EA’s Cricket 10

Although I write this in the middle of a snowy winter, the summer sport of cricket has been launched in the incarnation of EA’s Cricket 10 – and it’s so hot, I can already feel the summer coming!

Seriously, it’s not often I get to review such a compelling game which is so easy to get to grips with and involve plenty of mini-games which make the game as addictive, if not more than the real thing. There are three elements; rather than two to master in this game, which are batting, bowling and fielding. The batting consists of seeing where the ball is being aimed at and choosing your aggressive or defensive stance accordingly before the ball is bowled. Once the ball’s been pitched you must then try to tap the select button whilst the marker sways over the green section as opposed to the red. The more accurately you do this, the better the swing and connection will be and the more likely you’ll score a 4 or 6! However, should you play more defensively or tap at the wrong time and hit the red section, you’ll be able to still steal a few runs – but be careful not to be run out!

The bowling works on a similar level, as you pick the area you wish to bowl to, then time the spin accordingly (to either swing the ball to the left/right or straight down the middle).

Fielding is done automatically but you have to do the similar mini-game of getting the timing right to catch the ball. If you don’t, you’ll probably drop the ball and will need to then try to hurl the ball towards the stumps to try and run the batsman out.

There are three difficulty levels to get to grips with; easy, normal and hard. I’d recommend starting the game by playing the tutorial to get to grips with the rules and how to play it, and then give the practice nets a go to ensure you get your techniques right.

I think the only downside to this title is there’s no opportunity to tweak your fielding side during the game, so you there’s almost always a gap where the fielder should be. However, this all helps make the game more fun and unpredictable. In truth also the easy setting is much too easy to win at, so the normal or difficult setting would be far better for you to give yourself a challenge.

Otherwise this game has it all, whether you’re looking for a quick game (you can select the number of overs), the EA World Cup tournament or try your luck and skill at the various challenges you care to.

Overall, this game gives you a fantastically real experience and with all the teams you’d like to play with (even though I don’t recognise any of the player names). I can assure you, you’ll have your heart in your mouth when ‘Howzat!’ is cried.

Rating 86%

Positives

Good graphics

Simple controls which are quick to pick up

Very enjoyable and gets under your skin quickly

Negatives

The easy setting offers no challenge at all

Quite repetitive at times

No recognisable names and you can’t play with the fielding positions