Rugby 2011 Video Games

DerTierarzt · 19-04-2011 10:48am #1

So it looks like there are two rugby games being released to coincide with the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Firstly, there is Rugby World Cup 2011 Official Game, which is more or less the successor to the EA Rugby series of games, except this time without EA Games as a publisher (it's 505 Games publishing HB Studios' game). It allows you play as the 20 competing teams in the RWC, and if it is anything like its spiritual predecessors, it will more than likely have other licences available also (e.g.: Tri Nations, Six Nations, Guinness Premiership etc.). There are plans for downloadable content, apparently with a view to capitalising on Sevens rugby in London 2012.

Next up is the successor to Jonah Lomu Rugby, Rugby Challenge. This seems to be a much more customisable game, with details such as what strapping, gumshield, boots etc. the players wear accurately represented, not to mention left or right footed kickers, kicking styles etc.

Not quite the FIFA versus Pro Evolution Soccer argument, seeing as neither games will have universal licencing rights (quite tricky to obtain anyway in rugby apparently), but from a customisable and feature point of view, it would appear Rugby Challenge is the more packed game.

It would be class to have a version of Pro Evolution Soccer's Master League manager mode, but this seems unlikely in either game. Video refs too have been shoved far down the list of priorities, and the Kinect Haka Simulator rumour should be firmly discounted seeing as it was released on April 1st...

So, which game does it for you? Any features you'd love to see appear in a rugby game, or do you think they're simply a waste of money?

jolley123 · 19-04-2011 11:46am

I was extremely disappointed when I heard HB were only making a WC game. I was looking forward to more customization, creating a team and picking my fav players. But it is understandable seeing as they don't have the backing of EA.

The Challenge game from what I've seen has great visuals, but it seems mainly super15 orientated. I'll still buy both.

Ciaran-Irl · 19-04-2011 11:54am

I love the giant banner on that Rugby Challenge site... "Kiwis can win Rugby Challenge"

As in, at least they can win this, even if they can never win a world cup.

omb0wyn5ehpij9 · 19-04-2011 12:57pm

I would say I will end up buying both. I hope they are good, but I can't see them being as enjoyable as Jonah Lomu rugby (which I was only playing last night

)

DerTierarzt · 19-04-2011 1:57pm

I'd love a Be-a-Pro mode, think it'd be unreal!

molloyjh · 19-04-2011 1:58pm

I know it's a recession, but I've been waiting years for a new rugby game so it'll be both for me I think.

DerTierarzt · 19-04-2011 4:43pm

It'd be class if they had a penalty competition after extra time...

Diom · 19-04-2011 4:46pm

Not on the PC... the prigs!

DerTierarzt · 19-04-2011 5:37pm

Diom wrote: »

Not on the PC... the prigs!

Rugby Challenge is, no?

Jack Sheehan · 19-04-2011 7:27pm

BDJW wrote: »

I would say I will end up buying both. I hope they are good, but I can't see them being as enjoyable as Jonah Lomu rugby (which I was only playing last night )

One day someone will knock Jonah Lomu rugby off it's pedestal. One day.

profitius · 19-04-2011 10:12pm

Maybe they should start making a 7's rugby game. Its simplier to make and fast paced etc. When they start perfecting that then move on to 15 a side.

DerTierarzt · 19-04-2011 11:45pm

profitius wrote: »

Maybe they should start making a 7's rugby game. Its simplier to make and fast paced etc. When they start perfecting that then move on to 15 a side.

I believe the Rugby Challenge game is supporting DLC, with a view to incorporating Sevens in time for London 2012?

its_phil · 20-04-2011 10:09am

DerTierarzt wrote: »

I believe the Rugby Challenge game is supporting DLC, with a view to incorporating Sevens in time for London 2012?

if your talking about the olympics, rugby wont be in it until 2016.

Sabre0001 · 20-04-2011 10:38am

I think this is going to be a case of dipping the toe in the water (similar to F1 2010). The games may show promise, but will ultimately be flawed. Perhaps the 2012 editions will get rid of bugs, etc and smooth out the gameplay.

Going to keep the fingers crossed and hope for the best. Will give both a go. Hopefully there's a demo.....

RandolphEsq · 20-04-2011 12:11pm

In the meantime I would recommend downloading a PS1 emulator, it's BIOS, Jonah Lomu Rugby Rom and hooking up a controller to your PC. The nostalgia brings tears to the eyes! "That one will have snow on it when it comes down"

Superbus · 20-04-2011 1:46pm

I played Rugby 2006 on the PS2 to death.

Then again, I was young and naive...

Captain_Generic · 20-04-2011 2:23pm

Rugby 08 is still a pretty decent game, theres an active mod community which keeps rosters and kits fairly up to date

Guy:Incognito · 20-04-2011 3:26pm

I would have thought there wold be an ongoing series of a league game. Surely it woudl be much easier to make with no Lineouts, Mauls, Rucks and scrums (contested) and if it was the only game available would probably be boght by union fans too.

PTH2009 · 20-04-2011 3:28pm

might buy the 2 of them. Hopefully one of them will have Full licenses for The Celtic League, Heinken Cup, Challenge Cup etc.

Id say the HB studios would be the better game for Northern Hemisphere rugby licenses competitions etc.

Wonder what Irish Stadiums will be in it. More than likely Aviva Statium, Thomond Park and Ravenhill doubt the Showgrounds, RDS or Croke Park will be in it.

Stev_o · 20-04-2011 3:48pm

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

I would have thought there wold be an ongoing series of a league game. Surely it woudl be much easier to make with no Lineouts, Mauls, Rucks and scrums (contested) and if it was the only game available would probably be boght by union fans too.

Eh not sure if serious cause that's pretty much exactly what Sidhe has done/doing.

PTH2009 wrote: »

might buy the 2 of them. Hopefully one of them will have Full licenses for The Celtic League, Heinken Cup, Challenge Cup etc.

Id say the HB studios would be the better game for Northern Hemisphere rugby licenses competitions etc.

Wonder what Irish Stadiums will be in it. More than likely Aviva Statium, Thomond Park and Ravenhill doubt the Showgrounds, RDS or Croke Park will be in it.

HB so far are only doing the World Cup and it looks to me like it's going to be more like Rugby Challenge with no license player names (Since Sidhe have the ONLY All Blacks License). HB probably won't have anything other the the World Cup features.

According to Justin he saw Sidhe (i think) submitting forms to get Irish players likeness for their game.

Gelio · 20-04-2011 4:21pm

I'll buy any rugby game for the xbox! We've been waiting so long to play rugby on live.

Edit: Anyone have any idea of release dates?

crisco10 · 20-04-2011 4:29pm

RandolphEsq wrote: »

In the meantime I would recommend downloading a PS1 emulator, it's BIOS, Jonah Lomu Rugby Rom and hooking up a controller to your PC. The nostalgia brings tears to the eyes! "That one will have snow on it when it comes down"

Any recommendations for emulator?

Nevermind, got it going. That plus my xbox 360 controller mean savage Lomu experience. BOOM!

DerTierarzt · 21-04-2011 1:52pm

Just looking throught the forums there, and saw this from one of the developers of the Rugby Challenge game when he was asked to compare his game with the HB Studios one:

Little is known about HB Studios game. What they have stated recently on their game is there will be no manager/franchise mode, no sevens mode, goal kicking similar to previous games, gameplay sliders are unlikely, only limited customisation, and it is only coming to PS3 and 360 and not PC. They have not confirmed or commented on online multiplayer. Rugby Challenge has a franchise mode, has extensive customisation, has gameplay sliders and modifiers, has online multiplayer, and is coming to PC. Also, whatever licenses we have announced so far for Rugby Challenge will not appear in their game.

DerTierarzt · 21-04-2011 1:54pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

might buy the 2 of them. Hopefully one of them will have Full licenses for The Celtic League, Heinken Cup, Challenge Cup etc.

Id say the HB studios would be the better game for Northern Hemisphere rugby licenses competitions etc.

Wonder what Irish Stadiums will be in it. More than likely Aviva Statium, Thomond Park and Ravenhill doubt the Showgrounds, RDS or Croke Park will be in it.

Looks like Rugby Challenge will have at least some European teams, whether that means national or club teams, I don't know. They announced it on their official twitter feed:

yes, there will be officially licensed European teams in #rugbychallenge

DerTierarzt · 21-04-2011 1:58pm

ajeffares wrote: »

I'll buy any rugby game for the xbox! We've been waiting so long to play rugby on live.

Edit: Anyone have any idea of release dates?

August 26th for the HB Studios game, and there're rumours saying the Rugby Challenge game will be out near the end of July...

Teferi · 21-04-2011 2:52pm

Did I miss something here - is there mention of future games? I saw a few posters mention it.

I would love a new rugby game every year but one of these two games is going to have to be really successful for that to start happening. We're lucky to get one game every couple of years around the world cup and none have stood up to the fabled Jonah Lomu game.

I hope they start doing one every year. Would be awesome.

thunderthing · 21-04-2011 4:36pm

Thank god one of them is coming to the PC at least, I've been stuck on Rugby 08 for years...

DerTierarzt · 21-04-2011 4:46pm

Teferi wrote: »

Did I miss something here - is there mention of future games? I saw a few posters mention it.

I would love a new rugby game every year but one of these two games is going to have to be really successful for that to start happening. We're lucky to get one game every couple of years around the world cup and none have stood up to the fabled Jonah Lomu game.

I hope they start doing one every year. Would be awesome.

It really would. According to HB Studios, from their experience with EA, a FIFA game would outsell a rugby one by twenty to one, even in a RWC year... Still though, at least with both games it appears customisation would allow you stay current with transfers and jerseys and the like. More so Rugby Challenge it would appear though...

cartoonninja · 21-04-2011 8:06pm

Probaly buy both
I always thought a new rugby management game wud sell well

ALH-06 · 22-04-2011 2:14am

cartoonninja wrote: »

I always thought a new rugby management game wud sell well

Exactly what I was going to say!

I'd seriously like a rugby management game based on the likes of Championship Manager etc. Even though that was for knackerball, it's still the most addictive game I've ever played.

But perhaps with the tactics / set pieces / back line moves etc, rugby would be just too technical a spot to encapsulate properly into such a format?

You'd have to program the referees to make insanely stupid mistakes about 40% of the time, too...

DerTierarzt · 24-04-2011 12:30pm

ALH-06 wrote: »

Exactly what I was going to say!

I'd seriously like a rugby management game based on the likes of Championship Manager etc. Even though that was for knackerball, it's still the most addictive game I've ever played.

But perhaps with the tactics / set pieces / back line moves etc, rugby would be just too technical a spot to encapsulate properly into such a format?

You'd have to program the referees to make insanely stupid mistakes about 40% of the time, too...

Apparently they are looking at putting in dynamic linesmen, and a ref counting as a physical presence, not just a ghost-like player!

DerTierarzt · 25-04-2011 11:17pm

From the forums on both developers' sites, it would appear Rugby Challenge is the one with the customisation. They also have the NZ and AUS licences, so I don't know how the other game are going to have the All Blacks in their World Cup game?!?

Diom · 26-04-2011 10:05am

DerTierarzt wrote: »

Rugby Challenge is, no?

Yeah, but I want to manage Connacht to HEC glory. If I do that then perhaps I will be able to get the top job myself once Eric steps into the Irish managers role.

circos · 26-04-2011 10:12am

Ive downloaded rugby 08 for the pc and added the latest mods to it to bring it up to 2011 kits, tournaments and players.

Its quite entertaining. Except for the fact that BOD isnt a star player anymore....and it seems like they forgot about POC.

Still though...Its gonna tide me over till we get a decent game out (if that actually happens)

DerTierarzt · 28-04-2011 3:39pm

circos wrote: »

Ive downloaded rugby 08 for the pc and added the latest mods to it to bring it up to 2011 kits, tournaments and players.

Its quite entertaining. Except for the fact that BOD isnt a star player anymore....and it seems like they forgot about POC.

Still though...Its gonna tide me over till we get a decent game out (if that actually happens)

I heard they're basing club and country stats on the official rankings, so that's good!

Stev_o · 11-05-2011 11:51am

So Nesbit and Marshall are commentators for RC. Glad Nesbit got the job always like his voice however the recordings sound very bland hopefully it won't sound that dull in game.

Pudsy33 · 11-05-2011 12:12pm

i can't wait for these! from what i've seen and heard RC looks most promising. and they are having a big push on their forums to get people to supply player details (boots, left footed kickers, tape, etc) for the magners league. hopefully that means its in

Pudsy33 · 11-05-2011 12:13pm

DerTierarzt wrote: »

So it looks like there are two rugby games being released to coincide with the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Firstly, there is Rugby World Cup 2011 Official Game, which is more or less the successor to the EA Rugby series of games, except this time without EA Games as a publisher (it's 505 Games publishing HB Studios' game). It allows you play as the 20 competing teams in the RWC, and if it is anything like its spiritual predecessors, it will more than likely have other licences available also (e.g.: Tri Nations, Six Nations, Guinness Premiership etc.). There are plans for downloadable content, apparently with a view to capitalising on Sevens rugby in London 2012.

Next up is the successor to Jonah Lomu Rugby, Rugby Challenge. This seems to be a much more customisable game, with details such as what strapping, gumshield, boots etc. the players wear accurately represented, not to mention left or right footed kickers, kicking styles etc.

Not quite the FIFA versus Pro Evolution Soccer argument, seeing as neither games will have universal licencing rights (quite tricky to obtain anyway in rugby apparently), but from a customisable and feature point of view, it would appear Rugby Challenge is the more packed game.

It would be class to have a version of Pro Evolution Soccer's Master League manager mode, but this seems unlikely in either game. Video refs too have been shoved far down the list of priorities, and the Kinect Haka Simulator rumour should be firmly discounted seeing as it was released on April 1st...

So, which game does it for you? Any features you'd love to see appear in a rugby game, or do you think they're simply a waste of money?

RC will have a franchise mode, somewhat like master league, as far as i know.

Stev_o · 20-05-2011 5:02pm

ALH-06 wrote: »

Exactly what I was going to say!

I'd seriously like a rugby management game based on the likes of Championship Manager etc. Even though that was for knackerball, it's still the most addictive game I've ever played.

But perhaps with the tactics / set pieces / back line moves etc, rugby would be just too technical a spot to encapsulate properly into such a format?

You'd have to program the referees to make insanely stupid mistakes about 40% of the time, too...

Might be interested in this then! Downloading it now so ill leave some thoughts after i completely ruin Leicester Tigers in my first play through

http://www.rugbyunionmanager.co.uk/Games.php

twinytwo · 20-05-2011 5:14pm

circos wrote: »

Ive downloaded rugby 08 for the pc and added the latest mods to it to bring it up to 2011 kits, tournaments and players.

Its quite entertaining. Except for the fact that BOD isnt a star player anymore....and it seems like they forgot about POC.

Still though...Its gonna tide me over till we get a decent game out (if that actually happens)

Bit harsh... i remember in 08 he could run through entire teams blowing through almost every tackle thrown at him

GiftofGab · 20-05-2011 7:12pm

Any release date for this?

Pudsy33 · 20-05-2011 7:41pm

GiftofGab wrote: »

Any release date for this?

World cup game out august 26th. Rugby challenge sometime before the world cup

tolosenc · 20-05-2011 10:01pm

Stev_o wrote: »

Might be interested in this then! Downloading it now so ill leave some thoughts after i completely ruin Leicester Tigers in my first play through

http://www.rugbyunionmanager.co.uk/Games.php

Needs a lot of work.

PTH2009 · 23-05-2011 10:55pm

Stev_o wrote: »

Might be interested in this then! Downloading it now so ill leave some thoughts after i completely ruin Leicester Tigers in my first play through

http://www.rugbyunionmanager.co.uk/Games.php

How do you manage/coach National sides.

seanaor · 23-05-2011 11:01pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

How do you manage/coach National sides.

You get offers while playing through the club season, to manage national teams in the WC, 6 nations or tri nations. You go back to the club team then after.

24-05-2011 3:36am

PTH2009 wrote: »

How do you manage/coach National sides.

Sorry Declan, you'll have to try harder!

Cool_CM · 24-05-2011 12:19pm

Stev_o wrote: »

Might be interested in this then! Downloading it now so ill leave some thoughts after i completely ruin Leicester Tigers in my first play through

http://www.rugbyunionmanager.co.uk/Games.php

The colour scheme hurts to look at!

andrewdcs · 24-05-2011 12:54pm

Cool_CM wrote: »

The colour scheme hurts to look at!

garish! :eek:

Really like the odd 2 player vs. game of madden / pes / etc. (tho never get the time these days) so looking fwd to game play later this year.

tweaking madden could create a great game, wouldn't need to add much motion capture to what's in there. If a game is good enough you don't have to like the sport, NHL/ games got me, and I'm sure many many others, into ice hockey.

IRB missing a trick not trying to get an EA quality game in.

Stev_o · 24-05-2011 12:59pm

andrewdcs wrote: »

garish! :eek:

Really like the odd 2 player vs. game of madden / pes / etc. (tho never get the time these days) so looking fwd to game play later this year.

tweaking madden could create a great game, wouldn't need to add much motion capture to what's in there. If a game is good enough you don't have to like the sport, NHL/ games got me, and I'm sure many many others, into ice hockey.

IRB missing a trick not trying to get an EA quality game in.

IRB doesn't hold the license of each Union though so really they have very little say beyond RWC licensing. It's not like the NFL or NBA where the governing body holds the licensing rights.

andrewdcs · 24-05-2011 1:15pm

Stev_o wrote: »

IRB doesn't hold the license of each Union though so really they have very little say beyond RWC licensing. It's not like the NFL or NBA where the governing body holds the licensing rights.

(edit: get fantasy leinster vs fantasy crusaders games on xbox live.... intercontinental banter would be mighty!)
true, they could be rounding the various unions up to get something compelling done to get into the lucrative (though in fairness, annoying) yearly upgrade gravy train, not the odd generally flawed one off (which I hope Rugby 2011 won't be). It's the sequels + that makes money (as all the grunt is done, you cut the dev team to 20% to churn out a polished bug fix version as they get more used to the product)

I'm not looking for perfectly digitised faces etc. (fluff) but a game of the quality of the NHL series I think could do seriously well, outside of the megabucks heartland (France, NZ, SA, UK) and if I were in the IRB I'd be gunning for it, anyone know how to find out who their biz dev guys / consultants are?

I'd imagine such efforts are €10 million plus projects, so it'd be like staging a world cup.

They could dole out revenue from the nickel and dime stuff, there are so many ways of monetising a platform now. (vomits on self for speaking such biz word bingo)

Stev_o · 24-05-2011 1:21pm

andrewdcs wrote: »

(edit: get fantasy leinster vs fantasy crusaders games on xbox live.... intercontinental banter would be mighty!)
true, they could be rounding the various unions up to get something compelling done to get into the lucrative (though in fairness, annoying) yearly upgrade gravy train, not the odd generally flawed one off (which I hope Rugby 2011 won't be). It's the sequels + that makes money (as all the grunt is done, you cut the dev team to 20% to churn out a polished bug fix version as they get more used to the product)

I'm not looking for perfectly digitised faces etc. (fluff) but a game of the quality of the NHL series I think could do seriously well, outside of the megabucks heartland (France, NZ, SA, UK) and if I were in the IRB I'd be gunning for it, anyone know how to find out who their biz dev guys / consultants are?

I'd imagine such efforts are €10 million plus projects, so it'd be like staging a world cup.

They could dole out revenue from the nickel and dime stuff, there are so many ways of monetising a platform now. (vomits on self for speaking such biz word bingo)

10 Million for the license? Or the actual game budget?

See think it's a bit of a mess since i don't think the Unions receive any funding from the IRB (do they?) so how would they go about splitting the money to each Union? Obviously the NZRFU is worth more then Georgia's Union so how do you divide the funds between the two.

Rugby Games haven't traditionally sold that well compared to the costs to make them. As a programmer the overall complexity of making a true to life rugby game is far more complicated then making a Football (American and windy ball) or Basketball or Hockey.

We ll see how well they sell. Think Rugby Challenge will the better of the two myself.

Rugby 2011 Video Games

Comments