The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

GRAHAM GOOCH TEST CRICKET

 

 

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

 

Game Alias          : GRAHAM GOOCH MATCH CRICKET

Game Type          : Arcade; Cricket Match

Author             :

Standalone Release(s)  : 1985: GRAHAM GOOCH TEST CRICKET, Audiogenic, £9.95

                    1988: GRAHAM GOOCH MATCH CRICKET, Alternative, £1.99

Compilation Release(s) : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron/BBC Dual Version

Actual compatibility    : Electron, BBC B, B+, Master 128

Supplier            : AUDIOGENIC, Winchester House, Canning Road, HARROW HA3 7SJ

Disc compatibility     : Unknown

 

 

Instructions

GRAHAM GOOCH'S TEST CRICKET is an accurate simulation of the game which allows you to stage test matches in your own living room - with the aid of your home computer.

 

There are two modes of operation. Simulation mode is like watching a game of cricket - once you've chosen the teams and the game is under way, you can just sit back and watch it if you like. However, you needn't just be a spectator - whether your team is batting or bowling, you can make tactical changes whenever you wish. In arcade mode, you must be alert at all times. A careless stroke or a loose over could cost the match.

 

The first section of the program allows you to select your teams - just follow the instructions in the program. When you have chosen two teams, the main program will load.

 

Game Controls - Home Team

A - Left,   S - Right,   W - Up,   Z - Down

 

Game Controls - Away Team

; - Left,   : - Right,   Cursor Up - Up,   / - Down

 

To help you get your timing perfect, a small coloured square appears in the top left hand corner of the screen. The square changes colour from white to yellow, and finally to black, indicating when it is too early, just right and too late to press
<SPACE>. At higher skill levels the indicator is only yellow for an instant - but at lower levels, it stays yellow much longer. However, because the indicator is not there to help you during a game, you should learn to get the timing right by watching the players, not the indicator.

 

There is no need to alternate the keys when you are practising bowling.

 

Other Important Points

*   Fast bowlers will tire if you bowl them continuously; after ten overs their bowling will start to deteriorate, and after 20 consecutive overs they will be well below their best. Allow them at least ten overs between spells.

 

*   To declare an innings before ten wickets have fallen, hold down the ESCAPE key during an over. At the end of the over, you will be asked whether you wish to declare.

 

*   In limited over games, the number of overs each player can bowl is limited to 1/5th of the total (i.e. 8 overs in a 40 over game)

 

*   In a test match, the follow-on can be enforced if the side which batted first has the lead of 200 runs or more.

 

*   After the fall of a wicket, you can choose to see an action replay.

 

*   Hold down the TAB key to speed through the scorecard displays.

 

The Space bar is the equivalent of the fire for both players.

 

First of all, you must decide whether to play a one day match (one innings per side, limited overs) or a test match (two innings each, unlimited overs). Press SPACE when your choice is highlighted.

 

Next select a one or two player game (in a one player game, the computer will control the visiting team), then choose between Simulation and Arcade mode. There are nine skill levels ranging from 1 (easy) to 9 (very difficult). Controlling the batsman or bowler in Arcade mode requires skill and concentration, so before the game starts you can practise if you want.

 

Playing In Simulation Mode

Batting

Before the bowler starts to run up you have the opportunity to change the batsman's tactics. Push the forward key to make him play aggressively, back for defensive batting. Press SPACE only to make the batsman play a normal game.

 

A bleep will sound to confirm that the computer has accepted your instructions. Remember that the batsman won't be able to hit every shot to the boundary (and he might well get himself out) if you ask him to play aggressively. Playing defensively the batsman is less likely to get out, but he won't score so many runs either.

 

Bowling

Use LEFT/RIGHT to determine the bowler's tactics; just before he starts his run up, move the joystick left for an offside attack or right for a legside attack. As usual a bleep will sound to confirm that the computer has accepted your instructions.

 

Playing In Arcade Mode

Batting

In Arcade mode the batsman always plays aggressively and SPACE is used to determine the timing of each stroke. If you don't press the SPACE at all, then the batsman will offer no stroke. Mistime your stroke, and you may hear the wicket tumbling behind you. Time it just right, though, and you may send the ball crashing into the stand for a six, or speeding towards the boundary for a four.

 

Bowling

Press the key for left to change for an offside attack, or right to change to a legside attack, then press SPACE to start the run-up. In the one player game, you can improve the bowler's performance by pressing left and right during the run-up. The faster you alternate the keys, the more effort he puts into bowling - an indicator at the bottom right shows how much. If you don't press any key at all the bowler may well play below his best.

 

You must also control when the bowler releases the ball - press the SPACE when you think the time is right. If you press too early he will bowl a full toss - too late (or not at all!), and he will probably bowl a bouncer high above the batsman's head which will count as a wide.

 

Practice Mode

You can choose to practise either batting or bowling. After every six balls, you can either continue practising, change the skill levels or start the game. Only one player can pactise at a time; even if you have selected a two player game (use the Home Team's keys).

 

 

Instructions' Source   : GRAHAM GOOCH TEST CRICKET (Alternative) Inner Inlay

 

Review (Electron User) - "Hit For Six"

Cricket is a tactical game of subtlety which makes it interesting to watch and difficult to play. For the same reason, trying to simulate cricket on a computer accurately would appear to be almost impossible. Audiogenic has attempted

this and produced GRAHAM GOOCH'S TEST CRICKET.

 

You play one of three types of limited over games or a full two innings Test. The teams are England and Australia, but you can alter the names and the players, together with their batting and bowling averages.

 

You select from two squads of players and I think it would help if the lists included information as to whether they are batsmen, bowlers, wicketkeepers or all-rounders.

 

Once the teams have been selected you decide what type of match to play and whether you require a one or two-player game. Next, decide on your skill level, and who your team's wicketkeeper and slip fielder will be. Be careful here, the first time I played I put Botham in the slips and found later, this prevented him from bowling.

 

If you win the toss you can bat first or put the opposing side in. Take my advice, if you get the choice, bat second.

 

Bowling takes a little practice, but it is possible to make some reasonable deliveries. On the other hand, I found batting extremely difficult, even on skill level one.

 

For some reason the boundary fielders drop nine times out of ten when I'm bowling but never miss when I'm batting.

 

The colour scheme is predominantly green with white for the players' bodies and crease markings. The screen is extremely bright and it wasn't long before I swapped the colour monitor for a black and white portable television.

 

The view is from behind and slightly above the bowler. The graphics, while not anything to write home about, are adequate. The sound is pretty awful. As the start of the bowler's run there is an annoying beep. The other sounds are the thwack of the ball hitting the bat or pads, the slightly different thwack when it catches the edge of the bat and a sound like bacon frying to represent applause.

 

GRAHAM GOOCH'S TEST CRICKET is a fair attempt at a simulation, though it may have a limited appeal. Those who don't like or understand cricket may find the game boring, while the purist will probably think it "just isn't cricket!".

 

Sound ........................... 6

Graphics ........................ 6

Playability ..................... 7

Value for money ................. 7

Overall ......................... 7

 

Desmond, ELECTRON USER 4.12