DESCRIPTION

Sports fans looking for hard-hitting action without the pads and helmets can rejoin the scrum in Rugby 06. Players will lead their favorite rugby team through such league tournaments as the 6 Nations, Lions Tour, Tri Nations, Guinness Premiership, and the Super 14. Improving the game's flow has been an area of focus for the development team, as players are now able to perform offload passes, quick line-outs, quick penalties, and set the fly-half in motion, all designed to keep the action moving at a heightened pace. Rugby fans can mix up the offense with "impact players," stars that can either make or break a game with their distinct abilities, or by assigning a choice of more than 25 set plays to their controller for smoother transitions. The career-like World League mode offers yearly objectives to complete while dealing with injuries, team morale, salary management, and trades. Successful managers may also receive potentially lucrative offers from rival teams, but those who fail to meet their goals run the risk of being fired. The action takes place within revamped international venues that include Twickenham, Lansdowne Road, Murrayfield, and the Millennium Stadium, each home to team-specific flags, rolling banners, and variable weather like snow and fog. Ian Robertson returns as lead commentator and is joined in the broadcasting booth by former player Grant Fox for all-new analysis. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide