Cricket 24: Key Gameplay Changes and Updates

Aug. 29, 2024, 7:10 a.m.

The latest installment of Big Ant Studios' cricket simulation series, Cricket 24, brings a mix of improvements and familiar elements. Here's a rundown of the notable changes and what to expect from the gameplay:

Enhanced Realism and Licensing

One of the biggest highlights of Cricket 24 is its expanded roster of licensed teams and players. The game now includes eight of the ten Indian Premier League (IPL) teams with full player likenesses and several real-world Indian stadiums. This addition significantly boosts the realism for fans of the IPL, complementing existing licenses for other major leagues like the Big Bash, Caribbean Premier League, and Pakistan Super League. Despite these improvements, licensing issues still prevent the inclusion of the official Indian national team, which might be disappointing for some players.

Improved Visuals and Player Animations

Cricket 24 also enhances player realism through improved motion capture, resulting in more natural movements on the field. The game’s visuals have been refined, with better face scans and smoother gameplay compared to its predecessor, Cricket 22. These enhancements make the game's overall experience feel more polished, especially in terms of lighting and ambiance during high-intensity matches.

Familiar Gameplay Mechanics with Minor Tweaks

While the game introduces some visual and licensing upgrades, the core gameplay mechanics remain largely unchanged from Cricket 22. The batting, bowling, and fielding controls are nearly identical, which might leave returning players feeling like they’re playing a reskinned version of the previous game. The user interface and certain in-game elements, such as timing and shot controls, have seen minimal updates, leading some to critique the game for lacking significant innovation.

Bugs and Glitches

Like many games at launch, Cricket 24 has its share of glitches, ranging from minor graphical issues to odd player animations. These bugs, while not game-breaking, can be distracting and hopefully will be patched in future updates.

Conclusion

Cricket 24 continues to build on its predecessors by adding more licenses and improving visual fidelity, but it stops short of a major overhaul in gameplay mechanics. It’s a solid entry for newcomers and die-hard fans alike but may feel too familiar for those expecting groundbreaking changes.

For players looking for a more immersive cricket experience with updated rosters and visuals, Cricket 24 offers a step up, but don’t expect a revolution in gameplay.