Over the years, EA Sports has become the pinnacle of sports gaming. Any other sport title is first measured against an EA title, usually falling short, as the wealth of detail, pure beauty and lovely gameplay is consistently brilliant. From the FIFA series to NHL and Madden, EA Sports never disappoints. Or does it?
EA Sports, so far, has not designed a cricket or rugby game that captures the gamer as much as the more popular titles the company is known for. Is it because of a lack of trying or merely the inability to do so? No one will ever know, but with Rugby 2004, it comes close, but still misses the target.
Graphically, as expected, the game is beautiful and smooth, especially with high resolutions. The detail of the players is wonderful. While the sound and commentary are not amazing, they come across as adequate. The crowd graphics, however, are terrible. What happened to the FIFA crowds?
So how does it play?
Real rugby would probably be easier to master than Rugby 2004`s control system. It is clumsy and confusing as there is a different key for absolutely every action. For example, there is a pass left button and a pass right button, which switch around at half-time. Why? What happened to the traditional right arrow and pass is right, and left arrow and pass is left?
The gameplay is slow and, quite often, tedious. EA Sports obviously wanted to make the game as realistic as possible and this works in many places, but there is no fluency. Scoring a try is still a lovely experience though, even if it feels like keeping possession long enough will inevitably result in the score.
In true EA fashion, any team you can think of, international or club, is available and fully licensed. Various tournaments and leagues, with actual 2003/4 fixtures (or random if you want) are available. A training option is also available, allowing you to practise any play or movement. This is welcome as training is necessary to come anywhere near to success in the game. If this is not enough, you can create your own players.
EA Sports Rugby 2004 is probably the best rugby simulation you are likely to find, but this does not necessarily say much.
Only real rugby enthusiasts will find any satisfaction in the game. Sports gamers in general would do better to play an easier, more enjoyable game than Rugby 2004. Hopefully the next rugby title will be better. Only time will tell...
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