In a tragic and hilarious update, the developers of Don Bradman Cricket 14, cricket gaming’s last shot at redemption has reported that development has suffered delays. Originally scheduled to release at some point this year, Don Bradman Cricket 14 will now release on an unscheduled date in 2014.

The official game’s Facebook page states the following:

In order to bring the best possible game to the market at the best possible time we have decided to move the date into 2014. We are working to get the game to all markets simultaneously and will advise as soon as we can of an exact release date once it is known. 
On a positive note, there will be a new Don Bradman Cricket Academy released on Friday and to say thanks for your patience it will include the long awaited Nets Practice mode.

This sounds mighty familiar. Cricket fa ns, we feel your pain. As you await the chosen one sent forth to break the curse of cricket gaming, we offer you our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. Maybe in the meatime you can check out FIFA 14? Aren’t those sports similar?

The game is being published by Tru Blue Entertainment, an Australia based publishing subsidiary of Home Entertainment Suppliers that also has a history of working with sports titles.

Although no official launch date has been given, it is currently slated for a late release in 2013 and it will launch on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, althoug there has been a mention of a next generation port.

• 1. Development
• 2. Gameplay

Development

Don Bradman Cricket 14 introduces some game changing mechanics in the field of cricket video games. The game includes a multitude of features that will both enhance gameplay and realism. This includes the ability to make a manual appeal against a calling that you feel is either inaccurate or unfair, a “decision referral system” to help define the parameters of appeals and their outcome, there is however another feature that is a big step forward and it is certainly one of the more technological advances that will interest both tech-heads and fans of the sport.

The inclusion of virtual infra-red imaging: in the game of cricket “hot spot” is a setup of two separate infra-red cameras. These cameras are placed on opposite sides of the ground, but above the current field of play. With these cameras constantly recording, it’s possible to tell (with a great degree of accuracy) whether a thrown ball has been struck by the bat, or has in fact impacted the batsman or pads. This is accomplished by monitoring the heat around the area of impact caused by the friction of the rapidly rotating ball.

The ruling on this is passed to an off-field umpire who uses the data collected to aid in the decision making process of an appeal.
The game will feature a fully functional day and night cycle, alongside a dynamic weather system that will impact gameplay. Also included is pitch degradation, as play goes on the condition of the pitch will deteriorate, but how this will affect gameplay has not yet been discussed. In April of 2013, a beta build of the in-game editor was released for download. An update from the press team promoting the game released a public invite via Facebook on October 16^th saying :

“World Premiere of Don Bradman Cricket 14 to be held on Thursday 7 November 2013 at EB Games Swanston Street Melbourne from 12 until 4pm. Come play Don Bradman Cricket 14 with Mike, Ross, HBK, and a host of other Big Ant Studios staff who will also be there to catch up for a chat. Recording devices welcome”

Gameplay

Don Bradman Cricket 14 will feature a full length single player campaign in the appearance of a career mode. In this campaign the player will take control of a custom made character and play their way through a career in the cricketing world that will last a maximum of 20 in-game years.

The player will begin the game at 16 years old, playing as a bowler, batsman, all-rounder or wicket keeper, which of these play styles you use will be chosen by your performance and not your preference. Throughout your campaign and career your avatar will progress through 5 ranks, these ranks must be progressed through in order to climb the metaphorical ladder and earn the right to join your international team as they play. The amount of cash you earn throughout your career will be represented online as your score on the leader boards.

Note: This wiki will be updated once we have more information about the game.