Rugby 2005

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. Australian GamePro
    90
    Clearly the best rugby title every made and a vast improvement on what was seen in the series' two previous outings. Sure there are still some frustrations and plenty of room for growth, but Rugby 2005 stands as a worthy virtual alternative to the stud-happy reality.
  2. Worth Playing
    85
    The tutorials are well worth the investment and the gameplay is solid, although it can still be tightened. The engine might be dated in look, but it runs smoothly, and a great deal of effort has gone into the code to model physics of the egg-shaped rugby ball.
  3. BBC Sport
    84
    Despite the fact that the developers still quite haven't managed to replicate the bounce of a rugby ball entirely satisfactorily, kicking now forms a vital part of the gameplay and every kick imaginable can be used to your advantage, including the good old 'Garry Owen' and grubber.
  5. GameZone
    83
    The problems are relatively minor, and time in the saddle playing the game will yield dividends in terms of guiding your chosen team toward championship after championship.
  6. IGN
    80
    In short, the game includes all the modes that rugby fans would want, with a ready-to-play engine that improves on everything that has previously been available in a rugby video game.
  7. The Sydney Morning Herald
    80
    Player intelligence is improved, with more backline support reacting to the play. But defenders often leave holes and lack urgency near the line.
  8. Gaming Age
    75
    Audio does a fine job, with some great commentary that never gets old, and is spot on accurate when calling the action on the pitch.
  9. PGNx Media
    73
    The commentary, though accurate, is repetitive and doesn’t induce you to pay attention. It just isn’t very interesting to hear the same lines over and over again.
  10. GameSpot
    71
    While the game serves as only an adequate primer to this tough-guy sport, it's a fairly approachable and fun game, and it's one that does a decent job of conveying the finer aspects of the sport it portrays.
  11. GamePro
    70
    Captures all the basics of this fast-paced game. The fun for a non-rugby fan will be in learning about the sport, and Rugby 2005 just might win a few converts.
  12. GameSpy
    70
    At the end of the day, rugby lovers will love how far this franchise has come since last year's version.
  13. PSM Magazine
    65
    The AI is easily duped and the coaching options are limited. EA still doesn't give this sport the "Madden" treatment, and it really shows. [Apr 2005, p.76]
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  14. G4 TV
    60
    There is a bit of difficulty with the camera, however--that being the lack of a universally useful view of the pitch. The default side camera is restrictive when it comes to all that punting, and more than once a bit of critical action took place out of view. That's fine for art films, but frustrating here.
  15. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    50
    Gives you an adequate adrenaline rush and provides a realistic experience (minus the bruises and broken bones, of course), but it lacks the polish of other EA Sports titles.
  16. TotalGames.net
    34
    The meat of the game is, for lack of a better term, utter garbage.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. JamesLawlor
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    This was, I found to be a very challenging, realistic rugby game, though the English team were of course ORERRATED!! Joking aside the gameThis was, I found to be a very challenging, realistic rugby game, though the English team were of course ORERRATED!! Joking aside the game play was fantastic and the number of tournaments available was impressive, plus it was nice to see Scotland finally record their first Grand Slam of the 21st century! 10 out of 10 and I hope the next title will be as well laid out and filled with the same sort of colourful commentary.… Full Review »
  2. ZacT.
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    I guess you have to know the rules of the game to want to buy or play, but this is the best sports game for any one who isn't into I guess you have to know the rules of the game to want to buy or play, but this is the best sports game for any one who isn't into basketball, NHL or NFL and is great for aussie people cause we are the best in the world at this game.… Full Review »
  3. JonathanJ.
    Jul 9, 2005
    4
    WHAT A SHAME.... I've played rugby for 10 years, and played all the past rugby video games as well, and the only thing I can say is that WHAT A SHAME.... I've played rugby for 10 years, and played all the past rugby video games as well, and the only thing I can say is that rugby 2005 has better graphics. It still has as many flaws as in past rugby video games , like sometimes you can run through player like a ghost, what's up with that? they don't sanction a player after a late tackle, and the cameras they offer are not the best I've used, I'm disappointed, I thought this time EA sports was really gonna nail it this time. Come on EA sports, you can do much better than that. hope you pull it of next year with rugby 2006.… Full Review »
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