How much sense the phrase, “He’s hit a cow shot and it’s gone straight down the throat of the man at backward square leg,” makes to you will give you a pretty good idea of whether Ashes Cricket is a game you’d be interested in. Because it’s a fine simulation of cricket, but will offer little for the uninitiated.
The headline feature here is The Ashes — and all the relevant licences have been attained to ensure it’s as true to life as possible. (For that genuine England batting collapse experience, stick the difficulty on World Class and don’t look up the controls.) But there are also casual modes — include a ‘lose one wicket and your innings is over’ match, which at least speeds up the play.
Because that’s so often the problem with cricket games. You can get through a game of FIFA 18 in under 10 minutes, but cricket requires a longer commitment. And patience. Especially if you’re playing a five-day, 90-innings per day Test Match. Although it’s unlikely that’s where you’ll spend most of your time.
You can get through a game of FIFA 18 in under 10 minutes, but cricket requires a longer commitment.
Where Ashes Cricket is top notch, is in the game play mechanics. There are two options — one relying on timing button presses, one on your expertise with the thumbsticks — but both work well. Both for batting and bowling. It’s not easy to make bowling compelling in a cricket title, but this manages it. And fielding relies on your reactions, especially when catching, which is consistent with the real thing. Although your hands won’t be stinging when you catch a high one.
It won’t be for everyone — and it will struggle win over non-fans of the sport. But if, come the summer, you like little more than the soft tap of leather upon willow, this should get you through the cold months ahead before you can strap on your pads again.