Cricket 2002: Web Wombat: Games

Well, even we great games players suck the big one on occasions and - it has to be said - my downfall at Cricket 2002 was to step out to bat without looking at how the controller works.

By the time I knew what was happening, the Aussies were four wickets down for no runs off three overs. It got worse and at 9/4 I declared, in fact I swore black and blue.

So, it was a quick squizz at the rulebook and back to the Test arena. Not much better. A dismal 9/8, although the last shot was a four!

You almost need to be an octopus to get all the button bizzos right for a big innings but, it has to be said, all it takes is practice. A lot of practice... But perhaps that's what makes this so addictive - it's like you never quite get over the learning curve - there's always something more to understand.

Hitting the ball is an absolute joy, assuming your good at it. Move your batsman, go on the front foot or back foot, dance down the wicket, add extra power by pressing the L1 button, play a dead bat, go the tonk - whatever the hell you want. Sometimes you've got three buttons pressed at once and have your fingers spread wider than a defensive field, usually resulting in a French-cut or some such.

However, once you've got the hang of it, I reckon this game fair sings along and brings a lot of satisfaction to players. Even non-cricket fans will be rewarded and perhaps those who like baseball titles would be wise to check this impressive sports game out, too.

The graphics are very impressive - smooth too

Bowling is a little easier and like the PC Cricket series you position a green circle where you want the ball to pitch and then adjust your speed and power. If you try to bowl too quickly you'll find yourself being no-balled unmercifully by the umpires. And, just to show you the quickness of the processing the umpire will call it almost instantly.

Fielding is even easier, but only if you take the auto option. Otherwise you can take the time and effort to place your own field settings and contribute to their movement.

You can play a series of up to five Tests, muck around with an exhibition match, play in the one-day World Cup, a knockout tournament, the Sharjah Cup or - like me - do the sensible thing and try to get as much practice in the nets as possible. If it wasn't no-pressure nets option, to practice batting, I wouldn't be slogging sixes every now and then.

On that topic, one of my issues with Shane Warnes' Cricket on the PSX was that it was too easy to slog sixes, over and over again, without the bowler catching on. A problem like this has been pretty much removed forever, thanks to some daring AI bowling patterns - expect to be tested.

The game looks a picture and with the doyens of both radio and TV cricket coverage - Jim Maxwell and Richie Benaud - making up the commentary team, you are right into summer and Test cricket mode. Both commentators do an excellent job of calling the game, though repetition does creep in after multi-hour sessions.

The player movements are terrific with the motion capture well to bring a fair amount of realism to the players and officials. Occasionally there's a slow-mo dive, but overall looks smooth and sharp. I just can't wait to take on Will Barker because this game in two-player mode is an absolute ripper! With amazing visuals and a superb play model, EA has created the best cricket game money can buy.

Game: Cricket 2002
System: Playstation 2
Players: 1-4
Memory Card: Yes
Developer: Electronic Arts
Distributor: EA

Rating: 80%

(Ratings Key/Explantion)

Cricket 2002 is on the shelves now.

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