Rugby has never truly transferred well to the world of computer gaming. To many complicated rules, to little action, and a complete lack of interest in the sport. However, all that has changed with the success of England in the World Cup. Everyone wants a piece of Johnny and his World Cup starlets and this is the best place to get it.
World Championship Rugby has managed to combat the rules as well as possible. There aren’t constant knock ons, or offsides. This allows the game to run smoothly without the need for constant stops in play. The controls are easy to pick up. L1 and R1 to pass left and right, x to tackle, square to kick. These simple 1 button moves help to make the game easily playable.
All the teams that competed in the World Cup are here and the game holds all the major tournaments ranging from the Six Nations to the World Cup. The graphics are very well presented with player models actually looking like their real life counterparts. All be it in a poppinfresh kind of way.
The game however has some flaws. I have yet to see the opposite team miss a conversion or drop goal. This takes away excitement from the game. You always know they will convert their kick, even in the most hardy wind conditions.
There are also only a limited number of teams available to play with but small flaws aside, Swordfish has created a very good game which is especially fun in multiplayer mode.
World Championship Rugby is defiantly worth a shout. Especially if you still have rugby fever.
By Robert Wyse Jackson
