The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

IAN BOTHAM'S TEST MATCH

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Arcade Cricket

Author             : David Crofts

Standalone Release(s)  : 1985: IAN BOTHAM'S TEST MATCH, Tynesoft, £7.95

Compilation Release(s) : 1988: MICROVALUE GOLD, Tynesoft, £3.99

Stated compatibility    : Electron Side A, BBC Side B

Actual compatibility    : As stated

Supplier            : TYNESOFT, Unit 3 Addison Industrial Estate, Blaydon, TYNE &                   WEAR NE21 4TE. Tel: 091 414 4611

Disc compatibility     : CDFS E00, DFS E00

Instructions

"Experience a thrilling and challenging game of cricket from the comfort of your armchair.

   *   Three different Matches available:

       *   Limited Overs

       *   One Day Match

       *   Test Match

   *   Full Pitch visible at all times

   *   Placement of Fielders and type of ball bowled controlled by the

       player

C.C.I. says, 'A good game; fun even for myself who normally detests cricket.'"

Start-Up Options

Note : If no input is entered within approximately 30 seconds, the computer will enter a demonstration mode. To exit this, hold <SPACE> down until screen clears.

1.  Choose teams : C or Q

    Pressing C lets you use the present computer team

    Pressing Q lets you enter your own 22 players

2.  Number of players : 1 or 2

   By pressing the <SPACE> bar, the number of players will alternate between 1 and 2.

   A one player game will let you play against the computer.

   A two player game means two players using the keyboard at the same time.

   Having selected the number of players with the <SPACE> bar, press Q.

3. Game Type

   There are three types of game available;

       LIMITED OVERS - 10 six ball overs

       ONE DAY MATCH - 20 six ball overs

       FULL TEST MATCH - with two full innings

    To select one, press the <SPACE> bar until required game is displayed then press the Q key.

3A. Placing The Fielders

    When one of the fielders appears at the bottom of the screen, use the directional keys to move the fielder to the desired position.

    1. A fielder can only be placed in an orthodox cricket position. Having selected the fielding position of a player, press Q to place him there.

    2. A  -  Up   Z  -  Down   X  -  Left   C  -  Right

    Having placed the last player on the field, the match can commence.

3B. Batting

    To bat, there are four directional keys plus the actual strike key.

    These keys are:-

       >  -  Forward left   ?  -  Forward right  

       +  -  Behind left   *  -  Behind right

    To strike the ball, hit the <RETURN> key within one-tenth of a second of the ball stopping (This will take time but in time, an 80% success rate should be achieved). Do not attempt to anticipate the ball when it is moving, always wait for the ball to stop before playing your stroke. If a directional key is held down whilst the <RETURN> key is hit, the ball will move in that direction.

    Bowling

    Choosing bowler type:-

    Press <SPACE> to step through the options. These are:-

    FAST, MEDIUM, BOUNCER, SPIN

    When the desired option is reached, hit the Q key to select that option. This will be used during that over.

    To commence bowler's run, hit Q.

    Fielding

    If the ball is hit, and it runs to a fielder, he will automatically return it when controlled by the computer. However, the <SPACE> bar should be hit when controlling a fielder at the precise moment the ball reaches him. By moving the cursor using the four directional keys over a fielder and hitting <SPACE>, you will take control of the fielder. Moving it to the ball and hitting Q at the moment of contact will cause the fielder to return the ball or catch it. If you miss it, the ball will continue and award the batting team four runs.

In General

Scan scoreboards = <SPACE>

Once committed to running, a player will continue to run until (1) he is run out or (2) the <RETURN> key is released (even if only for a split second) or (3) he achieves four runs. A bowler can be changed at the end of each over by pressing <SPACE> at bowler type and hitting Q as desired option.

Instructions' Source   : MICROVALUE GOLD (Tynesoft) Inner Inlay

Review (Electron User)

Rain may stop play on a regular basis at the Oval but it should cause few problems if you're playing IAN BOTHAM'S TEST MATCH. The armchair enthusiast can bow put willow to leather all year round. The game allows one or two players to compete over 16 overs, 32 overs, or a full innings test match.

When playing against the computer you are always put in to bat first. A choice of four strokes is available. They are selected by holding down the appropriate key and pressing the <RETURN> key to execute the stroke as the ball approaches.

The timing here is very difficult to judge. Unfortunately no matter what stroke the batsman plays he always performs the same movements. Once your side has bitten the dust - and that won't take long - you position your fielders before bowling. Players are moved using a combination of four keys and set in position by pressing a fifth. On several occasions I found that this positioning key had to be pressed numerous times before a player was released.

You are provided with a choice of four bowlers each having a different pace or style. Having selected fast, medium, spin, or bouncer, just press the Q key and the bowler will make his run up.

When fielding a ball you first move a cursor to the player you wish to move before you can begin to chase the ball. Normally by the time you have made your selection the ball has reached the boundary.

An element of humour is provided by a little duck, complete with bat and cap, which leaves the field with a tear in its eye as your exit for no runs.

The graphics used in the game are quite reasonable, it is just a pity that the game is so awkward to play.

Sound ........................... 4
Graphics ........................ 6
Playability ..................... 5
Value for money ................. 6
Overall ......................... 6

John Revis, ELECTRON USER 3.10