RANKED | The 5 Best Rugby Video Games Ever Made

Friday, 29 September 2017 at 11:30

bySteven Smith

It takes a wee bit of courage to throw yourself into a ruck. You never quite know if you'll get cleated in the face. Sort of like picking up a rugby game.

But as we near the release of Rugby 18, RUCK counts down the greatest digital recreations the beautiful game has ever seen...

5. International Rugby Challenge (Mega Drive)

Not necessarily the best, not even necessarily good, but it was the first and was a lot of fun to play, especially with friends. Those classic SEGA sounds also make it amazing to play.

It made computer game history in the Amiga community when it received a review score of 2% in the UK magazine Amiga Power

This review of the PC version noted flaws including several spelling errors ("Murray Field", the Parc de Paris, "trys", "possesion", and the clock not stopping when the gameplay is paused.

But those flaws add to the games character in our opinion.

4. Rugby 06 (PS2)

Quick lineouts, tap penalties, knock-ons and for the first time the opposite teams actually give away penalties!

This all gives the game a very realistic feel. A further feature is that of correct anthems, crowd songs, (Bread of Heaven, Swing low) and New Zealand perform the Haka in a nice cutscene before you kick off.

A great rugby game that will satisfy a true fan.

3. Rugby Union Team Manager 2017

There is a significant amount of information to take in and the detail around; fitness, training and attrition does take a while to grasp. The depth of the game is compelling.

The in-game graphics a fairly simple but you need to remember this is primarily a management game. It has many realistic features; including having Manu Tuilagi injured regularly!

We really enjoyed the game and highly commend alternative software for their efforts on making a rugby union management game.

2. Rugby 08 (PS2)

This game was a good evolution from the great game, which was 06.

The graphics in Rugby 08, the last of the EA rugby games, are probably the most smoothest and detailed of all-time despite being limited to the PS2's abilities.

The rugby gameplay is very fun especially the set plays such as a crosskick, a dummy switch to break the defensive line, or a "pocket" for a drop goal with Wilkinson.

Many players look like they do in real life and the commentary is also good. The new kits for the national teams look stylish and modern adding a realistic feel to the game.

It felt like EA were on the verge of creating the perfect rugby game so it's disappointing this was the last game in their series.

1. Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge (PS1)

This is an excellent game and in my opinion, probably still the best rugby game out there. Sure the graphics ain't good but it is from 1997. It is very playable and has a good selection of teams the best of which are naturally New Zealand.

Don't get me wrong, the game has its flaws but the enjoyment more than makes up for it. Jonah Lomu rugby also perfected the art of rucking for a game something other games have been hopeless at!

It's a genuinely hard game to get used to and some teams are very difficult to beat when you use poor teams, however, once you pick it up it's just great. Multiplayer is also especially fun!