Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Brian Lara Cricket ’96 delivers a well-rounded cricketing experience on the SEGA Genesis, picking up where its predecessor left off. You’ll find international fixtures, county championships, Test series, and even the World Cup competition, each mode offering its own strategic demands. The controls remain accessible, with timing-based batting mechanics and intuitive bowling commands that let you vary pace, swing, and spin on the fly.

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The inclusion of six classic historical matches—from England’s Ashes victories to India’s iconic moments—adds a delightful twist to standard play. Tackling these famous fixtures encourages you to adapt your approach, whether you’re defending low totals or pursuing imposing targets. The mental challenge of navigating an exact historical run chase or bowling out Bradman’s side keeps matches fresh and engaging.

One of the standout features is the team editor, which allows you to customize player names, nationalities, and attributes. Combined with battery back-up, you can build your dream squad and carry it across seasons without worrying about lost progress. Multiplayer supports up to four players via the SEGA Team Player accessory, turning any living room into a lively cricket pavilion where you and your friends can contest county finals or World Cup knockouts.

Graphics

Visually, Brian Lara Cricket ’96 benefits from updated sprites and a sharper colour palette. Player models are more distinct, making it easier to pick out bowlers versus batsmen at a glance. Animations remain fluid, with convincing bowling run-ups and satisfying bat-swing graphics that convey the power behind each shot.

The stadium backdrops, while still pixelated by modern standards, feature greater detail than the original release. Pitch shading dynamically reflects wear and tear over Test match days, and boundary ropes stand out clearly against the grassy outfield. Crowd sprites may be simple, but their subtle animations—waving flags and jumping fans—provide an added layer of atmosphere.

Menus and scoreboards receive a facelift as well, with cleaner typography and icons that communicate match status, over-by-over breakdowns, and individual stats at a glance. The improved roster portraits and updated team logos also help immerse you further, ensuring that your county side or national squad looks the part when taking the field.

Story

While Brian Lara Cricket ’96 is not a narrative-driven game in the traditional sense, it crafts its own form of storytelling through historical matches and career progression. Each Test or World Cup campaign becomes a mini-epic, where underdog victories and tense run chases unfold like chapters in a cricketing autobiography.

The classic historical matches serve as time capsules, inviting you to rewrite—or faithfully recreate—memorable moments from 1960 to 1994. There’s a sense of drama in defending sub-par totals or chasing down formidable targets, and you’ll experience the ebb and flow of Test match tension without a single cutscene.

The county championship mode adds another narrative layer, allowing you to guide a local team through a season-long struggle for silverware. Australia’s stars, England’s veterans, and up-and-coming rookies all feature prominently, giving you the chance to write your own legend—both on the international stage and within the domestic circuit.

Overall Experience

Brian Lara Cricket ’96 strikes a fine balance between accessible arcade-style gameplay and deeper strategic options. Newcomers can pick up the batting and bowling controls quickly, while seasoned veterans will appreciate the nuances of pitch conditions, field placement, and roster customization.

The wealth of modes—from single matches to full Test series and World Cup tournaments—ensures that no two sessions feel the same. Multiplayer support up to four players transforms every fixture into a social event, perfect for competitive matches with friends or laid-back county clashes on weekends.

Ultimately, Brian Lara Cricket ’96 remains a standout title in the 16-bit cricket genre. Its updated visuals, comprehensive match options, and robust customization features make it a worthy upgrade over the original. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or simply looking for a fun sports game on the Genesis, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10