First opinions

[Sureshot]

For those of you lucky enough to get the game before the server becomes slower than a tractor...

What do you think of the game?

All opinions welcome, the more constructive the better and easier for us.

:)

[Themer]

I've had a couple of games so far and all looks good. Its great to have the Selected Squad page when you're selecting your International team.

The Auto feature is also very good and without wishing to sound like I'm taking a pop at Cricket Coach it works much better than it because its very easy to unauto.

Will give a more indepth review later.

Oh yeah and the graphics are now alot smoother than before.

[Chasjs]

Just opened the game, content looks good, didn't know there was going to be past Ashes series' aswell, although I was hoping for the World Cup series' like in the last game but nvm.
One thing that's immediately obvious is how come New Zealand have no stars???

[hambam4]

Fantastic! PLaying online! Graphics <3

[Gilly_The_Legend]

Well it looks good certainaly will purchase it i thought this will have IPL but was wrong but all in all gameplay is spot on and i have no bad critcism for the game! :D

[muhammad saad]

90% downloaded cannt wait to play:D

[Sureshot]

Just opened the game, content looks good, didn't know there was going to be past Ashes series' aswell, although I was hoping for the World Cup series' like in the last game but nvm.
One thing that's immediately obvious is how come New Zealand have no stars???

That'll be the first spotted bug of the game, then. Disappointed we missed that.

All opinions are great, if you spot a bug please put it in the bug reports thread.

[ICClover]

I know his name (according to some) is Mohammed Younus Khan, but seeing M Khan is just frustrating, when the whole world knows him as Y Khan. Can you please change this?

First impressions otherwise splendid.

[hambam4]

http://tinypic.com/r/nfjzg2/5

You've certianly made it easier to hit quicker, but surely there would be more sixes?

Btw, if you can't see the image, copy the url. ;)

[HampshireJames]

first opinions

:cool:

the game is much much much better than anticipated..worth the added day's wait. I started off with an Ashes DUEL..as you do. And was firstly taken away by the selection screen, which is much better, as i tended to forget to select a wicketkeeper in previous edition :confused:

i also love tha ability to choose a team from a previous game, i noticed this when playin a Full Game as Lancs, and i use specialists (loye etc) for T20 and this was a great feature..

there are probably many i have missed that deserve mentioning but in all the game is FANTABULOUS!!!

[SMX11FOX]

Had a few games, not much difference from the old one but i do love the camera on the highlights. The scoring rate seems a little slow still. The fielding editor is more user friendly however. The interface is pretty slick as well. I dont think i will be buying the full game, I dont believe it has improved enough to persuade me to buy it. Hopefully 'significant' noticeable improvements for next years game will happen and im happy to wait till then :)

[Scritty]

Seems very solid. Tried all game modes except on-line, could not find anything other than the odd naming niggle or allrounder/specialist quibble

(Even Sky change this when they are commentating..On Wednesday last week for the Worcester Glamorgan 20/20 Solanki was an allrounder..today for England Lions he is a specialist batsman) so no biggies.


As usual a stable and competent release. Not as innovative as I would have liked, but a definate step in the right direction.

As for names, esspecially from India and Pakistan, please remember we are using anglicised versions of these players names. I mean Muttiah Muralitheran has had more spellings on the back OF HIS OWN SHIRTS than I've had hot dinners. Sometimes there isn't a definitive "right" or "wrong" just what the player decides it should be anglicised as that day.

Muralitheran
Muralideran
Muralithran

and others, all in the last 10 years.

How can you NOT be wrong when you commit to one spelling, when the guy himself changes it all the time :)

Like I say , it is an anglicised translation of a name..therefore is open to interpretation. Also the Christian/first name/ family name pairing works differently in different parts of the world.

Remember you can change the names yourself in seconds in the personal profile. So don't sweat it, just enjoy :)

Paul

PS Plenty of room now you are 1024x768 for placeholders for our own BMP,s ....pretty please

[Sureshot]

I know his name (according to some) is Mohammed Younus Khan, but seeing M Khan is just frustrating, when the whole world knows him as Y Khan. Can you please change this?

First impressions otherwise splendid.

This was noticed by us, but it was too late for us to change. Because of the way it works, that is the default. I believe we'll change it for the patch.

[ICClover]

This was noticed by us, but it was too late for us to change. Because of the way it works, that is the default. I believe we'll change it for the patch.

Thanks, legend. Will Mohammed Asif be in the patch?

[Sureshot]

How do you mean be in the patch?

[ICClover]

How do you mean be in the patch?

I mean that he isnt in the game as it is, I was wondering if this was an error? I have put it in the bug thread

[Scritty]

I mean that he isnt in the game as it is, I was wondering if this was an error? I have put it in the bug thread

I believe he means that; you are alluding to a patch of which there has been no previous mention.
:)

[Sureshot]

Yes, hadn't noticed he wasn't in the game. I've explained it in the bugs thread.

[ICClover]

Loving the game, but my activation code doesnt seem to work?

[AZisdenaam]

Mohammad Aamer you little beauty!! Just clean bowled KP :D
What a game!

[Sussex Shark]

Still getting used to the new layout of the match screen which atm, I don't like but I am sure I will after a few days. I miss the cricket song from the main menu :(

[patrickF690]

what is the auto-simulation like

[Meph.]

Enjoying it as always.. these game were always addictive.
The players and ball seem very small compared to the last version i played (07) but im getting used too it.

lol Ireland got to the quarterfinals in the challenge trophy.. they never quite made it on the other game in my experience so that was a surprise.

[Chasjs]

Still getting used to the new layout of the match screen which atm, I don't like but I am sure I will after a few days. I miss the cricket song from the main menu :(

Can we have 'I don't like Cricket' instead... lol

[the_trademarc]

Good to hear the game is out and people like it.
I look forward to downloading it soon and spending countless hours playing this brilliant game.

I have a question for Aus or Sureshot however. I read somewhere that we will have two licenses for the game, is that one license for each a PC and laptop, or can we use one license for the PC and laptop, and then another license for another PC?

I'm pretty sure its one each for a PC and a Laptop because they will have different Product Keys, but if I could confirmation that would be great

[Chewie]

I've only just started playing but a few things I like:

The way you can unselect players from your international squad but clicking on their name in the ordered list, instead of having to find them

The scorecard interface where batting and bowling are on the same page (and i suppose in extension the widescreen view)

That's all i've really seen at the moment :)

Also I've just finished group stages of the World T20 and both Netherlands and Ireland made it through! And Australia got knocked out with Pakistan and Bangladesh! :)

[Kwyjibo]

Will stick to 2008 since 2009 apparently can't run on my netbook. Oh well.

[AZisdenaam]

I like how you can select the openers. For example, if I play as Pakistan and we are chasing a big total, Afridi can go up the order :D

Played an online game against my friend, beat him by about 150 runs with Northants. Sales got 88, NOB 71 and then Daggett with 2 wickets was a surprise package with the ball. VDW got Strauss first ball.

As Nasser would say, the Andrew Strausses and the Owais Shahs will be looking to get on top of the bowling and they have to be dismissed early.

[rishi]

above is one improvement that was a resut from following up on so many requests.

I just missed out on a free hit because even auto mode doesn't allow me to re-strategise for that ball. this i hope gets corrected!!

[Chasjs]

above is one improvement that was a resut from following up on so many requests.

I just missed out on a free hit because even auto mode doesn't allow me to re-strategise for that ball. this i hope gets corrected!!

When theres a free hit the score bar should flash red, like it does on sky and the game stop so you can stick your batter on full aggression or get your bowler to bowl a really defensive ball.

[spaga1994]

Brilliant game guys playing as australia lost odi series to SA 2-3 then got knocked out of t20 world cup in group stages (not the best of starts) then beat england 5-0 ashes and beat england 4-3 in ODI's and in one of the twenty 20's against england i made 210 with hughes making 101 and ponting 104 or something both not out brilliant game i will hopefully be buying it tonight

[rishi]

When theres a free hit the score bar should flash red, like it does on sky and the game stop so you can stick your batter on full aggression or get your bowler to bowl a really defensive ball.

Just like when, there is an opportunity to enforce follow on i get asked a question, i should be asked, if i wish to make any decision for the free hit ball.


Another point which I also brought up in the bugs section of thread, i feel that there is little too much penalty for skipping matches. leadership or not, all of a sudden a talented bunch of players can't start playing like stupids just because you are not there to instruct what agressiveness they should be playing at!!:mad:

[sheraz]

I hate the new camera angle when the bowler is bowling. It should have remained zoomed in.

[StanH]

I was dissapointed with 2008 for a variety of reasons.I have every ICC game
since the start...and now this 2009 version is the game I have waited for.The graphics in my opinion are excellent...the interface much improved as is the layout.Like many others I would like a little more depth to the game (as Football manager) and a few extras...I would like to import pictures and have a little more information on each player.However I think for my part I must pass congratulations ...you have done a fine job-it was worth the wait.

I do now and then get that peculiar flashing on the screen.

I have gone ahead and paid for it because I envisage many hours ahead as I guide Nottinghampshire to glory(?)

well done Chris!:)

[muhammad saad]

3d highlights looking damn cool and it is the first time I bother watching it:D

[zeduck]

Good work team, a definite improvement over 2008.

Improved interfaces, better camera angle, game engine still fine.

[dan3634]

Played about 4 hours now, some thoughts:

new graphics are slick with animations looking much less clunky and a lot more realistic.

a lot more sixes which is fantastic

the english grounds are rendered nicely, lords is picturesque in particular

interface is great but maybe its appearance is a bit busy, maybe just me

my high end graphics card once again struggles with the game, it glicthes and flashes from time to time, did the same with 2008.

in short, glad I bought it, is a good improvement on 2008 but bring on 2010 when childish things have free reign to do as they wish.

8/10

[hambam4]

One problem, Ireland are over-rated. In my game they got through to the semis of the wc. :eek:

[ICClover]

Love it all.

Won the T20 WC with Pakistan. Had Umar Gul bowling yorkers at the death as in real life, worked a treat!

Beat New Zealand 2-0 in a test series.

Played 1 ODI, I scored 374 and only won by 6 runs!

Lots of sixes being hit which is great!

[Chewie]

With regard to sixes, I feel that there are still not enough in T20s. In ODIs there is a good amount, I just hit 8 in one game as New Zealand, which is the max I've had, but in the World T20 it would be rare to hit more than two.

[ICClover]

Afridi and Misbah hit plenty of sixes for me in the T20

Misbah averaged 60 in the tournament!

[FM13]

Have played every version of the ICC and now just bought and tried 2009 (bought without even trying).

Reviews and Issues.........
1. Wide Angle : Disappointing and there ought to be a fix in the patch or an option to either use the zoomed or wide angle while bowling.

2. Visibilty: Not improved which had really dropped in 2008. i am referring to the simple fact that while playing with white ball, you simply (really really have to focus) can not see the ball from the sunny side of the ground. Its ok from the other side but sunny side and wide angle combined........atleast i could not see the very first ball bowled. (it stated with 2008)

3. SIXES: while i think the number has improved but i guess what we are all hoping for was actually a BOOM BOOM MODE. even at the highest aggression level, you still do not see the batsman ever moving around and simply going for every shot and risky singles. Instead, we still get a defensive shot if the ball is good and it gets frustating in T20 as you either want to hit or get out sometimes and that still doesnt happen. You fix this and you will see a lot more sixes perhaps.

4. STROKEPLAY: Finally a hook/pull shot. Thank you. However, still very few striaght sixes and in the 10/12 years i have been playing this, i still have not seen a single batsmen getting out caught in covers or at midwicket. Also the batsman never ever dances down the track and actually play a shot. Everytime he gets stumped. Has any one ever seen these two things? Finally, there still is no difference in the batsman playing forward or backward.

5. WISHLIST: Speed of ball PLUS Authentic front foot cover drive PLUS Some difference in bowling action

AM I RIGHT PEOPLE? :)

[Irishdave]

I have been enjoying the trial version of the game so far and enjoying being able to play 20/20 online.

Think it will keep some people happy while we figure out the major overhaul for 2010

[SMX11FOX]

I like the new heave across the line shot :D

[Sureshot]

With regard to sixes, I feel that there are still not enough in T20s. In ODIs there is a good amount, I just hit 8 in one game as New Zealand, which is the max I've had, but in the World T20 it would be rare to hit more than two.

The current level of sixes was the best we could do, due to some implications. We are looking at this as being another level of improvement for 2010.

[carlton09]

This is my 1st time ive played an ICC game.

And i love it! The shots look real and all, very happy!

Shankyou fellas! :D

[ICClover]

The current level of sixes was the best we could do, due to some implications. We are looking at this as being another level of improvement for 2010.

I think the level of 6s is nearly spot on (if anything, maybe a few too many in tests) but fine for ODIs and T20 (so far)

[SMX11FOX]

After doing the world 20/20 and winning with England ( i set my own fields and everthing:D) it still annoys me that the most productive catching area when your batting is at short leg :confused: yes short leg in 20/20, off pace bowlers :mad:

[ragniblov]

it would make me so happy if there was a proper slog sweep... and if fielders caught the ball in a slightly more human way. otherwise, not a bad effort

[mailman]

Hmmm...didnt realise that the first game was a 20/20 tournament, its just introduced as the World Cup in England!

Got beat by Scotland first up after getting to 120 without loss!

Mailman

[Steely123]

Loving the new game, i love the new graphics and the features.

I would like to see a few things implicated though:

Keeping standing up to medium pacers, and getting stumpings to medium pacers.

Whenever a batsmen gets out caught in the deep, they never hit it well, generally they have to sky it or not hit it at all well to get caught out. Speaking as a batsmen ive been out loads of times playing a great shot straight to a fielder.

Every time the keeper stumps the batsmen, they are always out, it would good to sometimes see a stumping given not out.

There should realistically be a lot more playing and missing. Rarely in a game will a batsmen score 150 without playing and missing once or playing a few shots airbourne.

[ineedsomesleep]

Pros:

-New match screen is great. Like before, but you get a lot more on the one screen. So now I can follow the scorecard, each over, and either the overlist/balltracker/etc. It always annoyed me before that you had to switch between the scorecard and the over list screens... now I get the information I want without flicking between. Also, when I hover my mouse above the batsmen it tells me their batting preferences, making it easier to make bowling decisions without going into the batsmens profiles (I don't remember it doing this before).

-Scores/scoring seems more accurate. Especially in twenty20s, which are a blast to play now and return realistic results (scores seem to range between 130-200, with centuries possible but rare). Other forms seem to be improved also. And I think fast bowlers seem to be a bit better this time (I've always found spinners to have an unfair advantage over them in ICC games, but it's a bit more even this time).

-Always good to have an updated database. Seems to be rather true to life. e.g. Marcus North has been batting decent for me in tests, and chipping in with the handy wicket or too. Siddle and Johnson are standout bowlers in tests, but Bracken and Johnson in ODIs. Yet to notice any player that is unfairly good or bad.

-Few little tweaks make it a bit easier overall. e.g. the setout of the squad selection screen, being able to pick 'last team', having the last two years of results, etc. Also, can you now pick squads for ODIs and tests instead of one squad for both like you used to? Seems to be the case.

Cons:

-Definately an improved version of 2008, but I can't help but feel a bit dissapointed to still not have any Australian domestic cricket. Hopefully next year.



Long term realism is yet to be determined, and I haven't played county yet. But all in all, great game.

[Chasjs]

Any chance of proper FP Trophey power plays in the patch. It's still the old rules, first 15 overs. This season it's first 10 overs + 5 overs bowling powerplay + 5 overs batting powerplay.

[Auric Goldfinger]

Its looking good.:)

Some of the database needs correcting, but overall I am impressed. I enjoyed ICC2008 a lot and I think I will enjoy the newer version too.