Review: EA Cricket 07

Step up to the crease for EA’s timely sports sim release

As we went to press, England cricket fans were feeling despondent after the unexpected final day collapse in the second test, leaving the team 2-0 down in the Ashes.

If the team is unable to retain the little urn this time, as now seems likely, at least the new Ashes mode of EA’s Cricket 07 – which allows you to replay the 2005 series and revel in past glories – should provide a tonic.

Those who have been following EA’s cricket franchise over the years may be surprised at just how similar Cricket 07 looks to the previous version, Cricket 05. It’s never been the most handsome or well-presented sports title in EA’s canon, but its 07 incarnation feels very dated. Character models are crude and animations are looking a little tired.

Series stalwart Richie Benaud is back to deliver commentary, adding at least a layer of authenticity to the proceedings.

The major new feature this time around is the so-called ‘Century Stick’ batting control system. This allows players to put their best foot forward (or, indeed, back), while simultaneously selecting shot direction, power and timing. It’s a good system once you get the hang of it, although not as revolutionary as equivalent innovations in golf game control.

In order to make proper use of the Century Stick, however, you’ll need a dual analogue joypad controller – a hint, perhaps, that the PlayStation 2 version of the game was the developer’s priority.

With Australian state and English county tournaments as well as ‘world championships’, one-day series, Twenty20 and Quickplay matches, there’s plenty of variety on offer. But the bottom line is that unless you’re a big fan of the real-life sport, there’s not a lot of reason to pick up this simulation.

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