Rugby 25
- June 28, 2024
- Big Ant Studios
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam"Rugby 25" is an exciting rugby video game now available in Early Access on Steam. It offers a realistic and immersive rugby experience, from local clubs to international tournaments, and allows players to influence its development. Although teams are not finalized in the Early Access version, it provides a promising glimpse into the most comprehensive Rugby video game to date.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has great potential and ambitious plans for expansion, with a large number of licensed teams and detailed player models.
- The graphics and presentation are impressive, showcasing a significant improvement over previous titles in the series.
- The developers are actively working on updates and improvements, showing commitment to enhancing the gameplay experience.
- The game is currently plagued by numerous bugs, including frequent crashes and unresponsive controls, making it nearly unplayable.
- Core gameplay mechanics, such as passing, rucking, and tackling, are poorly implemented and often feel frustrating and unresponsive.
- Many players feel that the game was released too early, lacking essential features and polish, leading to disappointment among the rugby gaming community.
- gameplay62 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the current rugby title is widely criticized for being clunky, unresponsive, and underdeveloped, with many reviewers noting that it feels more like an early alpha than a polished product. While some mechanics, like passing and kicking, show potential, the overall experience is marred by poor controls, lack of tutorials, and a focus on licensing over gameplay quality. Many players express hope for improvements in future updates, as the game has the potential to be a standout rugby experience if core mechanics are refined.
“The passing mechanic can work brilliantly - I'd say it's one of the better implementations in recent years.”
“Incorporating this fast-paced and dynamic version of the sport would greatly diversify gameplay and attract more fans.”
“I'll be keeping up to date on this so devs: please keep focusing on the core dynamics of the gameplay and fluidity of running and passing etc. once that's nailed you've got a little gold mine all to yourselves.”
“The gameplay/controls, however, have gotten worse.”
“The gameplay feels clunky and unresponsive at times.”
“Gameplay in its current state is unplayable.”
- graphics25 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising them as a significant improvement over previous titles, showcasing excellent visuals, animations, and player models. However, some users feel the graphics do not match the promotional screenshots and liken them to mobile game quality, while others express concerns about gameplay issues overshadowing the visual appeal. Overall, the graphics are considered one of the game's stronger aspects, but there is a consensus that further refinement is needed.
“The graphics are also a huge step up from any previous game.”
“The graphics are great, and you can now even create players and clubs.”
“Graphics and presentation is probably the best of any rugby game to date but I hope this game doesn't get a full release for a long time.”
“The graphics look like it's a mobile game and I'm not exaggerating.”
“The graphics make the game look like it was released ten years ago.”
“The button prompts lie/don't work, the graphics/face scans that they claim was a reason for the delays are reminiscent of PGA Tour 08's face scans with the PS3 camera.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with numerous glitches affecting gameplay, particularly during rucks where player behavior is erratic and often leads to confusion among AI teammates. While the graphics are praised, the early access state reveals that the game is not yet polished, as both developers and players acknowledge the prevalence of bugs.
“The game has a lot of glitches.”
“Majority of the time, no player goes to the back of the ruck. There doesn't seem to be a way to just pass it from the back; instead, the player picks up and runs with it every time. Other times, they just pick up the ball and stand there or glitch into the ruck until they get tackled, which confuses the AI on my team due to a tackle inside a ruck.”
“Ruck: buggy - I had one instance where players joined the ruck in some funny shapes and couldn't continue the game.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by unexpected and absurd moments, such as a scrum half making wildly inaccurate passes and players forming comical shapes during rucks. Additionally, the occasional "immortal" player who cannot be tackled adds to the lightheartedness, prompting laughter from players and enhancing the overall comedic experience.
“Occasional hilarious 1000mph passes from the scrum half direct into touch from a ruck on the other side of the pitch.”
“Ruck: buggy - had one instance where players joined the ruck in some funny shapes and couldn't continue the game.”
“That player sometimes becomes immortal and can't be tackled, which is kind of funny.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the stadiums is generally praised for being well-suited for games, enhancing the overall experience for players and fans alike.
“The atmosphere in the stadiums is electric, making every game feel like a grand event.”
“The ambiance is perfectly suited for games, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The vibrant atmosphere truly immerses you in the excitement of the matches.”
“The atmosphere in the stadiums feels lifeless and uninspired, lacking the energy that makes live sports exciting.”
“I expected a vibrant atmosphere, but it felt more like a quiet library than a bustling stadium.”
“The crowd noise is minimal, making it hard to feel immersed in the game; it just doesn't capture the essence of a real sporting event.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music in the game, including the licensed soundtrack and crowd chants, is highly praised for enhancing the overall experience, alongside impressive graphics and UI design. However, some players feel that despite these positive elements, the gameplay mechanics detract from their enjoyment.
“The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience.”
“I love the licensed teams and the crowd chants; they really bring the game to life and make you feel like you're part of the action.”
“The music in this game is a standout feature, with a great mix of tracks that keep you engaged and energized throughout.”
“The soundtrack is forgettable and doesn't add any excitement to the gameplay.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the graphics and design are impressive, the music fails to create an immersive atmosphere.”
