Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 14
  2. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. Aug 27, 2011
    45
    Limited licences, stripped features, and disappointing presentation make Rugby World Cup 2011 disappointing to even the most ardent fans of the sport.
  2. Oct 20, 2011
    40
    In a year that has seen plenty of top-notch sports games, this is arguably the worst of the lot.
  3. 40
    The excitement and flow of rugby is there, but the numerous technical and budgetary limitations see the game's aim go wide.
User Score
3.9

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 13
  2. Negative: 7 out of 13
  1. May 2, 2014
    7
    This game, like its older versions, focus on the basics of rugby and make it an enjoyable experience for the rugby fan. I'd rather playThis game, like its older versions, focus on the basics of rugby and make it an enjoyable experience for the rugby fan. I'd rather play something realistic and strategy based compared to the likes of Jonah Lomu Rugby which is completely off the basis of rugby.

    If your looking for a stable game with controlled variables - buy this one.
    Full Review »
  2. Sep 20, 2011
    3
    Overall a very disappointing game. I've played all of HB Studios Rugby games (formerly under the EA label) starting in 2004, they have allOverall a very disappointing game. I've played all of HB Studios Rugby games (formerly under the EA label) starting in 2004, they have all been more or less the same game with minor improvements. Rugby 2008 was probably the most complete and full featured, including a full multi-season team management mode that you would expect from a modern sports game. Rugby World Cup 2011 is almost exactly the same game when it comes to gameplay (they slightly improved the mechanics for binding players in a ruck), minus nearly all of the features including such basics as a tutorial for beginners. As someone who already has Rugby 2008, there is literally no reason for me to play this game other than to use my Xbox 360 rather than my PS2. I understand that the developers self published the game and had trouble paying for the licensing, but they've taken a 4 year old game and re-released it with LESS features while still asking for full price for it. There is not a lot of choice in Rugby games out there, and I don't expect big new features or state-of-the-art graphics, but at the bare minimum they should at least make some improvement after 4 years rather than taking a step backward. Full Review »
  3. Sep 17, 2011
    7
    I've waited for 5 years for a Rugby Union game on Xbox360. It has the developers who did the original EA titles, but not the $ in development.I've waited for 5 years for a Rugby Union game on Xbox360. It has the developers who did the original EA titles, but not the $ in development. It lacks polish and the cutting edge of say EA's Madden or FIFA series - but they've gone through 20+ iterations from PS1 and early PC days to now. It's not a huge evolution on Rugby 2006 or 2008, but these guys need the opportunity to build on what they have. If anything given the limited content it should have been released at a lower price point (but maybe the RWC license costs are high). Rather than just the RWC tournament there should have been an opportunity to play a Road to the World Cup and attempt to qualify lower tier nations to the pool stages? Or perhaps included Sevens as well? maybe next time?

    Anyway I've had a great time playing with/against my 8 year old son, and it's teaching a lot about the rules and mechanics of the real game. The controls are pretty intuitive after a couple of matches. Like Rugby 2006/8 the players do tend to bunch but hey that's what mini rugby players do as well. I haven't played online as I don't have a Gold account.

    In summary it's a passable "simulation" of rugby union, graphics are OK, the atmosphere is good and the player mechanics/animations are passable.

    Developers - we need more rugby games.
    Full Review »