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It's back, and - yes! - it's much better

For those of you who didn't see the January edition of Amiga Power, this game is quite familiar to me. You see it was released in an earlier incarnation, called simply World Class Rugby. In my original review I found the game tricky to control and with a few playability problems. And now here I am again with the new version and yet, it's much better.

Indeed, it's not at least as good as its only real rival, Domark's Rugby: The World Cup. As well as being very playable in either two player or computer opponent mode, it has one over Domark's version through its realism (something I'll get to in a minute).

The main selling point of this new version is, of course, the Five Nations Championship - you can now play as either England, France, Ireland, Scotland or Wales in a bid to win the Grand Slam. Without going into too many details, the scenario is handled well, and with the World Cup mode still available as an option, adds scope to the game. Whichever mode you pick, the game's a joy to play - much easier to control than the original version and, with its atmospheric sound effects and well crafted animation, a joy to play. Don't fret about the 30 quid price tag - if you like rugby in any shape or form then I'm sure that you'll find it's money well spent.

The rest of the game is much the same as before. There are oodles of conditions and options (normal or muddy conditions, individual skills levels, match times, rules, types of replay, whatever) as before, but this time the controllability is now excellent, the simpler controls making for a much more playable and enjoyable game than the original.

In fact, there's only one big downside - there aren't enough scrums. Instead there are rucks (for those not familiar with the term, this is a kind of human pile up on the rugger field where the ball must be won with the feet) - slightly unrealistic, though at least they provide opportunity for players to be sent off (good fun when it's one of the opposition, a pain when it's your own guy).

A great game then, and fine competition for Domark's rugby bash. If you like rugby, and you haven't bought the final version of this game, well worth a punt.

Great improvements to the controllability and playability make this new version a stunning rugby game. Strongly recommended.