Crash


Cricket Master

Author: Phil King
Publisher: E & J Software
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Crash #55

Cricket Master

If cricket fans are feeling left out of this footballing strategy extravaganza, then think again because E & J haven't forgotten you. Cricket Master simulates limited overs (definable from 40 to 60) one day international cricket.

The team of openers, stroke players, fast bowlers, spin bowlers etc. must be picked from 16 players, rateable from one to three.

Once the team is selected, the match can begin. When his team is fielding, the bowler can alter his own bowling fine and move the field into positions of his liking. Bowling and fielding is automatic and the minimalist graphics show the fielders and a rough guide of where the ball travels. Underneath the graphic display, text messages flash up describing how the ball was hit, how many runs were scored plus other useful facts.

The batting side can choose how aggressively the batsmen play. And for added realism, on the fifth and sixth balls of an over, the player can choose to run a single to keep the best batsman facing the bowler for the next over.

As with managing a real cricket team there is little else to do, especially during play itself. This tends to be a problem with cricket simulations in general. The various strategic options are an improvement on most games of this type, but the lack of a two player mode is disappointing. However, cricket fans will probably like it as there are very few cricket strategies to choose from.

Phil King

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