Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cricket 2000 delivers a robust set of playing modes that will appeal to both casual fans and hardcore cricket enthusiasts. The inclusion of a full World Cup mode allows players to guide their chosen nation through group stages, knockout rounds, and ultimately the final itself. For those seeking a more condensed challenge, the Super Six competition offers quick-fire matches with high stakes, ensuring every decision on the field feels meaningful.

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The control scheme is surprisingly deep, thanks to motion-captured player moves that bring real-world techniques into the game. Batsmen can execute a wide range of strokes—from classic cover drives to cheeky reverse sweeps—while bowlers have access to a suite of deliveries with varying pace and spin. Field placement is also fully customizable, letting you set aggressive traps for big hitters or spread out for defensive tactics.

Adding further variety, the game features both daytime and atmospheric night matches, complete with stadium floodlights and shifting pitch conditions. Play-by-play commentary by Richie Benaud and David Gower keeps you engaged, calling every edge, boundary, and no-ball with the authority and wit you’d expect from two legends of the sport. Whether you’re chasing a target under lights or defending on a sun-baked pitch, Cricket 2000’s gameplay strikes a satisfying balance between realism and accessibility.

Graphics

At its core, Cricket 2000 stands out for rendering all 11 fielders, bowlers, and batsmen in full 3D—a significant step forward compared to earlier 2D sprite-based titles. Player models move fluidly, aided by motion-capture data that translates directly to in-game animations. From the bowler’s run-up to the batsman’s follow-through, every inch of motion feels deliberate and true to life.

Night-match lighting is another visual highlight. Dynamic floodlights cast realistic shadows across the pitch, and the subtle glow of stadium lights creates an immersive atmosphere. Crowd models fill the stands with cheering fans, while on-screen HUD elements remain clean and unobtrusive, allowing you to focus fully on the action.

Camera angles and instant replays add a cinematic touch, whether you want to review a snick or admire a perfectly timed straight drive. Although some textures—like the outfield grass—can appear slightly flat up close, the overall presentation is polished, making Cricket 2000 one of the more visually engaging cricket titles of its era.

Story

While Cricket 2000 doesn’t weave a traditional narrative, it builds a compelling tournament-driven story through its World Cup and Super Six modes. Each match feels like a chapter in your team’s journey, where victories lead to heightened expectations and defeats demand tactical reassessment. The progression from group stages to finals carries genuine emotional weight.

The World Cup mode, in particular, provides a pseudo-storyline as you navigate different opponents, venues, and weather conditions. Upsets against higher-ranked teams or last-over finishes contribute to a sense of drama that keeps you invested from the first ball to the trophy presentation. Even without cutscenes or scripted events, the ebb and flow of a tournament can feel every bit as engaging as a narrative campaign.

Commentary from Richie Benaud and David Gower enhances this emergent storytelling by providing context at key moments. Their insights on player form, pitch behavior, and historical rivalries transform routine overs into meaningful encounters. In effect, the game crafts its own story around your performances, celebrating triumphs and analyzing defeats with seasoned perspective.

Overall Experience

Cricket 2000 succeeds as a comprehensive package for cricket fans, combining accessible yet detailed gameplay with convincing visuals and authentic audio presentation. The dual tournament modes, full 3D player models, and expert commentary create an immersive simulation that captures the spirit of international cricket.

However, the title isn’t without its drawbacks. The limited roster of 14 national teams means some cricketing nations are absent, and the lack of in-depth league or custom tournament options could leave completionists wanting more. A handful of AI quirks—such as occasional field-setting oddities or bowlers missing their marks—pepper the experience, though they seldom derail an otherwise solid match.

Ultimately, Cricket 2000 stands as a strong recommendation for anyone eager to bat, bowl, and field their way to glory on the world stage. Its blend of accessible controls, realistic presentation, and engaging tournament structure makes it a worthwhile purchase for both newcomers and seasoned virtual cricketers alike. Fascinating matches and legendary commentary ensure that each session feels like a highlight reel of your own making.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10