Updated – Wednesday 5th June 2011

Player Uniqueness

Obviously not every player in the game can be specifically modeled and animated, but hopefully we’ll see the most distinguishable players feature their identifiable appearance, along with their running and kicking style, such as Habana’s hunched over sprinting or Morne Steyn’s relaxed kicking form.

Dynamic Tackles

One thing that definitely needs some attention is the tackling animations. They’re not bad by any means in Rugby 08, but everyone would like to see some nice variations and unpredictability in the animations and movements. Euphoria engine would do wonders for this (and sidestepping).

The tacklies in Rugby 08 were a great improvement, but Rugby 2012's gotta bring it to the table

Sidestepping

Momentum plays a big role in the sport of rugby, and this applies to the general play of the game, as well as the fancy footwork and sidesteps from many of the world’s greatest backs (and sometimes forwards). The stepping mechanic needs to be more dynamic and fluid, as opposed to a pre-canned animation that we saw in previous Rugby iterations. Imagine FIFA 10’s momentum and weight, with Madden or Backbreaker’s stepping.

No More ‘Star’ Players

A complete removal of the ‘Star Players’ feature would be a welcomed (un)addition. While there are those moments that will scream for individual brilliance, the team chemistry and tactics will play a greater role than one player’s (often overrated) ability. I.E. While Habana is extremely fast, space needs to be created to unleash him.

The removal of 'Star' players will make the game a lot more balanced

Interceptions

These are the moments of individual brilliance we refer to in the previous point; as one’s tact and reading of the pass can result in a game changing interception. Interceptions play an important part of today’s game and it would be awesome to see it implemented effectively into the game.

‘Holding-up’ of the ball

Many tries can be saved from holding-up the ball over the in-goal area. The ability to possibility tackle an opponent over the try line and then enter a quick button-mashing sequence in order to hold-up the ball, could add a new dimension to the defending (as well as attacking) element of the gameplay.

Backline moves on-the-fly

Rugby 08′s set-plays were a huge step in the right direction, but while they were effective, you never seemed to have enough time executing them from general play. A quick move initiation mechanic would be a great leap for Rugby 2012. We’re not talking about the elaborate moves from the set-plays (those can function on their own), but the ability to call for a switch for example, whereby (during play) you could tap the D-pad, allowing for your outside play to cut in and recieve a switch pass. This would add a tremendous amount of diversity and tactics to the way your backline (and forwards) move.

Chip Kicks

Even though a certain set-play in Rugby 08 allowed the fly-half to chip the ball over the defenders, the game still lacked a simple ‘chip-and-chase’ function. We’re not talking about an up-and-under, but a little flick over the opposition, while the kicker can chase and hopefully re-gather the ball. It would add another attacking opportunity into the mix.

Bounce of the ball

Strangely, Rugby 05 had more realistic ball physics than Rugby 08. In 08, the ball seems to always bounce like a soccer ball – straight and predictable. We all know this is not the case in regards to a rugby ball. Hopefully we’ll see a better weight and physics to the ball, whereby a lucky (or unlucky) bounce of the ball could result in a try, or tactical kicking being negatively or positively affected by the bounce.

Speaking of Rugby 05, check out this awesome video of the All-Blacks playing a Rugby 05 tournament:

We are already excited for this highly-anticipated title, and have all the faith in the world that it’s going to live up to its expectations. As soon as we know more on Rugby 2012, we’ll let you know; but in the meantime, what would you like to see in the upcoming Rugby 2012? Comment below.