WHEN England captured the Rugby World Cup it was inevitable that there would be a rugby game produced.

Acclaim brings gamers World Championship Rugby so gamers can relive the glory of Jonny Wilkinson and the rest of the England team.

It would have been very easy to have cashed in on the success of our national team but, thankfully, Acclaim has not done this.

WCR is without a doubt the best rugby game to grace any console. It has three levels of difficulty.

The easiest difficulty setting, branded "fun", is so simple to get to grips with that even those unfamiliar with the sport will understand the basic rules within minutes.

The game features three modes of play, each divided into sub-sections: friendly, competition and challenge.

After completing the various competitions such as the Tri-nations, Euro Nations and the World Cup itself, gamers unlock extras such as new teams.

There is plenty here to occupy gamers for months, particularly with tricky classic matches to complete.

Graphically the game is impressive and the commentary is provided by none other than Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes adding to the experience.

This is the rugby equivalent to Pro Evolution Soccer.

Any fan of rugby must own WCR and even those who don't know the basic rules of the sport should give it a try as it is simple to play and extremely addictive!

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

PLAYERS: 1-4

AGE RATING: 3+

GENRE: Rugby

FORMAT: PS2/XB/PC

GRAPHICS: 18/20

SOUND: 18/20

GAMEPLAY: 23/25

LIFESPAN: 20/25

ORIGINALITY: 7/10

OVERALL: 86%

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UPCOMING

CSI: Dark Motives (PC); Deadly Skies III (PS2); Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi (PC); Pokemon Colosseum (GC); The Suffering (PS2/XB).