All Blacks Rugby Challenge at Gameplanet NZ

Rugby Challenge gets Vita release

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:21:00 +1200

Rugby Challenge will soon be available on the PlayStation Vita, and see a simultaneous release in Europe, the UK, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

“We are excited to be able to bring the successful Rugby Challenge franchise to PlayStation Vita. It represents a quantum leap forward for hand-held gaming, delivering a console quality HD gaming experience in the palm of your hands,” said Tru Blu Entertainment's Sebastian Giompaolo.

“We are especially looking forward to delivering a game into the hands of eager fans which utilises the touch screen capabilities of the world’s latest handheld system.”

All Blacks Rugby Challenge review

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:35:00 +1200

A little star power goes a long way. Be it Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! back in the day, or the domineering presence of Michael Jordan in NBA2K11, an iconic sporting figure makes for both a powerful marketing tool and a rich source of gaming features. It is perhaps hardly surprising that New Zealand game developers Sidhe have trumpeted the inclusion of Jonah Lomu in their just-released Rugby Challenge.

Ultimately though, star-power will still only carry you so far. As developers, gamers and Graham Henry know, it is results on the field that count, and on this count Rugby Challenge is a success, with Lomu’s inclusion a bonus in a title that largely stands on its own merits.

Rugby is a tricky game to capture on a console. Both the free-flowing simplicity of soccer and the structured repetition of American football are excellently suited to gaming but the chaos and variety that defines rugby has always been difficult to capture. While Jonah Lomu Rugby was entertaining, and EA Sports’ Rugby 08 saw marked improvements in graphics and game play too, no rugby title has really stepped from “game” to the level of “simulation” increasingly achieved by major sporting titles.

Game Development in NZ - part 2: Sidhe

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:16:00 +1200

Sponsored by Primo, Gameplanet's new video series looks at videogame development in New Zealand. In part two, we go to Wellington to speak with NZ's most high profile game studio, Sidhe. In a remarkably candid and in-depth interview, managing director Mario Wynands discusses the development of Rugby Challenge, the Kiwi games industry, digital distribution and more.

All Blacks Rugby Challenge - Jonah Lomu screenshots

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:25:00 +1200

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The making of Rugby Challenge - Jonah Lomu trailer

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:18:00 +1200

A behind the scenes look at the development of Rugby Challenge, focusing on the input and involvement of Jonah Lomu.

Rugby Challenge

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:42:00 +1200

Rugby has had an uneasy relationship with videogames. It’s certainly not for lack of compatibility. In many ways, rugby should make an easier transition to videogames than other sports that have seen much more success in the medium. At its most transcendent, rugby flows for phase after phase without interruption or input from the sidelines.

It’s tactical enough to be stimulating without losing its rhythm or becoming pedantic. It’s not a game about coaches or managers, or about whimpering after a tap on the shins. It’s not about protective padding; it’s not tiddlywinks. It’s about crushing physicality up front and blistering pace out wide. In short, rugby’s capacity for emergent gameplay means it should have made the comfortable adaptation to videogames many times over.

And yet it hasn’t. It’s not for lack of trying on the part of publishers. The biggest player in sports gaming, EA Sports, has made five attempts with – at best – middling success. When it comes down to it, only one title has truly captured the imagination of the rugby gaming public, Codemasters’ 1997 Jonah Lomu Rugby.

Rugby Challenge gameplay trailer

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:56:00 +1200

Sidhe has released a trailer showcasing the gameplay flow and mechanics of Rugby Challenge.

Rugby Challenge European League screens

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:53:00 +1200

Major European rugby union leagues Aviva Premiership Rugby, TOP 14 Orange, and RaboDirect PRO12 have been licensed for Sidhe's upcoming video game Rugby Challenge. The following screenshots have been released, and the official press release can be found [url=http://rugbychallengegame.com/2011/07/european-licences-announced/]here[/url].

Rugby Challenge trailer

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:25:00 +1200

Sidhe has released a trailer for Rugby Challenge. This footage originally appeared on their Facebook page, however was embargoed for 24 hours for all media.

Sidhe announces new licenses for Rugby Challenge

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:23:00 +1200

Sidhe has today announced that major European rugby union leagues have been licensed for its upcoming game, Rugby Challenge.

Aviva Premiership Rugby, TOP 14 Orange, and RaboDirect PRO12 will all be recreated within the game.

“We are very excited to announce these major competition licenses for Rugby Challenge” said publishing boss Sebastian Giompaolo of Home Entertainment Suppliers. “Inclusion of these top class European club leagues adds great depth and appeal to an already deep title for rugby fans all over the world. With our breadth of content, extensive customisation tools, and various modes, people will be playing this game for years to come”.

New Rugby Challenge screenshots

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:01:00 +1200

Kiwi studio Sidhe has released their third batch of console action screen captures for Rugby Challenge on PS3, 360, PC, and Vita.

Rugby Challenge Player Creator

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:26:00 +1200

A first look at the player editor that will be available to gamers in Rugby Challenge, the Kiwi-developed sports title due prior to the Rugby World Cup in September.

Rugby Challenge screenshots

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:10:00 +1200

Kiwi studio Sidhe has released their second batch of console action screen captures for Rugby Challenge on PS3, 360, PC, and Vita.

Rugby Challenge - "Training Day" making-of video

Wed, 18 May 2011 08:57:00 +1200

Kiwi developer Sidhe has released a second video that goes behind the scenes on the production of Rugby Challenge.

Rugby Challenge Commentary trailer

Wed, 11 May 2011 10:42:00 +1200

NZ-based developer Sidhe has released a new trailer for Rugby Challenge featuring the commentary team.

All Blacks Rugby Challenge at Gameplanet NZ

Rugby Challenge gets Vita release

All Blacks Rugby Challenge review

Game Development in NZ - part 2: Sidhe

More in this series

All Blacks Rugby Challenge - Jonah Lomu screenshots

The making of Rugby Challenge - Jonah Lomu trailer

Rugby Challenge

Rugby Challenge gameplay trailer

Rugby Challenge European League screens

Rugby Challenge trailer

Sidhe announces new licenses for Rugby Challenge

New Rugby Challenge screenshots

Rugby Challenge Player Creator

Rugby Challenge screenshots

Rugby Challenge - "Training Day" making-of video

Rugby Challenge Commentary trailer