Cricket Games - Better than the Real Thing?
Computer cricket games are all part of the fun for most junior cricketers (and some senior ones). The virtual cricket world is almost as intricate as the real one, and it takes great skill to be an expert. Junior cricketers might be able to show adults a few of the finer points, but here are a few pros and cons that might help everyone.
Many cricket games developers are also cricket fans, and bring reality and fine detail to their designs. But, it"s still difficult to convert such a complex sport into an entertaining video game. So, bear in mind that the games may not look as realistic as, say, football or basketball games.
Nevertheless, cricket fans can still enjoy virtual cricket, especially the highly rated games. There are even ranking lists and expert reviews to help you choose the most suitable game for your family.
Look for games that are realistic, and with enough levels of difficulty to be challenging and lasting. The best titles let you control batsmen, bowlers and fielders. Also, watch out for a choice of internationals, one-day matches, test matches and friendlies. And, look for titles that are licensed to use real player"s names.
Cricket games fall into three general categories. Arcade types let you interact directly with batsmen, bowlers and fielders. Cricket simulations allow you to manage your team"s tactics - can you get better results from your team than Michael Vaughan or Rahul Dravid?
A third option is to try your hand at fantasy cricket. This demands totally different skills from computer related games. If you think that you can manage an international cricket team better than the professionals, then why not give this a try?
For computer cricket games, the speed of your internet connection and the processing speed of your PC make a difference. Online cricket games like Stick Cricket are great fun, but don"t expect detailed graphics and fast response times. Modern PCs or games consoles are better for speed and detail; you can buy games for them as downloads or on CD.
Value for money is also important. You can find some free cricket games online, and some simple games are free downloads. Others have free online demos, but charge to download a full version. Shareware games let you try a brief trial download before you buy.
PC and Console games provide the most detailed, fast graphics and realistic play, eg EA Cricket or Brian Lara International Cricket. These top selling brands have competed for several years to be the best PC/console cricket game. EA Cricket 2006 was issued November 2006, with BLIC 07 in March 2007. There are passionate online critiques of both games.
Computer games have improved dramatically over the last 10 years but the new Nintendo Wii system opens up a whole new range of possibilities. How about the motion sensing Wii-mote as a bat substitute in a multiplayer game, or even as a coaching tool? Will Wii ever make cricket games as exciting as the real thing?
Author: Anthony Jenkins
Anthony Jenkins is a cricket player and coach, and has been involved with the game for over 4 decades. He manages a junior cricket team, and plays in the Shropshire cricket league. He also manages http://www.cricket-for-parents.com, where you can read more of his work.
Bradman would be disappointed with todays cricket - Newspost Online
TVNZ Bradman would be disappointed with todays cricket Newspost Online, India - Sir Donald Bradman would be terribly disappointed by much of the conduct in modern day cricket , fellow Invincible Sam Loxton has said. ... Bradman left his mark on popular culture Cricket -ICC leads tributes on centenary of Bradman's birth The Don just needed four -Symonds dubbed Usain Bolt of cricket - Expressindia.com
BBCSlovak.com Symonds dubbed Usain Bolt of cricket Expressindia.com, India - I think hes the best all around athlete for strength, power and speed in cricket Ive seen, Young said. Jonty (Rhodes) was good, real good. ... Cricket -Symonds booted out of Australia one-day squad Symonds sent home from Darwin Symonds sent home from Darwin -Malik says he is focused on cricket - The News - International
Sky News Malik says he is focused on cricket The News - International, Pakistan - The triangular event is being planned on the request of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which is trying to compensate for the postponement of the Champions ... Pak cricket is in shambles Champions Trophy falls victim to blinkered attitudes Foreign players are insensitive towards Pak: PCB -