A PC game…gasp!

Okay I usually never write about computer cricket games. In fact, as far as I can recall this is the very first time, so for true fans of the cricket board game look away now.

Cricket Revolution is a new cricket game that shows a lot of potential. It is written by a company based in Pakistan, a country not known for its computer game industry, and unlike recent offers from Codemasters and EA (okay, so they’re not so recent), it looks and plays well.

It requires a LOT of practice to get to grips with it as there are many, many key combinations to remember for the variety of shots that a batsman can play, and the types of balls a bowler can bowl. This complexity has seen it marked down by some game reviewers, but for me this complexity is what makes it an outstanding game.

The game is also getting knocked for not being official, but as EA shows each time it releases a game, having official player names don’t add to the quality of a computer game. It also gets knocked for its graphics, which to my eye are clunky but fine and I care little about as the game play is the thing.

While it focuses on online play it does play very, very well solo, and it is aimed squarely at the Twenty20 market. While you can play ODIs, there is no Test Match mode.

There are some nice touches though, like batsmen getting into really hot streaks or being totally rattled, and a host of different ball types. You can read the full player guide here which goes into some excruciating but necessary detail.

Overall all I’ve found this a pretty good game to play, and it avoids the dreariness that usually effects computer games as it inserts a bit of silliness and fun into the game play. It’s obviously designed for a younger audience, but one that is obsessed with the game itself. I admire the fact they have stayed away from simplifying the batting and bowling too much.

The game can be purchased directly from Steam, the downloadable game service and it’s about half the price of other games. Just for the fact it’s something different it’s worth giving it a go.

Final note: While we’re on the subject of PC games, here’s another I feel I should promote as Oli, the main programmer, has worked away at this game for years and it’s really getting to a good place. He listens to his community of players. He updates the game constantly and is focussed on making each new release better than the last. As he does it mostly solo, I think anyone with a passing interest in cricket games should support his fine effort of Cricket Coach.