Windows

Rugby 2004

You'll have fun with this game, despite its shortcomings. Sure, the graphics aren't top-notch, and there are some missing elements, but the bottom line is that fans of rugby will look past the little things and rejoice that the game provides an exciting and mostly realistic representation of the sport. Other curious parties might want to explore it as well, at least with a rental. If you choose to invest a little time learning the sport, and then pick this up, it will definitely hold your interest. It's the perfect game to toss in right after you get done watching some Fox Sports World, or come back to the dorm after a college match.

It’s virtually impossible to recommend it to non-rugby fans, and even the mildly curious won’t find the training mode much help. But with perseverance, you can eke out a satisfying World Cup campaign once you’ve crested the learning curve.

Non, Rugby 2004 est vraiment mal fait et quand on voit les autres titres de la gamme, il y a de quoi se poser des questions. Le rugby n'a-t-il pas droit au même traitement que les autres ? On espère vraiment que les prochaines éditions (si prochaines éditions il y aura), sauront corriger tous les défauts qui handicapent sérieusement cette version 2004. En attendant, on croise les doigts pour une sortie européenne de Rugby League qui s'annonce autrement plus intéressant.

Overall, the bottom line is this … if you are a rugby fan, then Rugby 2004 may wind up being something that would be good for you to look into. If you watch it periodically, but are interested in how to learn to play the game, this is not going to be the best title for your money. There really is no tutorial to help you understand it, and even after X hours of playing I still have no clue what starts a scrum or what a ruck truly is. If you are planning to buy, buy with caution.

Bereft of the graphical bonanza found in such series as Madden, NHL, and Tiger Woods, Rugby 2004 will not appeal to eye-candy fanatics. Nor--with its poor instruction, disjointed sound, and questionable gameplay--will it grab the attention of rookies. True rugby fans may be able to see more clearly behind the confusion and low-grade presentation, but even they will eventually grow annoyed by the flaws. If you enjoy the sport and really have a strong desire to try your hand at its virtual facsimile, there are few other alternatives, but even then Rugby 2004 may not be worth the hassle.

Une fois arrivé au menu principal, on remarque un grand choix de modes de jeu : match amical, Coupe du Monde, 6 Nations, Tri Nations, Coupe d'Europe (oui, on peut enfin participer à la coupe d'Europe, ce que Rugby 2001 ne proposait pas), Super Douze...

Les passionnés de Rugby sont honteusement mis sur la touche par EA Sports. Les développeurs auraient voulu choper un 2 qu'ils ne s'y seraient pas pris autrement. Ah ben tiens, pour le coup, ils en auront au moins réussi un truc.

We could go on, but why bother? This game is an exercise in counter intuitiveness. Sure, there are almost 100 teams and 2,000 players, and it includes the Super 12 teams and the European Trophy teams. And another good point is that the computer AI is quite convincing, playing like a real rugby team. But so what? When a game plays this poorly, authenticity doesn't save it. Rugby 2004 stinks of repackaged horror from the dawn of 3D gaming.