Cricket games: better than the real thing?

Computer cricket games are part of the fun for most junior cricketers (and some of the older ones). The virtual cricket world is almost as intricate as the real one, and it takes great skill to be an expert. Junior cricketers can show adults some of the most important points, but here are some pros and cons that can help everyone.

Many cricket game developers are also cricket fans and bring reality and fine detail to their designs. But it is still difficult to turn such a complex sport into an entertaining video game. Therefore, keep in mind that the games may not appear as realistic as, for example, football or basketball games.

However, cricket fans can still enjoy virtual cricket, especially the highly rated games. There are even leaderboards and expert reviews to help you choose the most suitable game for your family.

Look for games that are realistic and with enough difficulty levels to be challenging and long-lasting. The best titles allow you to control hitters, pitchers, and fielders. Also, watch out for a selection of international matches, day matches, test matches, and friendlies. And look for titles that are licensed to use real player names.

Cricket games fall into three general categories. Arcade types allow you to interact directly with hitters, bowlers, and outfielders. Cricket simulations allow you to manage your team’s tactics. Can you get better results from your team than Michael Vaughan or Rahul Dravid?

A third option is to try your luck at fantasy cricket. This demands totally different skills from computer-related games. If you think you can manage an international cricket team better than the pros, why not give it a try?

For computer cricket games, the speed of your Internet connection and the processing speed of your PC make all the difference. Online cricket games like Stick Cricket are a lot of fun, but don’t expect detailed graphics and fast response times. Modern PCs or game consoles are better at speed and detail; you can buy games for them as downloads or on CD.

Value for money is also important. You can find some free cricket games online, and some simple games are free to download. Others have free demos online, but charge to download a full version. Shareware games allow you to try a short trial download before purchasing.

PC and console games provide the most detailed and fastest graphics and realistic gameplay, for example EA Cricket or Brian Lara International Cricket. These best-selling brands have competed for several years to be the best cricket game for PC / console. EA Cricket 2006 was published in November 2006, with BLIC 07 in March 2007. There are passionate online reviews of both games.

Computer games have improved dramatically in the last 10 years, but the new Nintendo Wii system opens up a whole new range of possibilities. How about the Wii-mote motion sensor as a substitute for the bat in a multiplayer game, or even as a training tool? Will Wii make cricket games as exciting as real ones?