Ste
Executive member
Now on http://www.blconline.net:
Heres the text from the preview as well:
Brian Lara International Cricket
While the England cricket team prepares to take on the all-conquering Aussies in the Ashes series this summer, Codemasters? Brian Lara International Cricket will be pulling on the whites for its own titanic clash with EA?s Cricket 2005. And just like Michael Vaughan?s rapidly improving Three Lions, BLIC (as it shall henceforth be known) has a genuine chance of causing an upset against the big boys.
We visited Codemasters to get a world first play, and even though the game was at a very early stage, its promise was already clear. Developed by a team of cricket obsessives, the level of detail and the range of options on show will make fans of the port all moist in the googlies. One-Day internationals, Test Matches, Double Wicket games and custom leagues are all on offer. There are official tournaments such as the 2003 ICC World Cup, the Champions Trophy and Super Series test. And all the planet?s cricketing nation and international players are included, with the latter statted up to the nines so they play exactly as they do in real life ? Freddie Flintoff looks to get on top of the bowling and slog deliveries out of the ground, Glenn McGrath bowls to a relentless line and length and Shane Warne occasionally spins a ball that defies all laws of physics.
What?s more, success in the game unlocks classic players and matches. So if you?ve ever fancied assaulting the Aussies in the infamous 1933 ?bodyline? test or re-writing history to give Don ?The Don? Bradman his 100 batting average, then this will knock you for six.
It goes without saying that this detail continues out in the middle. Check out the pitch opposite for a full rundown of batting, bowling and fielding (below) but, suffice to say, BLIC is pushing the realism boundaries in every department. You get sledging between batsman and bowler, and fielders sinking to despair after a dropped catch.
There are completely authentic effects of different climatic and pitch conditions, so the ball swings more when the weather is overcast and comes at you faster then a speeding bullet when it?s all new and shiny. The game?s producer told us the aim was to create ?The PES of cricket? by achieving the perfect balance of playability and realism. From what we?ve seen, it?s heading right for middle stump.
Batting
As in the sport itself this is all about timing and reading the pitch and pace of the ball. Regular, lofted and defensive shots are all in your armoury, and you can also evade those fast balls homing in on your bonce.
Bowling
The most detailed bowling system in a cricket game, ever. Choose you angle of approach, select the pitch mark of the ball during the run-up, then stop a power meter at the desired point. All kinds of deliveries are available ? varying from seam to spin bowlers ? and it works brilliantly.
Fielding
Much of the fielding play occurs automatically, but there?s a clever throwing system where you have to stop and accuracy meter at the correct point for a straight chuck to the wicket.
Monitor
Aiming to do for the game of cricket what PES does so well for football ? ie, hiding ultra realism behind a veneer of incredible playability. It?s still very early days but BLIC is looking like a contender.
Hot or Not
Tepid Warm HOT Boiling Meltdown
From Playstation2 Official Magazine UK March Issue
Ste
Heres the text from the preview as well:
Brian Lara International Cricket
While the England cricket team prepares to take on the all-conquering Aussies in the Ashes series this summer, Codemasters? Brian Lara International Cricket will be pulling on the whites for its own titanic clash with EA?s Cricket 2005. And just like Michael Vaughan?s rapidly improving Three Lions, BLIC (as it shall henceforth be known) has a genuine chance of causing an upset against the big boys.
We visited Codemasters to get a world first play, and even though the game was at a very early stage, its promise was already clear. Developed by a team of cricket obsessives, the level of detail and the range of options on show will make fans of the port all moist in the googlies. One-Day internationals, Test Matches, Double Wicket games and custom leagues are all on offer. There are official tournaments such as the 2003 ICC World Cup, the Champions Trophy and Super Series test. And all the planet?s cricketing nation and international players are included, with the latter statted up to the nines so they play exactly as they do in real life ? Freddie Flintoff looks to get on top of the bowling and slog deliveries out of the ground, Glenn McGrath bowls to a relentless line and length and Shane Warne occasionally spins a ball that defies all laws of physics.
What?s more, success in the game unlocks classic players and matches. So if you?ve ever fancied assaulting the Aussies in the infamous 1933 ?bodyline? test or re-writing history to give Don ?The Don? Bradman his 100 batting average, then this will knock you for six.
It goes without saying that this detail continues out in the middle. Check out the pitch opposite for a full rundown of batting, bowling and fielding (below) but, suffice to say, BLIC is pushing the realism boundaries in every department. You get sledging between batsman and bowler, and fielders sinking to despair after a dropped catch.
There are completely authentic effects of different climatic and pitch conditions, so the ball swings more when the weather is overcast and comes at you faster then a speeding bullet when it?s all new and shiny. The game?s producer told us the aim was to create ?The PES of cricket? by achieving the perfect balance of playability and realism. From what we?ve seen, it?s heading right for middle stump.
Batting
As in the sport itself this is all about timing and reading the pitch and pace of the ball. Regular, lofted and defensive shots are all in your armoury, and you can also evade those fast balls homing in on your bonce.
Bowling
The most detailed bowling system in a cricket game, ever. Choose you angle of approach, select the pitch mark of the ball during the run-up, then stop a power meter at the desired point. All kinds of deliveries are available ? varying from seam to spin bowlers ? and it works brilliantly.
Fielding
Much of the fielding play occurs automatically, but there?s a clever throwing system where you have to stop and accuracy meter at the correct point for a straight chuck to the wicket.
Monitor
Aiming to do for the game of cricket what PES does so well for football ? ie, hiding ultra realism behind a veneer of incredible playability. It?s still very early days but BLIC is looking like a contender.
Hot or Not
Tepid Warm HOT Boiling Meltdown
From Playstation2 Official Magazine UK March Issue
Ste
