Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Ian Botham’s Test Match (1986)
Ian Botham’s Test Match is a cricket video game released in 1986 for the Commodore 64. It was developed by CRL Group and published by Mastertronic. The game is named after Ian Botham, the famous English cricketer.
Ian Botham’s Test Match is a cricket simulation game that allows players to play a full Test match between two teams. The game features a variety of options, including the ability to choose the teams, the pitch conditions, and the weather. Players can also bat, bowl, and field.
The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best cricket games ever made. It was praised for its realistic graphics, gameplay, and sound effects.
Gameplay
Ian Botham’s Test Match is a turn-based game. Each turn, the player can choose to bat, bowl, or field.
Batting
When batting, the player must try to hit the ball and score runs. The player can choose to hit the ball in a variety of ways, including driving, cutting, and pulling. The player can also choose to run between the wickets to score more runs.
Bowling
When bowling, the player must try to bowl the ball in a way that makes it difficult for the batsman to hit. The player can choose to bowl a variety of deliveries, including fastballs, spin balls, and bouncers. The player can also choose to bowl to different areas of the pitch.
Fielding
When fielding, the player must try to catch the ball and prevent the batsman from scoring runs. The player can choose to field in a variety of positions, including the slips, the gully, and the covers. The player can also choose to dive to catch the ball.
Teams
Ian Botham’s Test Match features a variety of teams, including England, Australia, the West Indies, and India. Each team has its own strengths and weaknesses.
England
England is a well-rounded team with a strong batting lineup and a good bowling attack.
Australia
Australia is a powerful team with a strong batting lineup and a fast bowling attack.
West Indies
The West Indies is a talented team with a strong batting lineup and a spin bowling attack.
India
India is a developing team with a good batting lineup and a spin bowling attack.
Pitch conditions
Ian Botham’s Test Match features a variety of pitch conditions, including hard, medium, and soft. The pitch conditions can affect the way the ball bounces and spins.
Hard
A hard pitch is a good pitch for batting. The ball bounces high and fast, making it difficult for the bowler to bowl.
Medium
A medium pitch is a neutral pitch. The ball bounces at a medium height and speed, making it suitable for both batting and bowling.
Soft
A soft pitch is a good pitch for bowling. The ball bounces low and slow, making it difficult for the batsman to hit.
Weather
Ian Botham’s Test Match features a variety of weather conditions, including sunny, cloudy, and rainy. The weather conditions can affect the way the ball bounces and spins.
Sunny
Sunny weather is good for batting. The ball bounces high and fast, making it difficult for the bowler to bowl.
Cloudy
Cloudy weather is neutral weather. The ball bounces at a medium height and speed, making it suitable for both batting and bowling.
Rainy
Rainy weather is bad for batting. The ball bounces low and slow, making it difficult for the batsman to hit.
Reception
Ian Botham’s Test Match was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic graphics, gameplay, and sound effects. The game was also praised for its depth and variety.
Ian Botham’s Test Match is still considered to be one of the best cricket games ever made. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by many people today.
Legacy
Ian Botham’s Test Match had a significant impact on the cricket video game genre. It was one of the first cricket games to feature realistic graphics and gameplay. The game also helped to popularize the sport of cricket in the United Kingdom.
Ian Botham’s Test Match has been followed by a number of other successful cricket games, including Cricket World Cup 96, Ashes Cricket 2009, and Cricket 19. These games have all built on the foundation laid by Ian Botham’s Test Match.
Conclusion
Ian Botham’s Test Match is a classic cricket game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s realistic graphics, gameplay, and sound effects make it a must-play for any cricket fan.
Review Score
8/10
