Powerful, fast and skilful, Rugby League is a fantastic sport to watch. This video game adaptation is less exciting to play, but is still worth a look for fans.
The main problem is the controls. As a Wii-only release, unfortunately you have to use the Wiimote controller to play. It only takes a few minutes of misdirected passes and flailing tackles before it becomes clear that a Gamecube controller is the only way to play. Assuming you have one of these, then things start getting better. Passing becomes much more intuitive and it is fairly easy to put together some fast-flowing moves.
While League is a faster and more flowing sport than Rugby Union, it is still some way off the simplicity of football. Picking up and playing is easy enough, but ramp up the computer AI and you will need at least some knowledge of basic tactics to succeed. Luckily, a handy strategy system allows you to change tactics on the fly and adds some welcome depth to the game. Alternatively, it is easy to set up a multiplayer chuck about with tries a-plenty. RL3 supports up to eight players at once and, assuming you have enough controllers and space, you can set up some enjoyably frantic games.
The franchise mode is the main single-player attraction. Here you get to manage your team on and off the field. While the options are basic compared to big budget sports titles like Fifa and Madden, the challenge of managing injuries, tactics and budgets is entertaining enough. Like all sports games it helps if you pick a better team to play as. RL3 includes all the UK Super League and Australian NRL teams. Picking St Helens over, say, Salford is advised.
Of course, if you're a Rugby League fan and a gamer then RL3 is going to appeal, if only because there is no competitor out there. But less committed fans looking for a decent multiplayer sports game on the Wii will find some entertainment here too.
