Rain stopped play for Cricket 22, but things are now underway as we take to the middle!
With plenty of excitement around Career Mode in Cricket 22, as well as the small matter of the Ashes, this is set to be the best cricket game we've ever seen.
Latest - Game Review
With the first test of the Ashes series fast approaching, Big Ant Studios’ Cricket 22 has hit the shelves with plenty of excitement and expectation around the new game.
After a delayed release, we finally have our hands on the game and got to see the new gameplay in action for the very first time.
So, what has Big Ant Studios done differently this time around, and more importantly, why should you buy it?
Read the full Cricket 22 Review.
Release Date Delayed
Cricket 22 was set to be released on Thursday, 25 November.
However, factors beyond the control of Big Ant Studios saw the release date pushed back one week to Thursday, 2 December.
New Cover Star Revealed
After the news that Tim Paine has stepped down as Australia test captain, new skipper Pat Cummins has taken over as joint cover star for Cricket 22.
The Aussie fast bowler joins women's superstar Meg Lanning on the cover art for the delayed release of the game.
Pre-orders open
The countdown to release of Cricket 22 is hotting up, with pre-order now available for the official game of the Ashes now available on the PS and Microsoft Stores.
The Cricket 22 Pre-Order Bundle costs £49.99 / AU$99.95 and includes:
- Cricket 22 Nets Training at the MCG
- Batting and Bowling mini-games
- Online leaderboard
Pre-orders on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox have had access to Cricket 22 'The Nets Challenge' from mid-October 2021.
This offers fans "early access to part of the Cricket 22 gameplay experience, including nets and training games, ensuring that by the day of release they’ll be ready to take on the best in the world."
Fans that buy the game on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will be able to upgrade for free when they purchase the new generation of hardware.
Good news for Switch fans too, as Cricket 22 for Nintendo Switch will be available in January 2022.
PlayStation revokes Nets access
Due to the release date of Cricket 22 being delayed, PlayStation has refunded all preorders for PS4 and PS5.
Access to the Nets has also been revoked, but the issue will hopefully be resolved soon.
Big Ant has stated online that "We are working with PlayStation to enable preorders again at the nearest opportunity".
Changes coming to Career Mode!
You can watch the official 'What's New in Cricket 22: Career Mode' video below.
More off-field variables have been introduced in Career Mode, including time spent in the gym in order to improve your strength and stamina, which will help you on the field.
The press is heavily involved in Career Mode this year too, giving you the chance to develop your own personal relationship with the media and the fans.
The press might even have some questions for you following a match on the field if you've had a particularly impressive game.
Find out loads more about the changes coming to Career Mode here.
Licenses
There is more to Cricket 22 than just The Ashes, with tournaments from all over the globe licensed and set to feature.
"Cricket fans will be able to enjoy Australia’s Big Bash T20 competition, The Hundred, the hugely innovative new competition in England and Wales, the tropical party of the CPL in the Caribbean, and take to the international field of battle with fully-licensed teams from Australia, England, The West Indies, New Zealand, and Ireland.
"And, in keeping with Big Ant’s commitment to equality and equal representation, both the Men’s and Women’s games have been replicated across all of Cricket 22."
This is fantastic news for all cricket fans as there are lots more choices in this year's game.
Commentary team
The new game will bring together an all-new commentary team.
"Cricket 22 brings a star-studded commentary team, featuring Michael Atherton, Ian Healy, Mel Jones, Alison Mitchell, and David Gower.
"Every shot will be called with greater depth and analysis than ever before, and for the first time ever in a sports game, there will be an all-women commentary team, further deepening the representation of women in the Cricket 22 experience."
These are some of cricket's most recognisable voices, a major coup for the game.
Graphics
It would be wrong to not mention the graphics, especially as the game will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
"Cricket 22 takes full advantage of the capabilities of the latest generation of hardware.
"Not only does the game load with blinding speed, getting you into the action more quickly than ever before, it also includes a full suite of visual updates, including incredible real-time ray tracing elements, providing the most visually realistic game of cricket ever seen."
If we weren't excited enough, this game will sure;ly be the best cricket game ever made.
Platforms
While the teaser trailer on Big Ant Studios' social media gave little away, we did see the platforms that the game should be available on.
Both next-gen consoles are included, so we could see the best graphics ever from a cricket game this year.
Nintendo Switch has also been included which could make for some all-action fun at home and on the go.
Full list of platforms:
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch
Next Gen enhancements
The official game page on the Microsoft Store reads:
The best-looking cricket ever; Cricket 22 takes full advantage of the capabilities of the latest generation of hardware.
Not only does the game load with blinding speed, getting you into the action more quickly than ever before, it also includes a full suite of visual updates, including incredible real-time ray tracing elements, providing the most visually realistic game of cricket ever seen.