Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cricket 2005 delivers a rich and varied gameplay experience that caters to both series veterans and newcomers. Batting mechanics hinge as much on precise shot timing as on choosing the correct stroke, creating a satisfying blend of skill and strategy. The inclusion of faster running between the wickets adds a new dynamic, rewarding players who can judge the gaps and risk quick singles. Whether you’re driving through covers or executing a late cut, the controls feel responsive and intuitive.

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Bowling in Cricket 2005 allows for a variety of deliveries—inswingers, outswingers, cutters and bouncers—each governed by a straightforward control scheme. Fielding is fully automated, freeing players to focus on bowling tactics and batting prowess. And if you’d rather watch your bowling strategy unfold, you can skip an entire bowling innings to jump straight back into the action with your bat in hand.

The game offers 13 tournament modes, including one-day internationals, full test matches and the fast-paced Twenty20 Cup from England County Cricket. Two net practice modes let you hone specific skills, while the built-in player editor empowers you to craft custom athletes, squads and even entire leagues. This level of customization ensures that whether you want to re-create the 2003 Ashes or draft your dream all-star XI, you’ll find hours of replayability.

Graphics

Electronic Arts has modeled 35 real-world stadiums with meticulous attention to detail, from the verdant outfields to the floodlit boundary ropes. Authentic crowd noise reacts dynamically to every boundary and wicket, immersing you in a genuine stadium atmosphere. The TV-style presentation—complete with on-screen overlays, animated duck sequences and an action replay mode—heightens the sense of watching a live broadcast.

Licensed likenesses for Australian, English, South African and New Zealand national and league teams mean player faces, kits and sponsors look remarkably authentic. If you prefer to craft your own characters, the robust editor lets you tweak facial features, body types and batting stances, integrating them seamlessly with the existing roster. Pitch textures, lighting effects and realistic shadows contribute to a polished visual package.

Performance remains solid even during the most intense moments, with steady frame rates and minimal load times. Weather effects such as changing skies and subtle pitch wear over the course of a test match add further depth, while the third umpire’s on-screen review occasionally freezes the action to heighten the drama. Overall, Cricket 2005’s graphics strike an excellent balance between realism and console performance.

Story

While sports sims aren’t known for narrative-driven campaigns, Cricket 2005 weaves its own story through match scenarios and career progression. Commentary from cricket legends Richie Benaud and Jim Maxwell provides context and builds tension, transforming routine overs into dramatic turning points. Their insights and anecdotes bring each fixture to life, crafting an invisible storyline that ties the on-field events together.

The game’s scenario mode lets you recreate historic cricketing milestones, such as a narrow World Cup final victory or a dramatic last-minute chase in a test match. You’re challenged to survive a tricky last wicket stand, chase down a daunting target in the final over or protect a slim first-innings lead. These bite-sized challenges deliver compelling narratives in condensed form, perfect for quick bursts of play.

Beyond scripted scenarios, the player editor and custom tournaments let you forge your own cricketing saga. Build a rookie batter from scratch and guide them through domestic leagues, up to international tours, watching as their reputation grows with every match-winning innings. Although there’s no traditional story mode, the combination of commentator narration, scenario challenges and a career-style progression provides ample narrative hooks to keep you engaged.

Overall Experience

Cricket 2005 stands out as one of the most complete cricket sims of its generation, balancing depth and accessibility in equal measure. Newcomers will appreciate the automated fielding and clear, user-friendly controls, while seasoned fans can delve into the nuances of shot timing, bowler tactics and tournament management. The inclusion of multiple formats—from two-hour Twenty20 matches to five-day tests—ensures there’s something for every type of player.

The licensed teams and players, combined with an extensive player editor, grant you creative control over your cricketing journey. With 35 accurately modeled stadiums, dynamic crowd reactions and TV-style presentation, the game successfully captures the thrill of high-level competition. Whether you’re staging a county cup final or leading your custom squad to World Cup glory, the sense of immersion remains consistently strong.

Overall, Cricket 2005 is an engaging, feature-packed title that should satisfy both hardcore cricket enthusiasts and casual sports gamers alike. Its comprehensive modes, realistic visuals and authoritative commentary create a compelling package. If you’ve been waiting for a cricket game that strikes the right balance between simulation detail and pick-up-and-play appeal, this installment is well worth considering.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10