REVIEW: ‘Cricket Through The Ages’ Thrives On Absurdity (PC)

Set out on a historical dive into the world of athletics in Cricket Through the Ages, a one-button, physics-driven game. From the minds behind Genital Jousting, Free Lives and Devolver Digital team up to deliver an experience that is utterly competitive buffoonery. A full voice narration with David Attenborough charms players through offbeat gameplay about cricket.

Cricket Through the Ages begins in the prehistoric. Over ten thousand years ago, humanity was once on the brink of extinction.  We wandered the lands with the comforts of a dying flame, sticks, and stones. Alas, came a sharp, piercing ‘Whack!’ that reverberated through every living being. The invention of cricket is born and thus, humankind is saved. Done in the style of a mockumentary, players move through the historical evolution of cricket and learn of its significance in society. 

In solo or two-player mode, players engage in seven unlockable chapters in Cricket Through the Ages. It pits two individuals against each other in various one-versus-one matches. The rules very loosely revolve around cricket with straightforward scoring. In the chapter Ash’s World Cup, players alternate between pitching and batting. As the pitcher, you aim to knock down wickets that stand behind the batter. Overshot throws, however, gain a point for the opponent. Scoring points as the batter happens when you make contact with the ball and send it off-screen. The rules begin to blur, however, when striking a flying duck earns you an extra score. Accordingly, accidentally knocking out your opponent with a ball or bat does too.

Body parts are paper-like cutouts that swing about as if held on by a fragile tack. Arms flail in a windmill motion, usually with a ball or a bat in hand. The momentum for swings and throws is utilized by one button through hold and release. Similarly, this particular button allows players to gradually move forward with a series of taps. Each movement creates a friendly, humorous entanglement. Quite literally, as you and your opponent at times meet head-on. It is comically chaotic in the name of sportsmanship.

Each chapter takes you through various activities built on the initial foundation of cricket: a ball and a bat. Each player’s score appears at the bottom of the screen in their respective corners. Notably, the scores keep the narrative moving along by remaining in play. For example, in the England Premium League chapter, you are given the objective to score a certain amount of points to win against the opposing side. As players alternate between batting and pitching, you are not limited to just traditional balls and bats. Randomly assigned objects like umbrellas, snakes, and basketballs contribute to the whimsical hijinks. In other chapters, scores are irrelevant like in The Games of Olympus chapter.

The Games of Olympus is a new addition since the title’s initial launch on Apple Arcade in September 2019. This new addition explores other sports outside of cricket and takes players on a brief exploration of human greatness by way of the Olympics. It still functions on the same mechanic of holding, releasing, and tapping through one button. However, this one button now extends to operating two sides for the player. This means, in Weightlifting, for example, tapping will lift one side of the barbell but you will have to apply to the other side as well to snap them in place.

As mechanics remain straightforward, the soundscape of the environment noticeably elevates the game’s simplicity. Scoring sides receive polite golf claps that signal ‘fair play’ while characters hit by the ball or bat emit low bass thuds. Rhythmic squeaks and scuffs echo through the air in Royal Badminton. It holds its own set of rules that involve quicker footwork. The distinctive blend of rubber meeting polished floors creates a melodic backdrop. Subtle attention to sounds like these compliment the athletic sport the player is introduced to.

Cricket Through the Ages is minimalist in its visuals and mechanics. Its bright and bold color palette reflects the lack of seriousness and highlights its zany nature. The game engages in a competitive format but its essence lies in embracing absurdity. Cricket Through the Ages revels in its nonsensical antics, prioritizing fun and laughter above all else. It is an excellent addition to any game library, fostering wholesome entertainment. It is a beacon of warmth and camaraderie for players of all ages.

Cricket Through the Ages is now available on Nintendo Switch and Steam.