If you’re not a cricket fan, it can be pretty tricky to “get” cricket’s appeal.
For many non-cricket-lovers, the sport essentially boils down to what feels like waiting for an age, followed by brief spurts of activity and then a return to waiting.
However, much like tennis, cricket often feels like an event for those who love it.
It’s not just about the sport itself, but also the atmosphere on match day, the camaraderie between fans, and the experience of actually watching a cricket match.
That’s not to say cricket matches are devoid of excitement, of course; if you know what to look for, a cricket match can be incredibly tense and thrilling.
That’s exactly why there are several cricket experiences available for PS5, although it’s worth noting that if you want to play a varied lineup of cricket games, you should be prepared to check out PS4 cricket games as well.
Here, without further ado, are the best PS5 cricket games to play in 2023.
Cricket 24
A quick note: at time of writing, Cricket 24 hadn’t been released on the PlayStation 5 yet, so we’re not actually guaranteeing that it’s the best cricket video game you can play on the system.
However, since it’s developed once again by cricket game mainstays Big Ant Studios, you can look forward to the same level of authenticity and verisimilitude that all of Big Ant’s games show off.
This time around, you’re getting official sponsors for various accessories and sporting goods, including helmets and gloves, which should add another layer of realism to proceedings.
Elsewhere, it’s very much business as usual for the world of cricket video games, with Big Ant bringing its usual expertise to the on-field and off-field action.
If you love cricket games, then you’ve probably already played pretty much everything Big Ant has to offer, and if you like their style, Cricket 24 promises to bring more of it in an updated and more attractive package.
Cricket 22
It probably goes without saying, but if you want the next best possible cricket experience on the PS5, then your best bet is probably Big Ant Studios’ Cricket 22 (and that’s a name we’ll be seeing again before this list is out).
Cricket 22 promises a deep career mode with a rich narrative to enjoy. You’ll manage your career from the ground up, deal with injuries and other unexpected events, and generally live the life of a professional cricketer.
When you’re on the field, you can look forward to improved bowling and fielding systems, as well as a new commentary team and overhauled visuals to bring you the most authentic cricket experience yet.
Big Ant still has yet to perfect its formula when it comes to cricket video games, but since it’s pretty much the only developer working on cricketing games right now, this is your first port of call for PS5 cricket games.
Big Bash Boom
Once again developed by Big Ant Studios, Big Bash Boom is the arcadey cousin to Cricket 22’s more simulation-focused approach.
Unlike Cricket 22, this game is a streamlined, straightforward, and accessible experience that should appeal even to those who aren’t fans of cricket as a sport.
Mixing the thrills offered by classic T20 cricket with a gameplay style that emphasises the “video game” nature of proceedings, Big Bash Boom is perfect for party situations or when you just want to relax rather than immersing yourself.
The game also features lots of unlockable items, so you can kit out your team in ridiculous outfits and mascot costumes to give the game that extra air of surrealism.
Don Bradman Cricket
Guess who the developer is behind Don Bradman Cricket? If you guessed Bayonetta studio Platinum Games, then you’re…well, wrong, obviously. It’s Big Ant again, but this one’s got a famous cricketing face to help it along.
The career mode in Don Bradman Cricket sees you taking a young, fresh-faced 16-year-old cricketing hopeful and guiding them through the first steps of their career, taking them all the way up to legend status.
If the career doesn’t float your boat, then you’ll find plenty of other cricket action to enjoy here, including customisable play modes that let you set up your own competitions and tournaments on a granular level.
Big Ant also promises intuitive controls that shouldn’t feel too difficult to learn, so if this is your first cricket game, you shouldn’t need to take too long to get to grips with the basics.
Ashes Cricket
It really is fair to say that Big Ant has utterly cornered the market on cricket video games, especially when it comes to PlayStation offerings, so it’s no surprise to learn that Big Ant is behind this cricket game as well.
Ashes Cricket was released for PS4 back in 2017, and it boasts a number of official licences for both the men’s and women’s Ashes tournaments, which is nicely progressive and which should give you plenty of variety to look forward to.
The licences are impressively photorealistic, so you’ll be able to recognise some of your favourite players, and what’s more, you can select different batting and bowling styles depending on what mode of play you prefer.
Ashes Cricket is starting to show its age a little, but as a cricket game from slap-bang in the middle of the eighth console generation, it’s definitely worth a revisit, especially if you’re strapped for cricket game experiences on PS5.
Conclusion
In the world of digital sports, cricket has made a distinctive mark, especially on the PlayStation platform. As 2023 rolls on, the PS5 showcases an array of cricket games, bridging the gap between the thrill of the real-world pitch and the comfort of our living rooms. Big Ant Studios, undoubtedly, emerges as the trailblazer, churning out a variety of experiences that cater to both hard-core enthusiasts and casual gamers. From the authenticity promised in “Cricket 24” to the arcade fun of “Big Bash Boom”, there’s a rich spectrum of cricket gaming awaiting PS5 owners. Whether you want to embark on a journey from a rookie to a cricket legend or simply enjoy a few overs with friends, the PS5 has got you covered in 2023.
FAQs
- Which PS5 cricket game is the most realistic in 2023?
- “Cricket 24” and “Cricket 22” by Big Ant Studios offer the most authentic cricket experiences this year.
- Is there a cricket game suitable for beginners or casual players?
- Yes, “Big Bash Boom” offers an arcade-style experience, making it accessible and enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with cricket.
- Do any of these games offer a career mode?
- Both “Cricket 22” and “Don Bradman Cricket” come with extensive career modes, allowing players to experience a cricketer’s journey from novice to professional.
- Are there any PS5 cricket games with official player licenses?
- “Ashes Cricket” boasts official licenses for both men’s and women’s Ashes tournaments, providing an added touch of realism.
- Can I play older cricket games on PS5?
- Yes, the PS5 has backward compatibility, so you can revisit and enjoy games like “Ashes Cricket” from the PS4 era.
