Rugby 08 is the last release in the Rugby series to be published by EA Sports. The game allows players to play as 20 different Rugby nations, both major and minor, and includes many tournaments, such as the Rugby World Cup, Tri Nations, Six Nations, Guinness Premiership and Super 14.
Rugby 08 was released prior to the 2007 World Cup in France. New modes include the Rugby World Cup and the World Cup Challenge mode. Other new gameplay features include simplified lineouts and defensive formations.
The commentary is provided by Ian Robertson and former All Blacks great Grant Fox.
Cover versions
The international cover features Richie McCaw. Other players are featured in specific markets:
- Australia and Asia — Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock
- France — McCaw and France flanker Yannick Nyanga
- Ireland — Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara
- Italy — Former Azzurri Mauro Bergamasco and Mirco Bergamasco
- South Africa — Former Springboks Schalk Burger, Bryan Habana, and André Pretorius
- United Kingdom — McCaw and England wing Mark Cueto
- New Zealand — Richie McCaw
Reception
The game received “mixed or average reviews” on both platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. In Japan, Famitsu gave the PlayStation 2 version a score of one four, two sixes, and one five for a total of 21 out of 40.
References
External links
- Rugby 08 at MobyGames
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Rugby 08 caught our attention with its unique design and has shaped up to be a must-play masterpiece candidate thanks to the depth of its experience. The visionary approach of developer HB Studios, combined with the expertise of publisher Electronic Arts, has resulted in an exceptionally refined product. Its innovative take on the Sports genre offers a breath of fresh air for fans of the category. If you're looking for an absorbing world and satisfying mechanics that pull you right in, this game might be exactly what you've been searching for.