I got this game yesterday, and while i think its a great game, Rugby fans i feel will be a little surprised and dissapointed.
Graphics: I think the graphics of the game a pretty nice, easier on the eye than RL. They seem to suit the style of the game, very arcade-like. Stadiums could use some work, and i think the crowd is pretty poor (although when they show the close up of the fans after a try, it looks great!) The menus are very slick and look great. Player animations are good and i espescially like the try animations, full marks there.
8/10
Sound: This is where i think the game loses marks. The commentary is sub-standard, or maybe im just spoilt by Vossys tremendous calling in RL. The crowd nois is way too soft, and they dont get exited sometimes when they should. The commentator will say something like "The crowd are bringing the house down" and you could hear a pin drop in the stadium. One nice touch is when England playes, the crowd sings Swing low, Sweet chariot. In game music is good IMO, simple stuff but doesnt get on your nerves.
6/10
Gameplay: I love the fast free flowing feel. Swordfish have gone for all out arcade action. This game is far from simulation, and i think some will be dissapointed with this. Im no rugby fan, but i like this game, because i dont think its much like rugby at all. Forget kicking duels, you wont be able to find the line as the fullback will always be under the ball. The kicking system is good thouhg, and the grubber is sublime fun. Putting bombs up is once again pretty hard, and i wonder why they didnt make it easier??? tackling is good, but i find myself using the 'driving tackle' all the time. This tackle knocks the ball out every time, and its only a matter of a few defensive tackles before you gain posession. Penaltys are few and far between, which suits the games style, but as stated earlier in this post, rules are there for a reason, and offside is non-existent in this game. Goal kicking seems like they put no effort into it at all. Those that have played JLR will know exactly what its like. Its quite a poor effort i feel, but once again, i dont think the developers wanted the action to slow down at all. The only way i seem to be able to score is to shift the ball wide over and over again, and going up the middle is only necessary against the harder teams, as you must have players near-by to ruck the ball immediately, or be turned over. Rucks and mauls are done so well in this game, as are line-outs. they wont need changing in the sequal.
8/10
Overall the game is fast paced fun, and the challenge mode is the stand out for me. Hours of fun trying to beat the classic matches, and beat the All-stars with every team, not to mention survival mode. I suspect Swordfish will put a little more time into the sequal, making gameplay a little more true to its real-life counterpart. For now, this game is enjoyable, and a blast multiplayer. But i think there isnt much longevity in this title.
How does it compare to RL? Well imo, i think RL just wins out in the end. I still play it to this day, and i cant see myself playing WCR in a few months time. Its a great game, but after learning all the kicks, spreading the ball wide and sprinting, theres not much alse to it. With RL, you can play a more measured game and you are rewarded for smart play. Sidhe will do well though to learn a few things from this game and im sure they are giving it a full work out to see what they can improve on for the next RL title.
WCR is a sweet game, so give it a hire if you are unsure. I layed down $80 for it, and im not dissapointed, cant wait for the sequal. Exciting times ahead for us gamers!
