Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Cricket 2004 delivers a deep and authentic cricket simulation that will satisfy both casual players and die-hard cricket fans. The game’s full licensing from the Australian, English and Wales, New Zealand, South African Cricket Boards, and the ICC allows you to select from 56 teams and over 1,200 real-world players. Whether you want to command the intensity of a World Cup final or test your skills in a domestic T20 showdown, the variety of match types and tournament formats ensures ample replayability.

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Controls are intuitive yet offer a fine level of detail. Batting mechanics make timing and shot selection crucial—driving through covers, lofting over mid-off, or playing late to counter swing bowling all feel responsive. Bowling boasts a solid physics model that captures seam movement, swing, and spin variations; mastering slower deliveries and yorkers is immensely rewarding. Fielding and catching require precise inputs, especially under pressure, making every close catch a nail-biting moment.

The inclusion of a full player editor opens up limitless customization. Create brand-new cricket legends or tweak existing players’ stats, appearances, and specialties to replicate your favorite stars. This editor, combined with custom teams and kits, lets you craft unique tournaments or recreate historic clashes. For those who love managerial depth, career and tournament modes provide progression systems, making you feel truly invested in your team’s long-term success.

Graphics

Visually, Cricket 2004 embraces a TV-style presentation that brings the stadium atmosphere to your living room. Detailed player models, realistic pitch textures, and dynamic lighting help set the scene, while packed stands and subtle weather effects enhance immersion. Grounds vary in look and feel—from the lush outfields of Brisbane to the spin-friendly pitches of Johannesburg—conveying real-world cricketing environments.

One of the game’s standout features is its implementation of full action replays and the third umpire system. Slow-motion sequences, multiple camera angles, and on-screen graphics mimic a live broadcast, making you feel like a director behind the scenes. When a catch is referred, the third umpire shots—from stump cam to off-side angles—add drama to every tight run-out and stumping appeal.

Animations are generally smooth, though occasional clipping or foot-dragging can occur in crowded catching drills. However, bowlers’ run-ups flow naturally, and batsmen’s shot animations—from powerful drives to delicate cuts—are distinct and satisfying. Pitch wear and tear over multi-day matches is subtle yet noticeable, adding a tactical layer to how you approach follow-ons and declarations.

Story

As a pure sports simulator, Cricket 2004 doesn’t feature a traditional narrative with cutscenes or character arcs. Instead, it focuses on the organic storytelling that unfolds with each match. Whether you engineer a miraculous last-ball victory or watch a bowler rip through the top order, the drama is entirely generated by your on-field decisions and performances.

The career and tournament modes serve as the closest thing to a storyline. You guide your chosen nation or franchise through seasons, balancing youth development with immediate results. Milestones—like leading the ICC rankings or breaking batting records—become personal achievements, fostering a sense of progression more akin to a role-playing game than a standard sports title.

If you’re looking for plot-driven cutscenes, you might feel the absence of scripted story beats. However, the emergent tale of triumph and defeat, brilliance and heartbreak, is arguably more authentic to the spirit of cricket. Each series victory or heartbreaking collapse writes its own chapter, making your journey unique and memorable.

Overall Experience

Cricket 2004 stands out as one of the most comprehensive cricket simulations of its era. Full official licenses, a vast roster of teams and players, and the ability to create custom talent give it immense depth. Fans will appreciate the attention to detail in everything from ball physics to broadcast-style presentation.

While the lack of a scripted story mode may disappoint some, the career and tournament structures compensate by providing long-term goals and rivalries. Visually, the game’s broadcast feel and replay systems keep matches cinematic, and the realistic audio commentary further immerses you in each contest. Minor animation hiccups and occasional UI quirks are easy to overlook given the game’s overall polish.

For potential buyers, Cricket 2004 offers a rich package that rewards dedication. Whether you’re mastering the nuances of swing bowling or building an all-time XI with the player editor, the game delivers hours of engaging content. If you crave an authentic cricket experience that captures the sport’s strategic depth and broadcast flair, Cricket 2004 remains a compelling choice.

Retro Replay Score

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