2011 Rugby World Cup Xbox 360

But rugby is not often the subject of video games. While all kinds of sports get the treatment, rugby games are few and far between. There may be a number of reasons for this but, realistically, it comes down to the fact that it is not as widely played as soccer. That, added to the fact that there are probably more people who will buy NFL games in the USA than there are those who would buy rugby titles in the whole world, makes this kind of game something that might not necessarily be viable for big name publishers to push out.

But the world has changed in terms of video gaming, too, and HB Studios, who worked on the last rugby game we saw, as well as a number of EA Sports titles, have decided that the time is right to produce a new title - this time for the HD consoles. And while EA Sports didn't want to publish it, 505 Games snapped up the opportunity to present the rugby playing world with a title that is nothing short of gold in the right territories: a game based on the 2011 Rugby World Cup, with the full backing of the International Rugby Board.

While playing Rugby World Cup 2011, the player will be able to select their favorite national team and take on the rest of the world in this esteemed competition. All the teams that are playing in the World Cup are present and accounted for, although there are some that aren't licensed. Oddly, that pretty much comes down to Australia and New Zealand. Their absence is strange, although probably due to a bit of 'politics', what with another rugby title due for release shortly (which has those two teams licensed, but very few others.)

As far as the licensed teams go, player names are perfect (even in the voiced commentary) and likenesses are%u2026 well, ok, they're not great. During cut scenes (which add a nice TV-like feel to the game) you can recognize some of the players, but we're not talking at a FIFA level here. Habana, for example, I though was recognizable, Matfield wasn't%u2026 not enough hair in-game. During actual play, only hair-color sets players apart, so trying to get the ball to a specific player can be tough.

But that doesn't really matter, because the feel of real rugby has been captured by the game. This includes the organized chaos and opportunistic ideas that lead to it not mattering who carried the ball across the line, just as long as tries are scored. The game flows, thankfully, and the player is afforded many opportunities to push towards the opponent's goal line, thanks to a combination of a sensible control system and a decent AI supporting their efforts.

The organic flow of the game has also been captured well, with knock-ons, late tackles and all the other infractions coming into play. Whether it's running the ball up the field or piling into a ruck to gain possession, Rugby World Cup 2011 does things well. It is, without a doubt, the best rugby game that we have seen to date. That said, it didn't have much to compete with from before, and there are still a few chinks in this title's armor that may leave players wanting here and there. It seems, for example, that the team players on the field are a little too similar in abilities. Sure, they have a wide array of skills and aptitudes that have been captured and classified for this game (all of which can be adjusted by the player in the team management section) but once play starts the subtleties of these differences aren't immediately apparent. They do become obvious in score differences, though - a top team will annihilate a weaker team, but more evenly matched sides will lead to a better match-up.

Another little niggle is that it seems, at times, that the AI is a little elastic. This might not be in the actual programming, but every now and then the player's team will develop a case of the 'slow and stupids', while the opposing team might suddenly be inspired by an uncharacteristic infusion of skill and speed. It keeps the game exciting, but it does lead to a bit of frustration for those who want to annihilate the enemy with Murray field style scores differences.

There are two camera angles available - either side on, or behind the player's team. The second view is great for single player, as it helps make sense of the passing controls. The first view is the most fair for multiplayer match-ups, which is an arena in which this title shines.
We predict a whole bunch of party-style mini World Cup tournaments happening between friends.

The controls, while simple at first glance, allow for a great variety of play in all those situations that crop up in a normal game of rugby. Pushing through tackles, punting a ball over the poles for a drop-goal, intercepting a poorly timed pass and making a mad dash for the try-line%u2026 all of these (and more) add to the fluid nature of this often very exciting title. It's the kind of game that will have you screaming in both triumph and frustration, and spectators will likely be cheering when their favorite virtual team breaks through the opposition's defense.

With good graphics, excellently scalable difficulty levels, sensible controls, a decent AI and excellent multiplayer opportunities, Rugby World Cup 2011 is great fun. It is accessible to players with wide degrees of skill, thanks to the difficulty levels, and can provide enjoyment to newcomers and experts alike. Admittedly it is not the best game in the sports game genre, but it certainly is the best rugby game we have seen up until now, and the attachment of the IRB endorsement and the World Cup brand make it a perfect game for a huge number of South African rugby fans.

The added accessibility of the title makes it something of an entry-way into gaming for those who haven't played before, which is a great thing. It could have done with a little more polish, though. Additionally, it only deals with national teams, but it aren't restricted to the World Cup%u2026 there are tours and test matches to be enjoyed as well. In short, as far as sports games go, few are as perfect for our market as this one%u2026 it will be a very welcome addition to any rugby fan's gaming library.

Although not perfect, it is the best rugby game to date; fluid, chaotic, organic and fun.