Cricket Through the Ages

• DEVELOPER: Free Lives
• PUBLISHER: Devolver Digital
• PLATFORMS: PC, Nintendo Switch
• GENRE: Sports
• RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2024
• STARTING PRICE: 7,79€
• REVIEWED VERSION: PC

Cricket Through the Ages is a short and fun multiplayer or singleplayer game, which allows you to relive the history of cricket and other sports "related" to it in a humorous way. The game is physics-based, where every part of your body or movements can be used in different ways, whether you're bouncing a ball off the floor or colliding with another player. Although the game is short, it has a charm that makes it fun, but it still feels like everything goes by quickly, which may leave you wondering if it's worth playing again or not.

At first, I wasn't sure exactly how this game works, but technically speaking, pressing any button on the keyboard makes your character move like a puppet which can result in some very funny and absurd situations. For example, if you press the buttons quickly, you can fly into the air or quickly collide with other players. However, the winner is determined through each round, that is, you have a different "weapon" at your disposal. Whether you're throwing rocks, venomous snakes or riding a horse, there are a number of ways you can win - the only question is where's the cricket? You might come across it at some point, so you'll be able to hit the ball with the bat and bounce it towards the other player where some cricket rules are actually seen. In other words, you mostly rely on throwing items. Hold them until they turn in the desired direction, then release the button to launch a ball or rock among other objects.

I would venture to say that the physics of this game are bad, maybe not bad as much as weird and simple and it gives you the feeling that you can eventually get better, but that will never happen. There is a certain level of control you can achieve, but it only works in certain situations. Unfortunately, a lot of this game feels like pure luck, whether you get a better start, a better weapon, or a faster character. So, it can be concluded that this is a fairly simple game that can provide fun and surprises with its events, but lacks a deeper gameplay experience or more complex tactical strategies that would encourage you to fully commit to understanding the game.

In the later stages of the game, the mechanics are expanded to a wide range of settings such as World War II and the Olympic Games, providing variations on the same basic mechanics, or as the game progresses, other rules are added. You compete in different Olympic disciplines such as fencing, high jumping and rock climbing. However, without the ability to really control your character's direction and momentum, these games quickly become a source of frustration. Moreover, everything takes place very dynamically and quickly and too chaotically, which will not suit some players. For example, in the World War II sections, you can choose which team to represent in each round. Regardless, the contest culminates in an encounter with the Queen of England, where you can join the knights or simply surrender.

Throughout the game, the narration follows players, guiding them through the comical highlights of cricket's pivotal history. Featuring vibrant and simple colors, straightforward models, and geometry, the game boasts an accessible design. While the aesthetics may not be overly striking, they contribute to the enjoyable gameplay experience. Additionally, the game has about six modes that can be completed relatively quickly. Cricket Through the Ages feels more like a game you'll occasionally play with friends, just enough to have fun and argue, as the game quickly loses any valuable content that would hold you for a long time.

Cricket Through the Ages is not meant to teach you how to play cricket or to get lost in it for hours and hours, but rather to explore its unusual premise, ironic presentation and the humor it carries with it. Although the controls are simple and the game is very short, it is still a solidly made title. It fits more into the category of party games, where you will occasionally play it with someone. Even so, there's no reason not to give this game a try and maybe change your mind about cricket. However, don't expect too much from this title.

Review copy provided by the publisher