Introduction

If you're thinking of picking up Cricket 19 on the Nintendo Switch, congratulations! You've officially entered a realm where you're about to play the least likely candidate for a wild night out. But fear not, for hidden within its rectangular boundaries lies a world of drills, dodges, and a sprinkle of match delay drama that could rival your last Zoom meeting. In this review, we'll delve into gameplay, technical aspects, and why you should consider spending your precious time with your new friend on the pitch.

Gameplay

Cricket 19 serves up an extensive menu of cricketing delights, from the all-important Scenario Mode—perfect for simulating 'What if I were the captain in a disastrous 1990s match?' scenarios— to the Career Mode, where players can rocket from nobody to cricketing rockstar. The game allows you to dive into various forms of the sport, from ODIs to the classic Test format, or even the Women's World Cup, though be warned, the licenses for certain teams might feel like that time you couldn't find your homework: a little too much limited access. What's particularly neat is the match designer mode! Yes, you can create your wildest cricket dreams! Ever wanted to see Australia play against fictional badgers? Well, now you can… probably. You can also tailor competitions to your liking. So, if you ever needed an excuse to make your mates suffer under your cricketing whims, Cricket 19 has you covered.

Graphics

Graphically, Cricket 19 is like a decent presentation at an already boring corporate function: not too shabby, but definitely not winning any awards anytime soon. The players look enough like their real-life counterparts to get by, but there’s a peculiar twinkle in their eyes as if they’ve just been told they forgot to turn off the stove before leaving for the match. Stadiums are warmly represented, but don't expect mind-blowing visuals. The Switch brings a bit of charm to the game but also its limitations—think of it as the friend who's fun to hang around but keeps giving you half-baked suggestions for dinner.

Conclusion

Cricket 19 offers a solid foundation for both avid cricket fans and those that might just want a lazy day of playing with virtual bows and arrows. The gameplay is engaging and versatile, there is depth in modes to keep you entertained, and it feels like a platform worth swinging at. However, those looking for state-of-the-art graphics or flawless execution may find themselves groaning more than cheering. Still, if you can roll with its quirks and don’t mind the occasional glitch, you're likely to enjoy whiling away the hours on the pitch—in your living room. All said and done, if you enjoy planning events that even the dullest uncle would chuckle at—this one’s for you, mate!

See Latest Prices for Cricket 19 on Switch on Amazon