Jonah Lomu Rugby
| Jonah Lomu Rugby | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Rage Software |
| Publisher(s) | Codemasters |
| Platform(s) | PC, PlayStation, Sega Saturn |
| Release date(s) | March 31, 1997 |
| Genre(s) | Rugby union |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
Jonah Lomu Rugby is a video game released in 1997. It was developed by Rage Software and published by Codemasters. It was released on the PC, PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Its title is a reference to notable former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu.
Overview
The game has support for up to four players. There are a number of playable modes - including knock-out, World Cup, regional competitions as well as historical matches.
Jonah Lomu Rugby was the first rugby union game released on the PlayStation platform. At the time of its release, the game received relatively high praise for its graphical quality, smooth gameplay and easter eggs.
The titular character Jonah was made to be the strongest character in the game. Additionally, a secret team referred to as Team Lomu was included, composed solely of Jonah Lomu players.
Commentary
Much like another Codemasters game published around the same time, Brian Lara Cricket 99, the commentary was particularly well-received in various gaming circles. Supplied by ex-television broadcasters Bill Beaumont and Bill McLaren, the commentary included memorable lines such as "Oh! Mercy me! What a tackle! That could've put him in Ward 4!", followed by "I hope not Bill, that's a maternity ward!" One particularly quirky piece of commentary is the line "digging in like a demented mole there", referring to players hurling themselves into rucks. The two commentators were shown to have a great level of synergy with one another through their banter.