Issue 151

Game Review: Cricket 07 (EA)

29th January 2007

Cricket fans will generally argue that when it comes to gaming, Brian Lara Cricket usually has the upper hand in terms of gameplay. But having refined and revamped their own product, EA Sports have stuck their noses in front with this release.

Virtually every aspect of the gameplay has been improved since the disappointing Cricket 2005, and what you are left with is probably as close to the real deal as you could ever come without stepping out at the MCG.

But it's still not perfect. The bowling controls are quite twitchy, and it can demand literally hours to complete even the shortest of games. If you have the time, however, then you will most likely find this a rewarding game as there are now five difficulty levels to work through, as well as the excellent Ashes mode.

If you are a cricket fan, then you will simply love warming to the voices of Mark Nicholas and Richie Benaud as you smash Brett Lee through the covers for four, and ultimately it is the fluid batting controls that makes it a winner.

Pete Hayman