Rugby World Cup 2011

I've never written a review of a product I have purchased before but I feel so strongly about this game that I feel I have to comment.

Having been a big fan of Rugby 08 I pre-ordered this latest effort as soon as I heard about it. I received it today and was immediately dissapointed. The game is no different to Rugby 08 apart from the graphics, particularly player likenesses, are almost inferior, there are no other competitions other than the RWC, friendlies and pre-tournament tours, you can't select your international squad from a pool of eligible players so have to make do with what your given by the game producers (no Manu Tuilagi for those of an English disposition), and there are fewer licenced teams (notable omissions are New Zealand and Austalia as well as several lower tier nations so no official kits or players).

The physics of the game are unbelievably unrealistic, with players seemingly being able to run at incredible speeds yet maintain the agility and cornering ability of a house fly! In addition, poor AI causes players out wide in the defensive line to suddenly dart infield towards the last breakdown when the opposition scrum half passes the ball. Combined, these issues make defence almost impossible and really very frustrating. Defensive and rucking tactics are difficult to alter quickly in game while the ability of the first defending player to arrive at a newly formed ruck to simply pick up the ball and scoot off with it, while a gaggle of attacking forwards inches from him simply stand there and watch, is ridiculous.

There are also a couple of technical issues - when it comes to set piece moves, unless you initiate the move as soon as the backline are ready, you are penalised for taking too long and making the ball unplayable. On top of this, if the opposition kick out on the full from a kick off, a lineout is automatically awarded rather than a choice of a retake, a scrum or a lineout on halfway.

As well as the competitions you can take part in a place kick shootout. In my 20 odd years of watching rugby, I have only ever seen one place kick/drop goal shootout in a competitive game so why they felt the need to include this is anyone's guess. A total waste of everyone's time!

I've been waiting for a decent rugby game to come out for almost 4 years. Unfortunately it looks like I'll be waiting for some time yet. I'm massively disappointed that this has fallen so short of expectations. I strongly urge you to save your cash if you're considering buying this game. The gamers of the rugby community deserves a game of high quality to enjoy. What a massive shame that it has not been provided in this instance.

May not be a full re-creation of the sport, but is great fun. We played the demo and it had us shouting and screaming at the screen. The full game is even better. It's simple to use (many of the more complex controls can be ignored if you want) and is exciting. It's probably a game for humans though, rather than playing against the computer. Enjoy it, we are! And the price is dropping all the time...

I'd been waiting AGES for a rugby game to appear on the XBOX, and boy what a disappointment when this arrived!. While it boasts up to date teams (except NZ and Australia) and good commentary. The main problems are the graphics and the gameplay. The so-called player likenesses are laughable, with the graphics looking like a PS2 game. What's most infuriating though is the gameplay. Hampered by retarted AI (watching all 15 of the opposing team in a huddle chase after my ball carrier made me laugh), this game could have been so much more. Save your money and wait for Rugby Challenge instead