With the World Cup in New Zealand now less than a month away, we are starting to get rugby fever here at Sportsvibe. Conversations in the office are slowly turning from Premier League transfer rumours to the potential destination of the Webb Ellis trophy. Can the All Blacks wade through the claustrophobic hype and relieve the home crowd? Will Martin Johnson inspire England to resurrect the memories of 2003?
Whatever is written in the stars for September and October in the Land of the Long White Cloud, we are sure of one thing. We cannot wait for the action to get underway.
Imagine our excitement then, when we were invited (by way of an email tantalisingly entitled ‘Rugby and Beer’) to Twickenham for a night in the Cabbage Patch pub trialling the official Rugby World Cup 2011 video game.
Buoyed by thoughts of carving up opposition backlines, mercilessly mauling our way over try-lines and making bone-crunching tackles - all without acquiring so much as a muddy pair of shorts – we hopped on the train from Sportsvibe HQ, priming our thumbs for a long night in front of the television.
Now, unfortunately, we weren’t very good. Whilst champions play without excuses, we do not and can safely say that it was the ignominy of drawing Scotland as our side that paved the way for a winless tournament against the other media members in attendance.
Even though we were, frankly, pathetic at the game, we were able to appreciate the hard work that HB Studios and 505 Games have put in.
Having picked up the majority of licenses from unions around the world, RWC 2011 offers a comprehensive simulation of the real thing. The gameplay is slick and fluid, in keeping with the open rugby that running rugby and emphasis on keeping the ball in hand that has taken over the world game in recent years.
The longevity of the game is enhanced by various game modes, including a ‘tour’ feature that replicates a trip to either hemisphere with a thorough itinerary of fixtures to play. Of course, as the title suggests, there is a chance to have a go at the World Cup tournament too.
Because rugby fans have had to endure a barren three years since the sport’s last offering, Electronic Art’s Rugby 08, the August 26 release of RWC 2011 is much-anticipated. Having had a go ourselves, we can safely say that the buzz is justified. Look out for a full review here soon.
Check out the game's official trailer here:
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