For cricket enthusiasts seeking immersive gaming experiences, Big Ant Studios' latest release, Cricket 24, offers an enticing option. Let's delve into how well this game caters to the cravings of cricket fans worldwide.
Released in October last year, Cricket 24 stands as the latest addition to the cricket gaming genre, available on core platforms such as PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
The Good: Cricket 24 retains the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessor, Cricket 22, providing detailed bowling and batting mechanics that allow players to showcase their individual flair and style. While some critics have noted its similarity to the previous version, the game introduces several new features, including licenses for various Indian Premier League teams, adding a touch of realism.
Players can appreciate the variety in bowling and batting strategies, along with adjustable difficulty settings that contribute to a more realistic gameplay experience.
The Bad: However, the game is not without its flaws. Issues with fielding mechanics, such as delayed movements and difficulty in picking up the ball, detract from the immersion. Additionally, numerous glitches plague the game, impacting the overall experience.
The most significant drawback lies in the out-of-sync and lackluster commentary, which detracts from the gameplay's immersion.
While the Career Mode offers an opportunity to guide a player's development through the ranks, it lacks depth and fails to provide enough side activities to maintain long-term engagement.
Big Ant Studios' heavy focus on licensing has resulted in a comprehensive roster of teams and players, including professional Indian T20 teams. However, the absence of licenses for certain teams and countries, such as the Indian national team, leads to randomly generated names and faces, significantly impacting immersion.
This issue mirrors the struggles faced by the football game Pro Evolution Soccer, eventually conceding defeat to FIFA. Cricket 24's reliance on licensing, while commendable, highlights the need for improvements in gameplay quality rather than solely focusing on variety and licensing.
In conclusion, while Cricket 24 offers enticing features such as licensing and diverse gameplay, it is marred by technical issues inherited from its predecessor. This suggests that more attention could have been devoted to refining gameplay mechanics rather than solely emphasizing variety and licensing.
