It’s 49 days, and 10 hours to go (at time of posting) until the Rugby World Cup 2015 starts. It’s not like we are counting or anything but I think it’s fair to say that Rugby is a massive cultural and sporting phenomenon in South Africa and one that has unfortunately been under-served by the video gaming community for far too long.
Yes, we’ve had Rugby games before, but even though we are one of the top contenders to take the cup this year we’ve never been properly represented in digital form. That is, until now.
Thanks to the official inclusion of our local and national teams, Rugby Challenge 3 means that not only will we be able to replicate our impending World Cup victory for years to come but we’ll also be able to replicate our favourite team’s Super 15 victory and take on my personal version of the game with the fully inclusive 7’s series.
But it’s not only the inclusion of our own teams and players that makes this version special. The marketing team behind the game have taken a leaf out of FIFA’s book and have now customised the games cover art for each territory – so instead of having to buy a rugby game with some Australian on the cover we can head down to our favourite store and pick up a brand-spanking new Springbok Edition.
Now the part that every sports fan loves to argue about; did the marketing team choose the best players to be on the cover.
In Rugby Challenge 3 they have chosen:
- Tendai Mtawarira, the man we love to call BEAST (Sharks)
- Jean de Villiers our current Springbok captain (Stormers)
- Bryan Habana (ex Lions, Bulls and Stormers player now with Toulon in France)
Personally I would have preferred to see some younger up-and-comers on the cover but again this is the endless argument between sports fans. I for one am just ecstatic that we are finally being licensed properly and this title is definitely going to end up in my permanent collection next to FIFA World Cup 2010. Hopefully the gameplay on this one is going to be better than that.
The game is planned for 4th quarter 2015 and will be hitting PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One..though I’m hoping for an earlier release.
Last Updated: July 31, 2015
Guild
July 31, 2015 at 11:04
Nice 🙂 Hopefully it’s at least semi-decent. Been wanting a decent rugby game for awhile now
Ir0nseraph
July 31, 2015 at 11:16
I will buy it if it is semi-decent, I won’t set my hopes to high.
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 11:17
The career mode seems like a nice idea. If they have all the clubs
Sageville
July 31, 2015 at 11:38
I’m gonna get this one, hopefully the gameplay mechanics are solid.
WitWolfy
July 31, 2015 at 12:27
Don’t hold your breath…
Umar
July 31, 2015 at 11:04
Ever single one of those faces are valid jizz expressions.
Guild
July 31, 2015 at 11:06
XD
HairyEwok
July 31, 2015 at 11:39
I wonder what the DLC will be. Customize the colour of the tape and gauze.
Sageville
July 31, 2015 at 11:39
The beast is wearing my sexface.
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 11:12
I’d rather they stick Duane Vermeulen, Willie Le Roux and Handre Pollard on the box. Maybe even Francois Louw or Damian de Allende
Dutch Matrix
July 31, 2015 at 11:32
Helgaardt Muller! Pote Human! Danie Gerber!
The Sten
July 31, 2015 at 11:36
or this handsome devil
Dutch Matrix
July 31, 2015 at 11:48
But on the other hand I have Darryn’s balls?
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 11:46
I’d play that, but you’d not be interested in the graphics.
Sageville
July 31, 2015 at 11:40
I’m fine with the ones on the cover, they probably the most recognizable players we have, that may selll a few extra copies.
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 11:42
Well if they were aiming for that then I’d Keep Jean and Bryan but add Victor Matfield instead of Beast.
Dutch Matrix
July 31, 2015 at 11:43
TYPICAL RACIST RUGBY FAN!!!
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 11:46
I said keep Bryan
Dutch Matrix
July 31, 2015 at 11:48
But the black player got to go in favour of a white guy? SIES!!!
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 12:05
When it comes to Springbok selection I like to apply this train of thought, hopefully you remember to youtube it at home. In the end, we’re all green
Dutch Matrix
July 31, 2015 at 12:11
I know man! Just having you on for a bit. I am no real rugby fan. I last watched a game in ’95/’96.
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 12:38
XD
HvR
July 31, 2015 at 12:08
Then add special old age challenge mode?
Hammersteyn
July 31, 2015 at 12:08
LOL
Dark
July 31, 2015 at 13:16
Everyone knows who the beast is 🙂
Iusedtobe(a)regular
August 3, 2015 at 12:24
Vermeulen and Burger might have something to say about that.
HairyEwok
July 31, 2015 at 11:36
All the SA okes that are in Europe is going to buy the Springbok Edition 😛
Dutch Matrix
July 31, 2015 at 11:44
If they have a Primary School League I buying three copies!
HvR
July 31, 2015 at 12:15
Is there difficulty setting?
Aussie style – easy as mounting an ewe
Kiwi style – normal playing style but referees are very lenient (feel free to engage boxing mode whenever you want), includes Mortal Kombat styled fatalities that can be triggered when player is provoked
Springbok style – very difficult, players choices overridden by AI, players can bugger off to other teams when they want and any foul play will cause player will be permaband
Mossel
July 31, 2015 at 13:06
And there is a random chance that any player at any given time will kick possession away.
Dark
July 31, 2015 at 13:15
Classic
BringBackRucking
August 3, 2015 at 12:32
The Photoshop on those rugby balls needs a bit of work, other than that it doesnt look to bad. I would love to see a watermark Springbok in the background though. Cant wait for this, I havent played a proper Rugby game since EAs Rugby 08.