Henson have been on recent ones, so I'd like to see someone else. I'd have...

UK/Ire- Bowe & Roberts
Contenent- Parise & Parra
NZ/AU- Giteau & Nonu
Rest of the World- Bowe on his own

Tommy Bowe? That wouldnt please everyone actually. No thanks.
I predict both Giteau and Nonu going overseas after the world cup as well, no point in having guys playing in the northern hemisphere on the cover of the NZ and AUS games.

 

[mattday1986]

Ruck control improvements -
Realistic occurrence such as after a kick off where grouped players are evident, a possible answer to starting a ruck on the fly is pressing down the right stick button when the ball is in the air with at least two players near the oncoming ball.
Quicker kicking animations -
A strange one to figure out, either just generally speed up kicking animations or make quick kicking with double tapping A or whatever button will use kick. (quick kicks being less accurate and shorter.)
Slight limitations on larger punters and enhancement of smaller punters -
A feature that should be dependent on kicking power, no need to complicate this.
Set play enhancements -
The on the fly set plays were pretty good, a set play editor would greatly enhance this feature especially when on-line players are using their own set plays.
Another lineout throw option (from 3 to 4) -
Line outs were okay, too easy to steal was a problem, maybe allowing the ball more freedom in the "air" such as if two jumpers compete, it should become sloppy and the ball landing anywhere would increase competition there.
More tackling options, or at least improved animations -
A basic tackle of running into the ball carrier is a very good basic tackle, maybe using the thumb sticks, you could have different "hard" tackles implemented depending on which way the stick is flicked before collision.
Scrum control (turn that works, intentional dive which will occasionally not concede a penalty) -
this area is probably the area needing most improvement! There needs to be clear instruction when the scrum sets up where the users need to pay attention to the refs calls of "crouch... pause...touch...engage!" this could be helped with text or just sound, where the player must use the thumb stick to move on the refs call "engage" otherwise its a penalty for impeding the ref and a choice of scrum, punt, or quick tap can be selected. The turning the scrum with using the thumb sticks was fine, maybe small tweaks if any there.
Referee on the field (also may make errors - perhaps an options slider for this) -
an interesting addition if it can be done! The ref, including the help of the touch judges or lineman, as long as they have clear sight of illegal or foul play, then they should get picked up, and this improves realism and playability, big things to sports games.
Weather which may actually have an effect on the game -
fairly simple, wet = knock ons increase and scrums slip a lot, snow = hardly any visibility or if you want, the game gets called off in league modes.
Gameplay options to tweak some rules, for a more simulation feel or arcade play -
definitely take Pro evolutions philosophy on this one, as now Fifa have followed.

Online Thoughts:
--------------------
Multiplayer online -
tournaments, quick plays and points ranking to increase competition.
Roster updates (if absolutely necessary users would possibly pay for this) -
good idea as this helps fund this feature, and anyway rugby is very well supported, it just needs a game to be out there to exploit this.
Patches for killer errors, like the '06 France injury one, and the general '08 injury one. -
I'm sure this, if not on PC initially, should be a problem for console releases.

Statistical And DatabaseThoughts:
----------------------
Improved player database accuracy -
the game is constantly on tv now, simple peaks at the top teams for visual performance analysis could help with re imagining the top players.
Playing positions being editable -
This should really be down to attributes, if the player is placed at prop but is strong enough, then should be okay, if not then he'll get squashed in open play and scrum time.
More licenses for competitions, players etc. -
Not completely important but like Fifa shows, combining the two creates the best experience!
Allow for mods/easy editing of kits/ faces/teams via usb stick.-
if and when the PC version is released, i agree with a later release as then the money for the console editions is well established without torrent copies impeding this fact.
Create your own team for World League and take them to the top-
maybe, create a player has to be fully integrated as previous was strange, large, unrealistic players that did not look integrated properly into the game system. Also their stamina and injury proneness became completely unrealistic to the games effect.

Hope this helps somewhat??

 

[McCracka_09]

one of the best suggestions yet

 

[cochizzy]

I REALLY wish they would get rid of that stupid slide for the ball whenever your retrieving the ball when its kicked into your own territory, in 08' the first instinct for the nearest player was slide and protect the ball...this should be an optional choice i know sometimes during games it would completely MISS the ball when making that automatic slide...especially when in your own goal line, the player should be able to pick it up and run out of the goal line and score a 100m try.

 

[sambãd5]

What about hte mauls, they are in dire need of a overhaul. rolling mauls, spliting them from the side, turning into a ruck. then some pick and goes?

 

[ranger]

Oookay heres my solution for the breakdown issue.

At the moment, there is no real feeling of control or input at the breakdown, nor is there a tangible reason why you win or lose any given competition. It seems to be down to a roll of the dice to be honest.
My solution is instead of pretending that we are in control, just take the step of actually making the breakdowns automatic. Much like in Madden. do you know how you control the offensive line? you dont, its done automatically because the focus is on running and passing. The focus of Rugby is on the running and passing game aswell so its only logical.

At the team selection screen, a player would be able to set his forwards to either "Automatic Rucking" or "Support". If you chose to set a forward to automatic rucking, they would automatically go from ruck to ruck sealing off and securing ball on offence, and counter rucking once a tackle is made on defence. Once the ball is secured by either team, they fan out to either defend the close channels or set up for the next ruck depending on the outcome.

The effectiveness of these players would directly depend on their rucking and counter-rucking ratings. Because it is decided by the AI who hits the rucks, and not just the closet guys around the tackle, you would visibly be able to see Richie McCaw hitting 5 rucks in a row, or Schalk Burger outmuscling two players to secure the ball. You could have openside flankers running specialist lines directly accross the field, taking them out of the play as far as recieving a pass goes, but getting them to the breakdown twice as fast. You would be able to program in world class forwards being awesome. This would give them value, unlike in the last games where the only good forward was a fast forward that can break tackles. This way, if you choose Martin Williams, you know you're going to get a steady supply of ball

The other major advantage of this system is the ability to choose "Support" forwards. This would mean that if you had a guy in your team like Sebastian Chabal, Sione Lauaki or Pierre Spies that are absolute monsters with the ball in hand, you can change the way their AI works. So instead of them being tied up in the tight, they would hang around in the backs more looking for opportunities to hit it up, they would follow the ball carrier looking to receive an offload at pace or drift backfield to hit up return kicks. I envisage you having the ability to change the players from "support" to "automatic rucking" during the game depending on how its going and vice versa.

If you think there is a real opportunity to steal the ball on defence and want extra numbers, you can hit the usual join ruck button to add backs into the fray to try and tip the balance, but this would leave holes or forwards in the backline if you dont turn it over, leaving an attacking opportunity. Similarly on offence you could throw the backs into the ruck if for instance you have made a break in the line and the closest players are backs. But ordinarily you would leave the forward pack to do their jobs

It would put a real tactical spin on squad selection too. I envisage a persons skill in selecting a balanced 22 being almost if not as important as a persons skill in the actual game. I want to see players not necessarily being "better" than each other, but better at certain aspects of the game. Some players would then appear better than each other depending on your individual style and philosophy about the game. Much like in the NFL when players are deciding between a predominantly passing or predominantly running game. Or in NBA where players decide between a halfcourt or fastbreak type offense.

-Can you afford to carry a front row of 3 scrummagers that arent very good at the breakdown? You might have to offset this by not having any "support" players, just a loose forward pack of ruckers to support the ball. This loss might then have to be offset by selecting a bigger unit at inside centre to compensate for the lack of a powerful runner coming out of the forwards. This would mean you lose a kicking and playmaker option from your inside centre and you might need to go for more of a tactical flyhalf-type fullback rather than a counter attacking one to compensate. The fact that you cant counter attack from kicks may mean you have to change your whole game plan and set moves.. Its these types of quandaries i want to be created

 

[stevemagoo]

I agree with all that has previously been written, but also the addition of create your own plays a-la madden would be pretty sweet..

 

[Sebastian V]

A simple easy way to make the breakdown less random, more compettitve!

I was thinking about how to improve the breakdown and came up with an idea.

There are 2 ways to steal the ball in defence, The first was to use a fetcher (like richie McCaw) to steal the ball or the Second to counter ruck. Just like in real life.

Once an attacking player gets tackled, the tackler gets to his feet or another defender gets to the ruck and attempts to fetch the ball (this is indicted with a green light on their head), Once the green light is on you click in the right stick in to steal the ball just like on previous games. However you wont get penalised like in previous games. THe player fetching the ball or attempting to steal has a green light on his head when he is on his feet and has the right to attempt to steal, the light goes red when he is off his feet. If u are still holding or clicking the right stick in when its red you get penalised. Also if u click the stick in b4 the light goes green u will also get penalised. The first player into the breakdown who attempts to steal is automatic, good fetchers like McCaw take less time to steal the ball. In order to prevent the player stealing the ball the attacking team simply has to put a player(s) into the ruck by tapping "a" just like in previous games. As soon as a player is commited they knock off the player attempting to steal. Light goes red.

Some players may take a very long time to steal the ball eg Backs, So it is more wise to simply tap "a" and commit numbers to the ruck in order to counter ruck the same as in previous games. You simply tap "a" for a player to enter the ruck, The sooner the better, and the more players the higher the chance of winning the ball. If your the defender and you tap "a" while your own player(fetcher) is attempting to steal the ball it will cancell out his attempt to steal, but it will strenghten your chance to counter ruck.

Attackers who are quick at commiting players to the ruck won't have much trouble with the players attempting to steal, as it takes time to steal. (it might a good idea tho if a player such as Richie McCaw, George Smith are harder to knock off the ruck, it might take 2 backs to knock them off, or a forward with lots of strengh stats).

Simple! Not too difficult. And of course the green light on his head can be some-thing else, Just an indictor that a player is attempting to steal, is on his feet. Another indictor for when he's off his feet.