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Ashes
Cricket 2009
By Tristan
Tancredi
If you have recovered from the late nights, the
early starts and the dreadful result that was the Ashes 2009, then its
time to whack on the PS3, defeat the Poms and show Ricky and his men
how it is done.
If you were watching the Ashes in awe at some of
the decisions made by the Selectors and the Captain, then here is your
chance to make the decisions yourself. Pick from a list of over 20
players, include a spinner (unlike the Aussies in the 5th), and even
give Mike Hussey the flick.
The game itself is a solid cricket game; the
graphics are good although not perfect. For instance the players facial
features are individually designed to suit the corresponding player,
however, they often look nothing like the person they are meant to be.
Putting this small fault aside the graphics are pretty consistent
nonetheless.
The commentary team includes Tony Greig, Warney,
Jonathan Agnew and Ian Bishop. They keep it interesting in the lulls
between wickets as they talk about a vast array of facts and the action
commentary is pretty spot on during big hits or vital wickets. The only
downfall with the commentary is that it does become a tad repetitive.
Gameplay is fun and made easy for both batting and
bowling. When batting simply aim, select front or back foot and choose
which shot to play, either defensive, attacking or slog. More often
than not you will see yourself going the slog. Bowling is just as easy
for pace and spinners alike. A new dimension added involves controlling
the fieldsman during catches, this is where things become frustrating.
To catch the ball a circle changes from red to
green and what I assume to be orange in the mix. I don’t know if I’m
the only one here, but it was nigh impossible to know when the time or
the colour was right. I’m not sure if it was my colour blindness
shining through, but it was mighty frustrating, especially when a
wicket was vital.
Now that doesn’t make the game awful, just a touch
frustrating at times, but hey, maybe it was just my eyesight. The only
other negatives that come to mind playing this game in Normal mode are:
Stupid running by the CPU based team that leads to
easy run outs.
On day one of a test, the CPU team will be trying
to smack most balls to the boundary.
Too many amazing catches by the CPU team, around 5
an innings.
If you don’t have time to play the complete ashes,
there are a number of other game modes; Test Matches, ODI’s and 20/20
cricket. A host of other nations are available to choose from, not just
the Aussies and the Poms. The MCG, SCG and the Gabba are also playable.
If struggling, let Beefy and Warney lend their
expertise and guide you through Batting and Bowling Practice. Or how
about completing some challenges, like replicating the Gatting ball
that gave Warney instant heroism.
The people at Transmission game and Atari have
bowled us a corker. Multiplayer, online play or trophies to chase down,
all add to the lasting appeal that Cricket nuts will love. Now, please
excuse me as I go and get back what is rightfully ours from those Poms.
Game: Ashes Cricket 2009
System: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC
Players: 1-2
Online: Yes
Developer: Transmission Games
Distributor: Codemasters
/ Namco Bandai
Rating: 75%
(Ratings Key/Explanation)
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