Personal Computer Games


Howzat

Categories: Review: Software
Author: JF
Publisher: Wyvern
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #9

Howzat

Howzat, as you've probably guessed, is a cricket simulation. Unfortunately, Wyvern fail to tell you that it's for two players, and knowledge of the real game is helpful.

After a brief introduction, the game gets underway with the option of one day or first class cricket. If you choose one day cricket, you can play in a variety of matches, from the John Player League to the Texaco Trophy. On the other hand, if you choose first class cricket, you have the option of playing in County or Test Cricket, or going on tour.

Following this, you pick your team. All of the 17 first class county squads and the seven test squads are available for you to select from. Alternatively, you can choose your own team from the squads or enter your own set of names. Each player has his own changeable skill ratings.

After choosing your opening batsman, your opponent positions his fielders and selects a bowler. The actual playing screen consists of a white boundary line inside which are the players and wickets (also white). Graphical quality is minimal as the playes are simple stick figures with poor animation. Other displays such as the scoreboard, bowling analysis and scorecard are all set out like the real thing and are just as good.

In testing this program, one major bug was found. When choosing the teams, it is possible for the same player to play in both sides and also it's possible for one team to play itself, for example: England vs England or England vs Somerset in which Botham plays for both sides. Wyvern could have easily prevented this by including a simple check in the program.

JF

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