Howzat! First Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 preview video debuts on new microsite.
Plus! Chinamen, Googlies, Bouncers and Wrong 'uns – all revealed in the new Coaching mode, Cricket Glossary and more.
Set to feature a compendium of cricket competitions including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Codemasters today reveals Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 in action for the first time with a preview video now available from the game's new website at www.codemasters.co.uk/brianlara2007
As the evolution of the genre-leading cricket game series, Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 will capture all the tension, skill and intensity of international cricket when it launches in March for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 and Games for Windows (PC).
Designed to be the most accessible and informative cricket gaming experience yet, Codemasters also announces that the game will contain a host of features to detail the intricacies of the sport. With enhanced Practice Nets, a new Glossary of Cricket Terms, the return of the Hawk-EyeTM ball-tracking system and a brand new Coaching Mode, players can expect to take their cricket expertise to a world-class level.
The Coaching Mode covers all the key elements of the game with tutorials that'll have players batting, bowling and fielding like superstars. The Batting tutorials will take players through all of the playable shots, from basic defensive techniques to new shots such as the sweep, the reverse sweep and advancing down the pitch. The Practice Nets mode has been enhanced and enables players to put new skills learned in the Tutorials into practice, without having to play through full games.
Famous for having its very own vocabulary, cricket terminology can take some explaining; thankfully the new Glossary of Cricket Terms feature has all the answers. When you're desperate to know what an "Agricultural" shot is, or to learn the difference between a "Front foot" and a "Back foot" defensive, this comprehensive guide will soon have players impressing with spot-on definitions of "Googlies" "Bouncers", "Chinamen" and "Wrong 'uns."
The game also exclusively features Hawk-EyeTM, the cutting-edge sports tracking and analysis graphics system, as used by Channel 4 and Sky Sports in their televised cricket coverage. Hawk-EyeTM uses sophisticated image technologies to explain decisions such as L.B.W. and also monitors bowling accuracy throughout the course of an over, showing the path of each delivery and where it pitches.
With in-game commentary from established cricket experts Jonathan Agnew, David Gower, Ian Bishop, Bill Lawry and Tony Greig, real player stats from Wisden and online play on Games for Windows and via the Xbox Live® online game service on Xbox 360, Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 is set to be the most comprehensive international cricket gaming experience.
Pad up and prepare for the game's arrival in March for Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and Games for Windows (PC). For more information, and the new video preview, bowl over to the new website at www.codemasters.co.uk/brianlara2007
ENDS
UK PRESS INFORMATION
Codemasters 01926 814 132
Dean Scott dean.scott@codemasters.com
Sam Cordier sam.cordier@codemasters.com
www.codemasters.com/mediabank
PRESS RESOURCE WEB SITE
Download game artwork, screens and essential Codemasters' press materials direct to your desktop from: http://www.codemasters.com/mediabank
ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, LMA Manager, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains operations in the US, Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. More information about the company and its products is available online at http://www.codemasters.com
CODEMASTERS WEB SITE
Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at:
http://www.codemasters.com
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Codemasters supports askaboutgames.com www.askaboutgames.com - a new UK initiative designed to help parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video games so that they can make more informed choices when choosing games for their children.
THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL (ICC)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the governing body for Test match and One-Day International (ODI) cricket - both men's and women's - around the world. It is also responsible for the global expansion of the game through its Associate and Affiliate Members and a major international Development Program. It manages the playing conditions relevant to the game at the highest level and the organization of tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Intercontinental Cup, ICC U/19 World Cup and the ICC Women's World Cup. Further information on the ICC is available online at www.icc-cricket.com
About Xbox 360
Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with the November 2001 launch of Xbox ( http://www.xbox.com), its first-generation video game and entertainment system, now sold in 26 countries. Microsoft introduced its next-generation system, Xbox 360, in the 2005 holiday season in Europe, Japan and North America, and launched the system in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. Xbox 360 ( http://www.xbox.com) is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers.
About Games for Windows
Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system in the world for games, delivering the widest range of titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for Windows platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com