Sandwiched between E3, Wimbledon and the World Cup, International Cricket 2010 makes its way to store shelves with precious little fanfare and markedly less visibility than previous iterations. Touting a plethora of minor tweaks and upgrades, this isn't so much a re-working of Trickstar's core engine as it is a subtle refinement, so perhaps an under-the-radar status is fitting for all but the most ardent of fans. If you've dabbled in the series previously and come away unimpressed then 2010 certainly won't change your mind, but even for this casual follower, a few of the major improvements here are creditable and certainly worth expanding upon in future titles.

On that note, It's worth stating up front that the developer goes out of its way to appease lapsed and new fans alike with a succession of lengthy tutorials, and not only do these introduce the mechanics of batting, bowling and fielding but also the psychological and tactical aspects that form a large part of the long-term appeal of the sport. It's not just a game about chucking a ball really hard at somebody after all, it's about chucking it really, really hard and then occasionally a little slower. Building and undermining batting confidence is highlighted as a key aspect of Codemasters' simulation, and in that respect the flow of their game is a good approximation of reality. Come out swinging from the off and you'll likely be making the walk of shame within the first over, but take the time to pick off a few easy singles and the more advanced shots quickly become less risky and more enticing.

Detail is decent enough

Batting controls will be familiar even to those with a passing interest in the genre (aim with left stick, adjust footing with the right, shot selection mapped to buttons), but a new camera system creates a dramatic impact on the presentation. By default, 2010 pulls you in close to the action with a viewpoint reminiscent of FIFA's 'Be a Pro', or even recognisable to all ten of you that picked up Backbreaker. It's more than just a way to make things look cool however, and the experience is enhanced by the ability to look around, find a gap and pick your shot in first person, then judge the pace and timing of your stroke from a perspective that feels conducive to doing so. Whilst the true sensation of clattering willow to leather still proves moderately elusive, it's a darn site closer to conveying speed and impact than the standard TV angle, and worth getting used to.

In keeping with that emphasis on subtle recreation of reality, batsman can now also select the pace of their shot by adjusting the amount of movement on the left analogue stick. In practice, holding the stick in a precise position and simultaneously gripping a trigger or shoulder button and timing a shot with the face buttons is tricky, but it does open up a pathway to a shorter game, aiming for deliberate gaps between fielders and picking up a couple of runs without risking too much in the process. It might not make you a hero in the Twenty20 stakes, but it can be a crucial part of regaining composure to halt a collapse, or alternatively just grinding out those last few runs with your tail end to frustrate an opponent.

From the other side, Trickstar's bowling mechanics are refined and fairly accomplished. Selecting a delivery is as simple as hitting a face button, pulling a trigger for the required amount of swing or spin, aiming a reticule for direction, then timing a power bar for speed and accuracy. Actually reading that back it sounds incredibly complex, but it really isn't that tough with practice, and the sheer variety of deliveries give you enough ammunition to combat even the most steadfast of batsmen. As in real life, success builds from a foundation of undermining the confidence of your opponent, so settling into a rhythm before abruptly changing direction or pace is key to forcing a wayward loft or a nicked edge to an eagerly waiting fielder in the slip.

Bowling is fun against human opposition

And who knows, maybe he might even catch it with a quick stab of the A button at the right time. Unfortunately however, that's about as much involvement as you'll get with the entire fielding process. The developer has removed all direct control here, and only offers up a basic selection as to which crease you'd like the ball to be thrown to as you watch the runners scampering betwixt. It's an odd mechanic, and even if I can understand the decision to automate movement, surely there would have been room for some measure of skill in selecting your whether to throw the ball back indirectly or aim for a direct run-out, and then the accuracy of the accompanying action. Also, for some reason fielders seem to be on an animation timer that's roughly double that of their counterparts at the wicket. Even with a ball roughly twenty yards away, if you see a fielder beginning to slide to the ground, it's entirely possible to scamper between the wickets for another run before they manage to get to their feet and wang the ball back. It's plain weird at times, and at odds with the rest of their approach to realism.

The peripheral elements too, could have done with a lot more work. Whilst the licences of Australia and England are present and correct, the rest of the teams are largely fictional and graphical detail is conspicuous by its absence. Simply put, you don't expect a sports game to display the jarring animation and flat texturing that permeates 2010, and it's running on an engine that looks long in the tooth in comparison to modern day titles. As an example, playing a night game simply means the wholesale removal of the skybox, which can occasionally lead to the sensation that you're playing in a stadium floating in some netherworld void; albeit one that evidently loves cricket. Appearances don't count for everything of course, but the basic gameplay loop doesn't quite manage to carry enough favour here to make it an obsolete factor.

The Aussies are as dangerous as in real life

It's probably also worth mentioning that, as with every other sports title, 2010 is immeasurably improved with human opposition. Although the AI is a commendable effort and entertaining enough for practice, taking to the field against fallible and talented opposition suddenly renders the psychological aspects of the game in full view. That might mean an embarrassing 48-run collapse in a Twenty20 game every now and then, but you never get the feeling that victory was snatched or in any way unfair. Those run-outs are your mistakes, that edge was a stupid glory shot, and it probably wasn't best to position your leg directly in front of the wicket for a straight delivery like that. Learn, and try again. Or not, in my case. 

But as with many other aspects, online code proved more than a little ropey on a few occasions, taking the gloss off what could have been a thoroughly entertaining aspect of the game. And that's International Cricket 2010 summed up really. A commendable effort at the basics and an improvement on the previous formula, but deeply hampered by a few baffling decisions and a noticeable lack of polish in all areas. The foundation is there, it just needs a concerted effort next time to tidy up all those loose ends.

Best Game Moment: Grabbing a hat-trick against a mate