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Game Review: All Blacks Rugby Challenge

What kind of publication would we be if we didn’t feature at least one thing to do with the Rugby World Cup? Well, one in a minority I’m sure. And what better way to feature by checking out the brand new, just in time before kick off, All Blacks Rugby Challenge game.

This is very much as you would expect. And if you have played any rugby video games before you will not be surprised that this is much the same as you remember good ol' Jonah Lomu rugby to be. Throw in a few cool new game play features, extras and ramp the graphics and attention to detail up and you have a winner.

Of course you can choose all of the major teams across all forms of rugby tournaments, World Cup, Tri-Nations, Super 15 or just a test matches between any of the teams. My fav, All Blacks vs Japan. If you are involved in a tournament of course, the whole process is quick and easy and you can find yourself with a cup or trophy in your hands after a good few hours of war with the controls. Speaking of which, controlling this game is fairly easy and actually I like some of the new features during a ruck, scrum or maul. They seemed to have captured the essence of diversity with this and you really can have a more tactical game than what you would expect. So get out the playbook and work those phases!

Attention to detail is something I mentioned earlier and the team at Sidhe have really put in a lot of effort capturing the realism of a proper game, the players and all the surroundings that, if you are avid fan of the sport, you would expect to be spot on. The stadiums are all there, 14 from NZ , 6 in Auzzie, 5 SA and 6 more around Europe. Hats off because some of the stadiums were not even completed during the making of the game! I even had a chance to play the final of the World Cup.. It’s like seeing the future..

Commentary is important to me when I’m watching rugby on the tele, not because I like Justin Marshall’s voice a heck of a lot but because I’m not too good at keeping up with play-by-play action. I like to repeat the commentators statements right after they call out the reason for the penalty, nice and loud too so my mates think I’m as clued up as they are. Haha, but really.. The commentary in this game is accurate and detailed. I expected it to be repetitive and boring but once you get a good play going and the ball is spun wide to Mils, the excitement in Nisbo’s voice does add a bit of realism in a way that you cant help but get on your feet and start yelling “Go boy go!”

To sum up, do I think it’s a good game? Yes. Would I play it over and over? Hmmm probably not likely, but I liked it for the fact I could choose and make my own teams (with an awesome realistic character designer) and actually play the World Cup Tournament where the All Blacks win the coveted gold mug by smashing the Aussies. BTW, my predictions? All blacks vs. England final. 43 – 12.

Go the blacks and I will not be abstaining for shit.

3.5/5

Written By James McCombe