Rugby Union Team Manager 2017
- November 25, 2016
- Alternative Software Ltd
- 21h median play time
Get on Steam"Rugby Union Team Manager 2017" is a sports management simulation game where you lead a rugby union team. Oversee training, player transfers, finances, and match strategies to bring your team to victory. Experience realistic events, sponsorships, and a deep talent pool as you climb the ranks of the rugby world.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game is the best rugby management sim currently available, offering a detailed experience for rugby fans.
- Improvements from the previous version include better graphics and a more engaging matchday experience.
- The game allows for in-depth management of teams, including player selection, resource allocation, and tactical decisions.
- The 3D match engine is riddled with bugs, leading to unrealistic gameplay and frustrating glitches.
- The user interface is clunky and not intuitive, making navigation and player management cumbersome.
- Many players report frequent crashes and performance issues, detracting from the overall experience.
- graphics18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that they are basic and lack detail compared to older rugby titles. While some find the 3D graphics enjoyable on lower settings, others criticize the poor quality of the 3D engine and limited menu system, suggesting that the game fails to create an immersive rugby experience. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant drawback in comparison to other sports simulation games.
“Even on the lowest graphics setting, the games are still enjoyable and good to watch!”
“I'm not expecting the best graphics ever, but it should at least look vaguely like rugby.”
“I know it's not all about graphics, but there needs to be some form of immersion created by the depiction of the games.”
“Graphics aren’t anything special either.”
“Far from the crisp graphics and smooth flow of the football manager series, the 3D engine on Rugby Union Team Manager is one of the worst I've ever seen in a sports sim game.”
“Graphics are poor, team detail poor.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the rugby game is described as immersive and addictive during matchdays, but suffers from significant navigation issues, lack of tutorials, and poor tactical options. Players find it frustrating due to unclear mechanics and difficulties in team management, although the team call system offers a unique dynamic. Overall, while there are elements of a good game, it requires substantial development to improve the overall experience.
“Great work by the team at Alternative Software in creating a really immersive rugby game that has just the right balance of on-field and off-field gameplay.”
“The actual matchday gameplay is surprisingly addictive.”
“The only positive thing about the 3D match day engine is the team call system, which makes for an interesting dynamic.”
“Very difficult to navigate, no tutorials or help, tactics is a joke, no way to properly pick a team, finding new players is very hard, gameplay makes no sense at times on why players do certain movements, no way to communicate with players or staff.”
“Gameplay is very poor.”
“The screenshots are representative of the gameplay, so take a look at those and make your own judgment.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is significantly hampered by numerous bugs and glitches, including erratic player behavior and questionable gameplay mechanics, such as illegal forward passes being counted as valid. While it offers some innovative features and training schemes, these technical issues detract from the overall experience, making it frustrating for players. Despite its potential, the game falls short of expectations, particularly when compared to more polished titles in the genre.
“The match engine is a bit buggy; my own players are running back to their try lines and putting the ball down on their own line, which is frustrating.”
“This chaos leads to an enormous amount of glitches, the most common of which are passes that go about 10 feet forward yet are still counted as legal, and nearly always lead to a try.”
“Overall, if you're a fan of rugby, this is an enjoyable game, but it is so mind-numbingly easy and incredibly riddled with bugs and glitches that it is not worth it unless you are a seriously big fan of the sport like I am.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for its lighthearted take on player attributes, with specific examples like Leigh Halfpenny's surprisingly low kicking rating eliciting amusement. Overall, while the humor may be subtle, it adds a charming touch to the experience of this rugby simulation.
“Some of the attributes are a bit funny; Leigh Halfpenny only has a 66 for kicking, but this is without a doubt the best rugby sim out there!”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been widely criticized as terrible, contributing to an overall negative experience. Additionally, the intrusive mouse clicking and beeping sounds in the menu further detract from the enjoyment, although they can be disabled in the options menu. Overall, the audio elements are seen as a significant flaw in the game's design.
“£30 for a sub-par 3D engine, terrible music, and a frustrating mouse clicking beeping sound for every menu option I click on (thankfully it can be turned off in the options menu).”
“The music is terrible and detracts from the overall experience of the game.”
