Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The twin pack of Jonah Lomu Rugby and Brian Lara Cricket offers two distinct sporting experiences in one purchase, catering to both rugby enthusiasts and cricket fans. Jonah Lomu Rugby stands out with its fast-paced, arcade-style approach, emphasizing big hits, quick runs, and explosive tries. Controls are intuitive, allowing players to switch between sprinting, passing, and tackling with minimal button combinations, making the game accessible for newcomers while still rewarding skillful maneuvers.

On the cricket side, Brian Lara Cricket provides a more strategic and methodical pace. Batting feels weighty and deliberate, reflecting the real-world finesse required to time shots and place them into gaps. Bowling mechanics demand attention to line and length, and mastering swing or spin deliveries can turn the tide of a match. Fielding is handled with simple yet effective throw and catch commands, though positioning remains crucial and often feels like a mini-game in itself.

Both titles offer a variety of match modes. Jonah Lomu Rugby includes quick matches, tournaments, and a rugged “arcade” league where special moves become available as you power up. Brian Lara Cricket boasts friendly fixtures, test matches, and World Cup scenarios—complete with realistic match lengths or condensed overs formats. Multiplayer options are present in both, allowing head-to-head tussles on the same console or via split-screen, making the twin pack a solid party choice.

One of the highlights of this bundle is the balance between pick-up-and-play fun and deeper mechanics. Jonah Lomu Rugby’s tackling and rucking systems reward timing and positioning, while Brian Lara Cricket’s shot selection system encourages players to analyze field placements. Whether you prefer the high-octane collisions on the pitch or the patient build-up of a cricket innings, this collection has depth for practice sessions and quick bursts alike.

Graphics

Graphically, both games reflect the hardware limitations of their era but still manage to evoke the atmosphere of stadium play. Jonah Lomu Rugby features chunky, polygonal players with exaggerated animations for big hits and dives. Stadium crowds are represented by flat sprites, yet the roar of the audience and the dynamic camera angles bring enough life to the field to keep immersion high during scoring plays.

Brian Lara Cricket opts for a cleaner, more rigid presentation befitting its emphasis on technique. Player models are slightly less animated than their rugby counterparts, but the cricket pitch is meticulously detailed, complete with boundary markers, sight screens, and pitch wear that subtly changes as days progress in longer matches. The user interface for field placement and bowling strategies is color-coded and straightforward, aiding readability even in split-screen multiplayer.

Both titles use vibrant color palettes: Jonah Lomu Rugby’s lush grass fields and bright team kits contrast with the crisp whites and earthy browns of Brian Lara Cricket’s arenas. Weather effects in cricket—such as a sudden overcast sky or a flicker of rain—add visual variety, while rugby matches occasionally showcase dynamic shadows under floodlights. Though textures are simple, the clarity and distinct visual styles help each sport feel authentic.

Overall, the graphics may not rival modern sports simulations, but they strike a solid balance between performance and presentation. Frame rates remain stable in most game modes, and the occasional slowdown during busy scrums or large fielding animations is more of a nostalgic quirk than a deal-breaker. For retro sports fans, the visual charm of both Jonah Lomu Rugby and Brian Lara Cricket remains a compelling draw.

Story

As sports titles, both games forego a traditional narrative in favor of career progression and tournament journeys. Jonah Lomu Rugby offers a “Road to Glory” mode in which you create a player, earn caps for your national side, and strive to score tries in historic matches. While there is no cutscene-heavy drama, the sense of building from a rookie into a world-beating winger provides a satisfying throughline.

Brian Lara Cricket presents a career mode centered around the legendary West Indies batsman. You guide your avatar through domestic seasons, earn selection for international tours, and chase records that mirror Lara’s real-world achievements. Although dialogue is minimal—limited to press conference blurbs and on-screen messages—the gradual unlocking of new teams and venues gives a coherent progression that simulates a professional cricket career.

Both games sprinkle in collectible unlockables and historical match recreations, offering context for standout performances. Jonah Lomu Rugby includes classic fixtures from the Rugby World Cup, while Brian Lara Cricket lets you replay iconic innings from Test history. These modes add a pseudo-narrative layer, allowing players to rewrite or relive key sporting moments, which can feel both educational and emotionally engaging.

While the lack of cinematic storytelling might deter players seeking a deep narrative, the focus on achievements and stats ensures that your on-field accomplishments carry weight. Each try scored or century made translates into a simple but effective sense of growth, making the “story” of your sporting endeavors unfold naturally through gameplay rather than cutscenes.

Overall Experience

The twin pack concept behind Jonah Lomu Rugby and Brian Lara Cricket offers remarkable value for sports game aficionados, combining two distinct and well-crafted simulations in one package. The accessibility of rugby’s high-impact gameplay complements the strategic nuances of cricket, creating a versatile duo that can entertain both casual players and dedicated fans. It’s rare to find two licensed titles delivered with such complementary design philosophies.

Longevity is another strong suit. Career modes, tournaments, and historical challenges ensure hours of play, while local multiplayer fosters competitive sessions with friends or family. Although both games predate robust online connectivity, the offline offerings remain substantial, and the pick-up-and-play nature means you can jump in for a quick match or settle in for a full Series or World Cup campaign.

Some minor rough edges—like occasional clipping in scrums or the occasional AI lapsing in concentration during long cricket innings—are overshadowed by the overall polish. Sound design, including crowd chants, referee whistles, and commentary snippets, enhances immersion and works in tandem with the visuals to evoke realistic sporting atmospheres. The dual focus on two major global sports gives the title broad appeal across different regions and player tastes.

In conclusion, 2 Games: Jonah Lomu Rugby / Brian Lara Cricket stands as a worthwhile purchase for anyone seeking a retro sports experience with both excitement and depth. Whether you’re making a break down the wing in Jonah Lomu Rugby or eyeing a cover drive in Brian Lara Cricket, this collection provides an engaging, multifaceted package that captures the essence of two beloved sports.