Melbourne based Big Ant Studios has revealed a new cricket game to be launched this year, Cricket 14. This news comes as a breath of fresh air amidst the delay of 505 Games’ Ashes Cricket 2013. Cricket 14 will be released on the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. The release date is not final yet, Q4 2013 looks like a good time.
Active on the IVG and PlanetCricket forums, Big Ant Studios has revealed a comprehensive set of details regarding the game’s interesting features and mechanics. Check out the revealed trailer below:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj010sRb0JA]
Cricket 14 will not feature many licensed teams, but Big Ant Studios has provided a tool called Cricket Academy (currently in Beta) that allows users to recreate players, teams, tournaments and more. The tool can be downloaded over here. Out of the box, the game will include unlicensed national sides.
The game will include all the formats of the game i.e. Test, ODI and T20. Dynamic lighting is ever-present in the game, with the sun moving incrementally as time progresses. Cloud effects are also dynamic, changing with the sun.
Players will react according to their current form (based on previous performances) and fatigue. An over-fatigued player is likely to be injured.
Multiplayer modes will also feature in Cricket 14, and can be played either head-to-head or co-op. Online games can be saved to, and resumed at a later time. An interesting feature, cricket games are not short.
Crowds will react according to the match situation, the crowd numbers will also vary according to the occasion. Cricket 14 will also feature cheerleaders, ticker tapes, celebrations and fireworks wherever applicable. Commentary recorded for the game is 40+ hours.
The game has a Replay System similar to that of Pro Evolution Soccer, i.e., you have a roaming camera, you can pause, rewind, forward or watch the replay in super slow mo. The in-game menus will allow you to publish your videos on Facebook and YouTube.
The mechanics
Big Ant Studios is putting considerate focus in the game’s underlying mechanics and physics. These include the physics of the bat and ball. The ball will be a subject to wear and tear as the match progresses. You can shine the ball to facilitate reverse swing. The type of pitch will influence the behaviour of the ball. Bowlers can use cracks to their advantage to evade the batsman.
An interesting addition, if as a batman you’ve edged it, you have to option to walk. if you don’t walk, the umpire’s attitude towards you will become unfavourable. A feedback on the controller will indicate whether the batsman has edged it or not. On the PC, the game will only be playable on the Xbox 360 controller, with no support for the keyboard and mouse. Similar to the EA Cricket games, confidence is a factor deciding how hot the batsman/bowler is.
There is a Manual appeal system; appeal too much and the umpire will consider your behaviour during his decisions. Appeal animations will signify the likelihood of a wicket. While bowling, there will be no HUD, allowing greater immersion.
Fielding is not fully AI controlled. Catching is not automatic (although you can turn it on). The player will be required to control the fielder’s hands while catching the ball. Wind plays a role in the trajectory the ball follows.
The throwing system, as claimed, will be influenced by a set of factors such as throwing direct to stumps vs the keeper vs relay fielder. How much time you take to throw, the direction the fielder is facing, are all influencing factors on the trajectory of the throw.
Something for the dynasty fans
The game will feature a comprehensive career mode revolving around one player. The player’s appearance and role is fully customizable. You must strive to perform in order to be offered contracts by teams. The ultimate goal is to play for the international team.
Stats of the player vary according to performance and form. The ‘ranking’ of the player is the deciding factor of his level. The highest rank is 5, and only Rank 5 players can play in Test matches. Simulation is available for the parts the player wants to skip.
A comprehensive reveal of features, I am excited to see how this game turns out. Stay tuned to iLLGaming for more on Cricket 14. Check out the released screenshots below.
Thanks, PlanetCricket.
how to connect 2 player head on head in Don bradman 2014. Whenever i am trying to connect through second controller it says “Changed session to single player”