Sizing up the two soon to be released Rugby Union nex-gen video games from HB Studios and Sidhe is a difficult task to tackle.
Sidhe has a decent website for Rugby Challenge when compared to HB Studios Rugby World Cup 2011.
Sidhe scores big points for allowing us to see game development ongoing with video and forum updates. HB Studios is not sharing much on their title, but they might be classified as the veteran in the rugby union games genre with their very playable PS2/PC release Rugby '08. This time around EA Sports is out of the picture and we are certainly left wondering if this could be of any detriment to the game.
HB Studios is developing their title in Canada. Sidhe is a New Zealand game developer and they have stated that they had better get this title right or they may not be allowed in the country. Sidhe just announced that the bulk of the stadiums are to be from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa with the remainder coming from Europe. HB Studios is the official video game of the RWC 2011 and Sidhe has acquired rights to "Qantas Wallabies, the All Blacks, ITM Cup, Super Rugby teams, amongst other licensed teams and competitions".
Sidhe has done right by providing the rugby gamer fan with frequent updates and media showcasing the development of their game. HB Studios has left us in the dark and that is disappointing.
I am excited about both games, although my faith and support is moving towards the Sidhe corner.
From what I have seen from both camps, the outlook would seem grim for European clubs to be included in either title. Maybe there is hope, but my thinking is, is that there isn't much hope unless it comes in the form of a downloadable addon... later.
We will have to wait and see....
