Retro RugbyReview by Paul Fiander
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Created by twentysix Mobile
Available on the App Store for iOS & Google Play for Android For more information visit the games web page here |
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I've been banging on about about someone creating a Rugby game on par with FIFA for a very long time. Retro Rugby is not the game I have wanted but instead it's a fun experience that is full of charm and more importantly fun and addictive gameplay.
The basic idea is to draw a line to the try line for your 8 bit sprite to follow and score. It seems pretty simple and in truth at the start it is, but then you start to encounter obstacles starting with stationary defenders then progressing to a bevy of of moving defenders moving laterally all ready to tackle you. These become more challenging and test you to the limit at times. If this was not enough we also have a time limit to play against and it's this addition that really gives you the tension rise the game needs. It makes you act quickly and try to plan out your route all in a condensed time. Quick decision making is the hallmark of not only games but also rugby (and other sports admittedly). There is also an extra point mechanic where tackle bags are placed on the try line giving you extra points if you hit it. These can be from 2 points to a more tempting 8, again the quick decision making is in evidence as you decide between an easy try or more difficult point grab. |
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There is one more trick that Retro Rugby has up it's sleeve that is one of the best design choices on display. If you run into a moving defender instead of them returning to the pattern of movement they had before they will instead move in a new sequence. This allows you to have even more control over your attack as you can run into a defender to alter their defending path. It's a small addition that reaps a lot of rewards, mostly that you can alter the playing field to your will and have a decent shot of beating every level.
Screenshots
Graphically the game is nice, the 8bit style is bright and simple. This seemingly allows the game to run at the speed it needs to. I played Retro Rugby on my HTC M8, Samsung Tab 2 and Galaxy Note 10.1. The game worked on each but due to the control input I will put the edge towards the Tab 2. The 7 inch screen allows for a clearer path between posts and defenders compared to the phone. The larger screen size of Note though did mean you had to trace the path out for a longer period making it feel a little uncomfortable.
Retro Rugby goes someway to fill the void in my Rugby gaming life. It's great to play and will have you kicking yourself if you don't beat your previous score. The fact it's a free title make this an easy recommendation for both Android and iOS users.
Retro Rugby goes someway to fill the void in my Rugby gaming life. It's great to play and will have you kicking yourself if you don't beat your previous score. The fact it's a free title make this an easy recommendation for both Android and iOS users.
