Rugby 25 – PS5 Review

1 1

Rugby is a complex game with rules upon rules upon rules. Thankfully Big Ant Studios have given it a go. Now I’ve been waiting for a decent Rugby game since Jonah Lomu Rugby in 1997. Can Rugby 25 bring back some of the highs I felt? Let’s find out.

Crouch, Bind, Set

There have been so many Rugby games released over the years. Even EA got involved a couple of times. This is the first foray, however, for Big Ant Studios. Albeit in the Union code, having previously released a Rugby League game and even an AFL game. Surely this only bodes well for the Australian developer?

Gameplay

If you have ever watched or played Rugby, then you know its complexities. It’s such a hard and dynamic game to bring into the video game world. Especially to ensure that the flow of the game is well represented in virtual form. Thankfully Rugby 25 has done a really good job.

When you first load the game up, you get taken through a nice little tutorial that shows you the controls. Once you’ve done that, you can even dive into more advanced tutorials just to get everything learnt. Once through that though, it’s time to dive into the game modes. With over 140 international teams and more than 150 domestic teams from 11 major competitions. There is no doubt your favourite team is included in Rugby 25.

Competition Time

Featuring the English Premiership, the French Top 14, as well as Super Rugby and the Six Nations. There is plenty to get stuck into. Not only that, but you also have the option to customise and even create your own stadium. It’s a bit basic, but it’s a lot of fun to see your team run out into your brand new stadium. You can even play the game online against other Rugby fans from all over the world. Including cross-platform play.

Included as well is a comprehensive Career Mode. Train your players, create match winning strategies, all while managing the players. Become a Rugby 25 legend by leading your team to competition glory.

On The Pitch

Rugby is notoriously a heavy hitting game. Thankfully Rugby 25 does really well to portray that feeling on the virtual pitch. Each tackle and ruck feels like there is substance. Yes, it’s not all plain sailing. There are some instances when changing your player where you select the wrong one and all of a sudden you’re running the wrong way. Thankfully though, these instances are manageable and as you get more experienced in the game, become far less often as well.

The game itself, though, is hard. Now I’m not talking Demon’s Souls hard, but it will challenge you. Each match will have you concentrating to ensure that each move is fine-tuned. Big Ant Studios, take a bow.

Graphics & Audio

Graphically, Rugby 25 is very clean. In the menus, the character models are instantly recognisable if you are a Rugby fan. On the pitch is almost as good, but because the game is played from one of many camera angles, it never really gets up close. Well, not unless you use the replay mode to zoom into the characters. Thankfully they all stand up fine to scrutineering.

The Audio on the game is brilliant. Each grunt, shout, impact has been lovingly recreated to mimic the sport. I like to imagine that the audio team at Big Ant Studios had a lot of fun getting all the sound effects just right.

Longevity

As with all sports games, Rugby 25’s lifespan is what you make of it. Whether that’s a couple of hours a week, or you play it religiously. However you choose to consume the game, you will have a blast. With the huge number of teams and competitions to take on and conquer, you could be playing this until the next one releases. Thankfully it’s challenging but with enough reward when you get it right.

Final Thoughts

Rugby games are difficult to release. It’s not the most popular sport out there, but it’s got its core popularity. Big Ant Studios have hit the ground running with their first Rugby Union game and I hope that there are many more to come.

Rugby 25 receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.

Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.

YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discord | Podcast

About Author

Stuart

Been playing games since I can remember, from spectrum all the to current consoles. Always been interested in video game news and recently got the opportunity to head up a great team of eager people. I’m generally a man of many words but I try and be succinct and to the point in everything I write.

See author's posts