Rugby 15 was finally released on the Xbox One Store after weeks of waiting. The game originally shipped in November of last year. The title costs $49.99 in the United States and is only a 2.76 gigabyte download. The official description reads, “Welcome to the no-holds-barred adrenaline rush that is rugby! The first next-gen rugby video game is here, packed with all the intensity and passion worthy of this classic sport. Take the helm of official teams and clubs from the most prestigious leagues in the world: Aviva Premiership Rugby, Pro12, Top 14, Pro D2, and more! For the very first time in a rugby video game, carry out technical moves like cross passes, up-and-unders, and behind-the-back passes. Challenge opponents in the local multiplayer mode, going against up to 3 other players in a true-to-life battle for the win, and experience rugby like never before!”
It’s possible to play an individual match with up to four local controllers, play in any of the licensed competitions, or a custom created competition. The game does not feature player and team customisation mode or a career mode. No online mode exists in the game as the developers wanted to focus on the basics to improve future editions. They have stated that future entries in the series will include an online mode.
No rugby union game has been produced for two years since Rugby Challenge 2, which was developed by Sidhe and published by Home Entertainment Suppliers. HB Studios, the publisher, have not developed a rugby union game since Rugby World Cup 2011, which was published by 505 Games. HB Studios plan on releasing an annual rugby game.
Asher Madan is a games journalist, former News Writer (Gaming) at Windows Central. They contributed 182 articles to ICXM in 2015, focused on Windows and PC, and Xbox news: joined Future plc’s Windows Central in 2017 covering Xbox news, hardware, and reviews.