Rugby 2005 hands-on playtest

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[b]<span style=\'font-size:27pt;line-height:100%\'>Rugby 2005 hands-on playtest</span>[/b]

It\'s not even the end of January, and already the team here at au.PlayStation.com is getting around in jumpers, beanies and scarfs like it was the middle of July. It may be because management insists on keeping the air-conditioner firmly set on Andre 3000 mode (Ice Cold!). Or it could be because for the past week we\'ve been lucky enough to put a preview version of EA Sports Rugby 2005 through its paces, and the early signs would suggest that it\'s going to be the best season for the franchise yet.
[b]
Wallaby or a bit wobbly?[/b]

While the folks at developer HB Studios admirably crammed in plenty of teams, modes and other features into their previous game Rugby 2004, it was painfully obvious that the graphics engine was compromised in the process. Players were largely unrecognisable (\"Go Gregan!\" \"Wait - that\'s Gregan? I thought it was the goal post!?!\"), and the player models themselves were oddly shaped, with pumpkin-sized heads and stilted bodies.

Fortunately Rugby 2005 puts an end to all that, and the improvement to the visuals is truly a quantam leap. Thanks to the use of EA Canada\'s graphics technology (also used in the FIFA series), Rugby 2005 has the realistic textures, recognisable faces and life-like animations that we\'ve grown to expect from the more profitable EA Sports franchises such as the aforementioned FIFA, Madden, Tiger Woods etc. The aesthetic enhancements have been applied across the board, and thus the presentation in the menus and loading screens are all suitably slick and well-designed as well.

Combine this with a fully licenced soundtrack featuring a host of Aussie rockers including Powderfinger, Grinspoon, 28 Days and The Cops, and add silky smooth commentary from Britain\'s Bill McLaren and legendary Kiwi Murray Mexted and you\'ve got a rugby game that both looks great and sounds great. Kind of like the Beyonce of sports games. But how does it play? And also, is it \'bootylicious\'?

[b]Actually, it\'s footylicious
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In a word? Superbly, although there are some niggling issues with passing to the wrong player/over the sideline on occasion and a few other minor complaints, but we\'re confident that they\'ll be ironed out before release. Niggles aside, the game is as solid as a Jonah Lomu shoulder charge. Speaking of the big Kiwi, the PSone\'s Jonah Lomu Rugby from Codemasters has long been regarded by fans as the greatest ever videogame representation of the sport; the \'GoldenEye\' of the genre if you will. But guess what, rugby fans? It\'s time to meet your new king.

For starters, the controls are first class. Forget about grappling frantically with your Dual Shock like it was some monochromatic Rubik\'s Cube whenever you get into a scrum, Rugby 2005 features a control set that is remarkably responsive and intuitive for even newcomers to the sport, or indeed North Americans. Speaking of which, before you can tackle any of the tournaments when you fire up the game for the first time, you are forced to complete a Training Mode that both familiarises you with the control system and the rules of the sport itself. It consists of basic tackling and passing drills, but it gets you ready to jump straight into a real match.

Which is not to say the game has no depth, and simple tackling and passing soon gives way to calculated lineouts, cunning \'up and under\' kicks and decisive set plays. Hand-offs, side steps and shoulder charges are all achieved with well-timed flicks of the right thumbstick, and desperate diving tackles on defence can be pulled off with a well-timed tap of the X button.
[b]
State of the Union[/b]

Rugby 2005 presents a comprehensive list of real-life leagues and tournaments; from Six Nations and Lions Tours to the Super 12\'s. There\'s also a a hugely tweakable custom player mode, allowing you to get your face in the game or recreate past legends or future heroes and import them into existing teams.

Rugby 2005 is still a couple of months off from release, and we\'ll have more impressions, screens and videos from the game in the lead up to its March 14th street date.


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