CONCLUSION
So where does all of that lead us then? Is this just a re-hash of last year’s game? If you own the previous version is it worth forking out for this one? Hmm, well to be honest, it all depends on just how much of a rugby fan you are. Management sims aren’t everyone’s idea of a fun night in, so I guess that this will only really appeal to those who prefer rugby to football. I can see myself easily getting drawn in and although I’ve been playing PRM2 for a week, I know I’ve hardly scratched the surface. The sense of satisfaction in watching your side score a try is immense, as is winning a match. This is probably down to the time you invest in your team before they even hit the pitch.
For those of you that have the first game, there is enough completely new content to make this worth getting, the new strategies, training system and injury system are well worth it for the feeling of having complete control. The front end has had a complete overhaul making it very easy to use and doddle to navigate through, which should be appealing to new-comers to the not just this game but rugby itself. That said, I’m not sure that PRM2 has the same appeal as CM of FM, purely because it just doesn’t feel as polished as its football counterparts. Stats and management wise its easily on a par with them but in places it feels a little rough around the edges.
In summing up, I’m going to be of no help at all and say that if you’ve got the first one, PRM2 is well worth a look as it has plenty to offer that’s new or improved. If this is your first management game of any sort then you might find CM or FM to be more accessible… and if you’re footie fan then you wouldn’t be bothering with this anyway. However, if you’re a rugby fan and you reckon that you’re the next Andy Robinson, then this is the game for you. It welcomes new users with its easy interface and automation of many functions and it plays a pretty good, if slightly jerky, game of rugby.
Pros
Easy to use interface
2004/2005 teams and players
Automation of micro-management
Huge amount of detail that doesn’t overwhelm
On the fly team management during matches
Cons
3D match mode less than smooth
Commentary repetitive
Lacks the polish of the footie management games
Pro Rugby Manager 2
