Sidhe announces rugby challenge

In huge news for Kiwi sports fans,  Wellington-based developer Sidhe has announced it will release Rugby Challenge for PC and "consoles” in time for the Rugby World Cup next year. It will be the first rugby union video game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.Sidhe has not officially announced the console platforms on which the game will release, although Sidhe managing director Mario Wynands has confirmed to Game Console that it will appear on the "current generation” of consoles. We can only presume this means that PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gamers starved of a rugby title will finally get their footie fix.Rugby Challenge features licences for the All Blacks, the ITM Cup and Investec Super Rugby among other licensed teams and competitions. It features a multi-year franchise mode, comprehensive customisation options, and dynamic, real-time commentary from well-known commentators. Of course, it will also support online multiplayer matches."We are very excited to be able to now offer fans an authentic gaming experience that includes our key competitions,” said New Zealand Rugby Union commercial manager Paul Dalton.Sidhe has a pedigree of sorts when it comes to football games; the team also brought us the NRL Rugby League video games, with Rugby League 3 for Nintendo Wii being the most recent effort. Game Console awarded Rugby League 3 7/10, with reviewer Jeska Innes stating that "Rugby League 3 is a solid sports title that should please both fans of the franchise and gamers alike”."After achieving success with other sports video games, we are extremely proud to be taking on the national sport of New Zealand,” said Wynands. "This is an exciting time for rugby, both within New Zealand and internationally, and it is fantastic to be a part of that.”