Let's face it. The only people picking up a cricket game are the hardcore cricket fans. It's easily the hardest game to pull off for the PC or the console. There are just too many individual styles to model if you have to impress the hardcore fan. And when you see Glenn Mcgrath and Mashrafe Mortaza ("Who" you ask? C'mon guys, the Bangladesh opening bowler) bowling with the same action and speed, it kinda puts you off. Thus goes the story of EA Sports' Cricket series. I've played the 97, 2000, 2002 and the 2004 versions of this game. The game engine and the graphics have improved considerably over time. Unfortunately the gameplay hasn't. Especially when it comes to bowling. And this is the only time that Richie Benaud will really grate your nerves. I haven't played Brian Lara cricket, and that's generally been a better rated game.


And now Cricket 2005 is out and the consensus ain't that good. Check out the reviews here. Going by looks, this doesn't look all that different from 2004. Check out the screenshot above of 2004 and the one on the left of 2005. Anybody try this game? I have played only the PC versions. Is it a little better on PS2/XBox?


If you are interested in the game you can get it here. I wonder why they put Daniel Vettori on the cover.