I stumbled onto this info and can\'t wait for this. I know most of you are either Soccer or American Football fans, but for those that love their rugby check this out:
ELECTRONIC ARTS TO RELEASE EA SPORTS™ RUGBY 2004
EXCLUSIVELY FOR PLAYSTATION 2 & PCCD
Monday 28th October, 2002 - Electronic Arts Australia and Sony Computer Entertainment Australia Pty Ltd today jointly announced the next installment in the hugely successful EA SPORTS™™ Rugby franchise. EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004 will be exclusive for PlayStation2 and PC formats. Now if you miss out on getting to an international test match this year, there is no need to despair, you will be able to live all the action right in your living room. If you are lucky enough to get to a game, then relive the action anytime you like.
"Developing EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004 reinforces our commitment to the local sports fan, particularly Rugby supporters. Investing in local sports adds local depth and variety to what is already a spectacular and growing EA SPORTS™ lineup”, said Bob Katz, Managing Director of EA Australia.
EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004 will be launched in July 2003, well in time for the International Rugby Season in Australia, and will once again feature licenses from the Australian Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby Union, South African Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football Union, Scottish Rugby Union and the Federation Francaise de Rugby.
"The ARU is thrilled to be involved in a game that will help to familiarise sports fans in general and Rugby lovers alike with the sport of Rugby. With the Rugby World Cup being played in Australia in 2003, rugby will be showcased to millions of Australian sports fans. We are always looking for new ways to promote the growth of our sport, particularly through new and exciting means such as interactive entertainment", said Brian Thorburn, General Manager of Australian Rugby
EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004 will be a sports fan’s dream. Featuring over 1500 players, 20 international teams, as well as all the Super 12 and European domestic teams. Play out all of your favourite competitions in over 75 stadiums from across the globe, along with expert play-by-play commentary by world-renowned commentators, John Inverdale and network 7’s Gordon Bray to update you at every moment. Combine this with stunning graphics; sophisticated physics models and AI (artificial intelligence) gamers will be immersed into the big hitting and fast paced world of international rugby.
"We are extremely excited that EA have chosen PS2 as the exclusive console format for EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004. This is further evidence that PS2 is the console of choice among the world’s leading development studios. When you combine the sport of rugby, prestigious international rugby tournaments, EA development expertise and the dominant market share held by PS2, I am confident this game will be a real winner. Not only that, many Australians will not get the chance to attend an international Rugby game and EA SPORTS™ Rugby gives them the chance to feel the excitement in their own home." said Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Australia.
Developed by HB Studios, in Canada, EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004 is the culmination of many years of research and development. Using motion capture technology, were able to capture all the real rugby player moves by attaching reflective balls to actual professional players. The reflective balls signal back to a computer the data necessary to recreate these actions in the video game. The team at HB Studios has captured player motions that have enhanced the game with greater realism. Running, passing, tackling, jumping for the ball and packing into scrums all show fantastic level of detail and animation. Casual gamers and rugby fanatics will appreciate the level of detail captured from the subtle animations right through to the in-humane tackles!
No release date was mentioned but it seems that they are looking at releasing it around the time of the World Cup
