Pro Rugby Manager 2 is arguably the most eagerly anticipated rugby computer game at the moment; and with good reason. A sequel to the 2004 version, this game takes everything that was great about that one and adds a whole host of new features.

The game allows players to become the manager of a huge selection of clubs (over 100), or international teams. It features 25 leagues and cups including the official English Zurich Premiership, the French Top 16 and Division 2. On the international level, players are able to select from a vast selection including among many others: England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Matches take place on one of the 40 authentic and fully realised 3D stadiums (including all of the Zurich Premiership grounds), and the visuals certainly don’t disappoint! Things like the positioning of the club logos, to the colour of the stands are all accurate and add an amazing sense of realism to the game. Even actual official sponsor logos appear where they should (as well as a few from the games publishers!). The playing atmosphere can even be customised. Time of day, weather and wind direction are all editable factors before play; so if you fancy playing Harlequins against Northampton on a cold, windy, snowy night… by all means! The spectators even change clothing depending on the weather!

This breadth of choice is extended to the actual players themselves, as everyone is accounted for and the player database has been fully updated to take into account the 2004-2005 season. Instead of simply having a small number of default models for the players, every single one has been made to resemble the actual person himself, and in some cases the resemblance is astounding! However if you feel like certain aspects of the player model could be improved upon, every one is completely customisable (even down to the amount and position of binding tape he has). A huge host of mental and physical conditions are also available for every player. For example, at the start of the game Steve Borthwick of Bath has “born leader” as a leadership rating, whereas he is “weak” when it comes to resisting pressure. Matt Stevens is shown to be “nice” in terms of aggressiveness with a “friendly” temperament. It’s these and many more characteristics that will determine the way players behave both on and off the pitch. Each player is assigned a score between 1 and 5 stars that outlines their overall rating; so for example most players in the England squad would rate very highly in this regard. Injuries also play a big part in the game, as often you’ll receive word that one of your team members will not be allowed to play for a certain period of time because he injured himself (either during a match or whilst training). The fact that injuries can be recurring to certain players adds yet more realism to Pro Rugby Manager 2.

That actual matches are just as good, and players are able to select either a 3D game or an all new 2D tactical representation. Considering the stunning graphics the game offers, I would recommend the former, at least at first, to get a feel for the dynamics of the game. Taking into account all the other customisable features, it comes as no surprise that the starting 22 for every game is completely selectable, with every member of the squad (those un-injured at least) is able to play in whichever game. If you fancy Charlie Hodgson as a loosehead prop for Sale or Phil Vickery as a fullback for Gloucester that’s up to you. Once play has started, lineout, scrum and style of play tactics are available to choose, and tackles can be selected as being hard or soft. Players can even choose to collapse a scrum or commit a blatant foul. The game flows very smoothly for 80 virtual minutes (the actual game time is closer to 15). Instructions can be given as the game progresses in real-time such as substitutions of tired, injured or under-performing players. A necessary inclusion of any sporting game is commentary and although this game certainly doesn’t disappoint, I still feel as though a wider choice of comments may have been better. It feels as though every time a penalty kick goes over, the commentator repeats the exact same line: “Yes that’s sailed through the uprights”.

There are many other features in PRM2. Post-match interviews are available where the player/manager must reply to specific journalist questions. Club grounds can be improved upon, (albeit at the expense of budget) by ordering refurbishment and redevelopment work on a number of facilities such as main pitch, academy training ground, club house etc… Players from other clubs can be approached and offered a position with the gamer’s club, which will take place at the start of the new season.

All in all there is very little to fault with this game, it really does offer limitless possibilities for play. With the cinematic scenes for entering the stadium, the cheer and instant replay when a try is scored, and the ability to make even Martin Johnson 5’2”, this game will keep you entertained for a very long time.

Pro Rugby Manager 2 is out on February 25th 2005.

Editing Simon Shaw


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