Rugby 2005

 Xbox
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    90
    The controls are responsive and the animation has been smoothed out with motion-captured animations and virtually seamless transitions. The Xbox version is much better looking than the PS2 although there are some traces of slowdown, flicker and online lag.
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  2. 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.
  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
    82
    The controls just feel right and the game moves along at a smooth pace. In short, this is a game easy to get into whether or not you're new to the sport.
  6. IGN
    80
    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. The graphics have made a quantum leap, the soundtrack is fun, and the commentary is excellent.
  7. Operation Sports
    80
    This is one of the few games recently released that fed my "just one more game" desire - and I really had a hard time putting it down.
  8. Computer and Video Games
    80
    A triumph, and had it not been for these few clumsy fumbles, it could have been a world-beater. As close to the real thing as you're likely to get without strapping on a groin guard. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
  9. Xbox Solution
    80
    I hope that EA will adjust the game's camera and offer an online mode in the next installment.
  10. Xbox World Australia
    80
    Everything from the graphics, audio, animations and commentary have all been vastly improved from last year. Unfortunately there's no Xbox Live support.
  11. GamerFeed
    80
    This game is addictive, pure fun for those who find the sport to their liking, and its presentation is actually pretty sharp, a lot more focused than the somewhat flawed "Rugby 2004" over on the PS2.
  12. 3DAvenue
    78
    A stepping stone to a better game and if EA continue to build on this engine and title they could possibly have the definitive Rugby game.
  13. 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.

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best Xbox Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. AlexK.
    Sep 7, 2005
    9
    Great for ne rugby fan, and to TotalGames.net turn up the difficulty and u find some of the smartest rugby played ever!
  2. GordyM.
    Mar 23, 2005
    7
    Game does have its faults and when I 1st played it I thought it was average. However in time I picked up a few more moves and are enjoying it Game does have its faults and when I 1st played it I thought it was average. However in time I picked up a few more moves and are enjoying it a lot more. For a rugger fan like myself, we have been waiting 4 a decent footy game like this since Lomu's Rugby on PS1. A big improvement on rugby 2004.… Full Review »
  3. JonnyW.
    Mar 22, 2005
    2
    Just not good enough. It looks good and the teams are all there, but overall it's an infuriating and disappointing game. The camera Just not good enough. It looks good and the teams are all there, but overall it's an infuriating and disappointing game. The camera system is poor - rucks and scrums occur behind graphics on screen so you can't see what is happening. Play on the far side is too small to see what's happening. All the alternative camera options are useless - in broadcast you can't see the opposition when attacking from your own half, and I passed to players off screen who I couldn't see!! The AI is terrible - opposition players lined up in my backline and tackled me and weren't called offside!?! Terrible. And the music in the Australasian version is horrible, tired, new Aussie rock. Ghastly. The Xbox controller doesn't help - not suited at all to this game.… Full Review »
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