My Verdict
I downloaded this just a while back (took 3 hours, slow internet) and I must say that I am disappointed. Even knowing that this version is basically a data update, I still wanted something to entice meto buy it. Nothing of the sort. I played as Australia (of course) and first this i noticed... a Pakistani bowler playing for Assam in the Australian profiles? What? Then I saw something new, 20 over match statistics. This is a good sign because in ICC2005 we see the 20 over match stats go into One Day Domestic stats.
So onto the Bangladesh series. I selected a team not far removed from the current squad, with Martyn and Ponting part time keepers (?). I skipped the test series and moved to the One Day series because I wanted to see powerplay in action. I was disappointed. Okay, powerplay is not fantastic to satrt with but you only get to use 2 powerplays (field restrictions). The powerplay for the super sub is not in the game! Why promote that powerplays are in the game when only 2 of 3 are included? Maybe I have to buy the game to unlock this but I would certainly hope not.
The engine is the same, although the first match I played against Bangladesh I won by 204 runs, bowling Bangers out for 130 odd. The stats are updated but that still isn't enough.
VERDICT: Sticking to ICC 2005 for a while. Save me pennies...
WISH LIST
- More domestic teams
- More depth (under 19s, minnows, 'a' sides)
- Career Record tracking (!)
- More 6s in the game. If not, a mode to "look for 6s."
- Early retirements, career ending injuries, personal reasons to not tour, retirement from one version of the game (eg. only Test player)
I will like to hear coments from people about the English domestic experience eg. Kolpak players, domestic format etc.