Cricket 24 Review: A New Innings for the Cricket Series
Discover our review of Cricket 24, where we explore the latest advancements in gameplay, graphics, and features. Find out how this new installment revitalizes the cricket video game series and whether it lives up to the hype.
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Cricket 24 Review: A New Innings for the Cricket Series
Introduction
Cricket 24, developed by Big Ant Studios and published by Nacon, is the latest entry in the long-running Cricket series, and the official video game of the 2023 Ashes series. Released on October 5, 2023, this title follows Cricket 22 and aims to deliver an authentic and immersive cricket experience. As the eighth installment in the series, Cricket 24 faces high expectations from fans and newcomers alike. Let’s dive into how it performs and whether it hits a six or misses the mark.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Cricket 24 builds on its predecessors with refined gameplay mechanics and new features designed to enhance the cricketing experience.
Game Modes: The game features a variety of modes, including:
- Career Mode: Players can create and manage their own cricketer or team, guiding them through domestic and international competitions, including the iconic Ashes series.
- Tournament Mode: Offers a chance to compete in various cricket tournaments, from local leagues to global events.
- Ashes Series Mode: As the official game of the 2023 Ashes series, it includes specific scenarios and challenges based on the real-life series, adding a layer of authenticity.
- Online Multiplayer: Players can test their skills against others in online matches, leagues, and tournaments.
Controls and Gameplay: The control scheme in Cricket 24 has been refined for a more intuitive and realistic experience. Batting, bowling, and fielding mechanics have been fine-tuned to provide a more immersive gameplay experience. The addition of new animations and improved AI enhances the realism of the matches, making each game feel dynamic and engaging.
Graphics and Presentation: The visual upgrade in Cricket 24 is notable, with more detailed player models, realistic animations, and improved stadium environments. The game’s presentation, including menus, commentary, and crowd animations, contributes to a more polished and immersive experience. However, some players may find that while the graphics are improved, there are still occasional performance issues and minor graphical glitches.
Sound and Commentary: The sound design in Cricket 24 is a highlight, with realistic crowd noises, authentic bat and ball sounds, and a dynamic commentary team. The commentary has been updated to reflect the latest cricketing terminology and events, adding to the realism. However, there are moments where the commentary can become repetitive, which may detract from the overall experience.
Challenges and Criticisms
While Cricket 24 makes strides in various areas, it’s not without its issues:
- Performance Issues: Some players have reported occasional performance drops and graphical glitches that can impact the overall experience.
- Repetitive Commentary: The commentary, while generally good, can become repetitive over time, which may affect immersion during long play sessions.
- AI and Difficulty Balancing: There are instances where the AI can seem either overly challenging or too passive, which can affect the balance of matches and tournaments.
Cricket 24 FAQ
Q1: What is Cricket 24?
- A: Cricket 24 is a cricket video game developed by Big Ant Studios and published by Nacon. It is the official video game of the 2023 Ashes series and the sequel to Cricket 22. Released on October 5, 2023, it is the eighth installment in Big Ant Studios' ongoing Cricket series.
Q2: What platforms is Cricket 24 available on?
- A: Cricket 24 is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Q3: What are the main features of Cricket 24?
- A: Key features include:
- Career Mode: Create and manage your own cricketer or team, and guide them through various competitions.
- Tournament Mode: Participate in different cricket tournaments and leagues.
- Ashes Series Mode: Experience the 2023 Ashes series with specific scenarios and challenges.
- Online Multiplayer: Compete against other players in online matches and tournaments.
- Enhanced Graphics and Animations: Improved player models, stadiums, and realistic animations.
Q4: How does the gameplay in Cricket 24 compare to previous installments?
- A: Cricket 24 builds on the gameplay mechanics of its predecessors with refinements for a more realistic and intuitive experience. Improvements include enhanced controls for batting, bowling, and fielding, as well as updated animations and AI to create a more engaging gameplay experience.
Q5: What improvements have been made in the graphics and presentation?
- A: The game features more detailed player models, realistic animations, and improved stadium environments. The presentation, including menus and crowd animations, has been polished for a more immersive experience, although some players have reported occasional graphical glitches.
Q6: How is the commentary in Cricket 24?
- A: The commentary in Cricket 24 is updated to reflect current cricketing terminology and events. It features a dynamic commentary team that adds to the realism of the game. However, some players may find the commentary repetitive over time.
Q7: Are there any performance issues with Cricket 24?
- A: While Cricket 24 generally runs well, some players have reported occasional performance drops and graphical glitches. These issues can affect the overall experience but may vary depending on the platform and system configuration.
Q8: Is there a single-player campaign in Cricket 24?
- A: Yes, Cricket 24 features several single-player modes, including Career Mode and Tournament Mode, where players can engage in various cricketing challenges and competitions.
Q9: Can I play Cricket 24 online?
- A: Yes, Cricket 24 offers online multiplayer modes where players can compete against others in matches, leagues, and tournaments.
Q10: How long does it take to complete the Career Mode in Cricket 24?
- A: The length of the Career Mode can vary depending on how much time players spend on managing their team and participating in matches. On average, completing a full career can take around 15-25 hours.
Q11: Are there any notable challenges or criticisms of Cricket 24?
- A: Notable challenges include occasional performance issues, repetitive commentary, and AI balancing. These aspects can impact the overall enjoyment of the game, though they do not overshadow the improvements and features offered.
Q12: Is Cricket 24 worth playing?
- A: Cricket 24 is worth playing for cricket fans and those who enjoy cricket simulation games. It offers a refined and immersive experience with improved graphics and gameplay, though it has some minor flaws that could be addressed in future updates or installments.
Conclusion
Cricket 24 delivers an engaging cricket simulation with its refined gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and authentic representation of the sport. It succeeds in offering a comprehensive cricketing experience with its various modes and detailed presentation. However, it’s not without its flaws, including some performance issues and repetitive elements that could be improved in future updates or installments.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
For cricket enthusiasts and fans of the series, Cricket 24 is a worthy addition that brings new features and improvements to the table. While it may not be a perfect game, it offers a solid and enjoyable cricket experience that captures the excitement and strategy of the sport.
