World Championship Rugby (PlayStation 2/Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

Herald rating: * * * *

Released on the PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox this month, World Championship Rugby was developed by Swordfish Studios (formerly Rage Birmingham), the same team that gave the world Jonah Lomu Rugby in the late 90s.

Xbox owners in particular have pinned high hopes on this title, having missed out on EA Sports Rugby 2004 (PS2 and PC only), released just before last year's Rugby World Cup, though comparing the two isn't as easy as you might think.

Graphically speaking, they're evenly matched on the PS2. The Xbox version looks sharper -- it reminded me of Stacey Jones Rugby League, only prettier.

Beyond the opening FMV, players choose from friendly games (quick matches), competition and challenge modes.

It's a shame the publishers (Acclaim) couldn't secure all the licences; a Super 12 or even an NPC would have been a nice addition. However, players can enter pseudo World Cups, Six Nations and Tri-Nations tournaments, plus there are leagues, cups and tours to flesh out the gameplay options.

World Championship Rugby is not the statistics fest that Rugby 2004 was. It has a faster, more arcade-like feel, encouraging an open style of play, with lots of big tackles, flashy passes and flat out speed. The set pieces are less complicated, making the game more accessible to young and more casual gamers. There's even a controller guide that tells you which buttons to press.

There's no online functionality and multiplayer is limited to dual/quad split screen and system link: generally speaking the game is more fun versus human opponents. Overall World Championship Rugby is an accurate, arcade-like representation of our national game. Fans should be satisfied, and even casual gamers will find the gameplay fun.

$89.95

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