Ashes Cricket is the officially licensed video game of cricket’s greatest rivalry. Bringing all the fast paced action, big hits and skill that you see in the greatest cricket competition on earth, you’ll be able to play in the men’s and women’s 2017/2018 Ashes tours.
Players praise the game's batting mechanics as highly realistic and challenging. The two-stick control scheme, where one stick governs the batsman's footwork and the other selects the shot, allows for a high degree of control and precision. Reviewers note that the timing required to execute shots successfully is very demanding, making it difficult to simply mash buttons and score runs. The lack of an on-screen indicator for the ball's bounce forces players to read the line and length of deliveries in real-time, further adding to the realism.
The bowling mechanics are also highlighted as a strong point. Players can choose between pace and spin bowling, each with distinct control schemes. Pace bowling requires careful timing of the run-up and release, while spin bowling involves managing additional factors like spin input and release. Reviewers praise the level of control and variety afforded to bowlers, enabling them to strategize and execute a wide range of deliveries.
The fielding is generally regarded as an area with room for improvement, though some players still find it satisfying. The "slow-motion" mechanic when attempting reflex catches is noted as a nice touch, requiring players to line up the ball with a target reticle and time the button press correctly. However, some reviewers mention instances of fielders behaving erratically or failing to field the ball properly.
Players appreciate the level of challenge and realism provided by the AI. Reviewers note that the AI batsmen and bowlers exhibit intelligent and unpredictable behavior, forcing players to adapt their strategies. The ability to adjust the difficulty across various parameters, such as batting, bowling, and fielding, allows players to tailor the experience to their skill level. Many praise the game's ability to provide a compelling and realistic cricket simulation, even on the higher difficulty settings.
The game offers a wealth of customization options, including the ability to create custom players, teams, stadiums, and tournaments in the Cricket Academy. Players also enjoy the variety of modes, such as career mode, online play, and mini-games, which enhance the game's replayability.