From football and tennis to cycling and basketball, there are many different varieties of activities in the world of sports that attract millions across the globe. In particular, cricket is globally regarded as the second most popular sport and it is estimated that around 2.5 billion people follow it around the world.
In fact, cricket has also made its way into the realms of video games as many people are seeking to extend their experience beyond simply watching or playing the game and immerse themselves in the virtual world of cricket.
Firstly, over the last 40 years there have been over 20 Cricket games released on a variety of consoles including PC, MS-DOS or consoles. One of the most popular cricket themed games is Don Bradman Cricket 14 which has built on other cricket games such as Ashes Cricket 2009.
Developed by Big Ant Studios, this game allows fans to play in a myriad of different game modes from career mode to custom matches. There is plenty to achieve with this game as it can take a long period of time to master batting and bowling. For those who are advanced in the realms of cricket, this game can be quite challenging which is perfect for those who have grown bored with other cricket games that they find too easy.
On top of these games, Super International Cricket is also a hit with cricket fans and it is widely regarded as being one of the best cricket games ever made. Not only does it feature full team selection and field positioning but the gameplay is also so realistic that the high quality visuals will make cricket enthusiasts feel as though they are attending a real life cricket match.
With eight teams included in the game, players can also alternate between three difficulty levels according to their own specific preferences. Players can also choose between four types of ball delivery and four different speeds for each of these which means that cricket fans will never grow bored during this game.
Cricket 2005 is also one of those cricket games that has stood out in history due to its customisable features that allow players to style their player according to various facial features and clothes in order to create a personalised experience.
Although since its release in 2005 technology has advanced in an extreme way, at the time the graphics featured in this game were revolutionary where players could glimpse intricate details of the fielders on screen who flinch when the batman misses a shot and swishes.
There are also other details that add an extra touch to the game, for example the lightning effects that are adjusted to the time of day that it is and fluctuate between day and night.
Furthermore, it is not just cricket based video games that are gaining a huge amount of attention. Sports enthusiasts who also enjoy wagering activities are now offered a way of combining their interests as they can now play online slots on sites like Rainbow Riches Casino that also have a cricket theme.
Cricket Heroes for example is a rewarding online slot game that was released onto the market in 2021 and is tailored to those who want to make small or large bets according to whatever budget they have. Not only do online cricket slot games offer plenty of rewards, bonuses and opportunities to win, but they also integrate cricket related visuals and graphics as well as realistic sounds which is perfect for every type of cricket fan.
Furthermore, Cricket 97 is one of those cricket based video games that stands alone in its appeal and features. In fact, Cricket 97 was a revolution of design and gameplay and, to this day, remains an extremely enjoyable game.
It is best known for its realistic gameplay and the precise manoeuvrability of the Batsman and Bowlers. The gameplay is also accompanied by the commentary of Richie Benaud’s which adds to the exciting atmosphere and helps build up the ambience of the game.
Alternatively, Graham Gooch’s Test Cricket received an equal amount of success since its release in 1985. It was the recipient of many great reviews which hailed it for its gameplay and graphics as well as its entertaining features which kept many cricket fans occupied.
With cricket fans given the choice between arcade mode and simulation mode, players are spoilt for choice when playing this game. Although there have been many cricket related titles released since this one, the appeal of Graham Gooch’s Test Cricket is timeless.
In conclusion, cricket is one of the most famous sports in the world with fans either watching cricket matches, participating in cricket games themselves or taking in information about cricket through books or by listening to podcasts.
With many people wanting to full immerse themselves in the world of cricket we now can witness many people turning to playing cricket related games. In fact, since the creation of video gaming there have a huge volume of cricket games released despite there being a shortage compared to other sports.
Not only are these games fun and entertaining but they also cater to cricket fans who envision themselves one day as a professional cricket player. With more and more people becoming interested in cricket as a sport, there should be more titles released in the future to accommodate this expanding pool of fans.