Rugby League may not get as much recognition around the world as its older sibling Rugby Union, but with a large following in Australia, New Zealand and England Tru Blue Games and Big Ant Studios' upcoming Rugby League title, Rugby League Live 3, is sure to garner much attention from fans.
With the title confirmed to be coming to the Xbox 360 and Xbox One Rugby League Live 3 will mark the first time a league game will be available for the newest generation of consoles. With all of the extra hardware available, the developers are bringing a host of improvements to the game including “dynamic time of day lighting with full sun movement” and an improved weather system which will allow for transitions from dusk to night as well as mid-game rain. The improvements aren't confined to graphics either, as the title will include a new Dynamic Tackling System which gives players the ability to Fend and break tackles, as well as the new Struggle and Drag system that can be used to burst over the line to score, or if defending, drag opponents into touch.
As we have become accustomed to with new sports titles, Rugby League Live 3 will include all of the latest team rosters and uniforms and an ever increasing variety of teams to choose from around the world. Players will be able to choose from over 100 teams from the NRL, Super League, Holden Cup, as well as many others.
A list of features for the game were also announced:
Rules - Latest rule updates including Auckland 9’s.
Teams - Over 100 teams from Rugby League competitions around the world including the NRL, Super League, Holden Cup, and many more.
Career Mode - Infinite career mode, play as a rookie, coach or jump in and play as a recognised star player.
Instant Replay System - New feature which includes super slow-motion and user defined camera placement - gets you right into the action!
Tackling – Dynamic tackling system that now includes the ability for drag and drive tackles.
Online - Enhanced online play, features up to 16 player online tournament.
Lighting - Totally dynamic time of day lighting with full sun movement and weather system.
Experience System - Earn experience both on and offline to rise to the top of the leaderboards.
Fan-Hub Player Sharing - Create your own players and teams and share them online across all supported platforms.
Alongside this new information, a set of screenshots featuring a selection of Super League teams and the games' cover art were also released.
Rugby League Live 3 will launch for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One in Australia on September 10th, followed a week later in the UK and Europe on September 17th.