International Cricket Captain 2001: The Ashes - PC

Whilst cricket is not a major sport in the video game territories of America and Japan, the UK is quite fond of the game. Designed primarily towards a UK audience the International Cricket Captain games (ICC) have proved themselves popular with a specific population of gamers. After the success of the 2000 version for PC, the developers are keen to update the series. As a result of their determination and support from Empire Interactive, ICC 2001: The Ashes has been released.

Most improvements within the game have been based around the shell of the original. Gameplay in essence will remain near identical, but will feature fully comprehensive statistics from the 2001 season. Standing independent from its predecessor, ICC 2001 does not require the original game to be played. Instead, players can now look forward to the game’s improved playing aspects.

As a slow-paced game of cricket, standard keyboard functions will suffice for this game, so there is little that can be done to improve the control method of the game.

Most importantly, ICC 2001 allows players to participate in The Ashes series, a welcomed feature lacking in the original. The online multi-player option has also been improved. Although players can still disconnect when they feel they will lose a match, it will not be to their advantage.

Overall, ICC 2001 is purely an update to an already comprehensive game. But it’s a game that will be invaluable to owners of ICC 2000. more