Cricket 07 producer’s diary: in-game camera options

EA Sports‘ Cricket 07 will bring an all-new perspective to the way players view the game thanks to more dynamic camera features and angles. According to producer Justin Forrest, almost every camera – from the default batting camera to the secondary cameras – has undergone some changes. The default batting camera now allows a wider field of view for the player, giving the game a more realistic approach and allowing the user to feel the anticipation as the bowler runs towards the wicket.

There are also two new cameras that flip the perspective so that the user faces the bowler as he approaches the wicket. The first of the new cameras – the “Behind Batsman” cam – has been improved and is now much more viable. The previous problem with using this cam was that the batsman and wicket keeper bodies would obscure the pitch point marker, making it hard to choose the correct shot to use. The addition of semi-transparency to both the batsman and wicket keeper models solves that.

The second camera is set behind the batsman and is called the “Flip Cam.” This entirely new camera feature places the camera in a natural position where the user could see the pitch marker clearly without the need for semi-transparency. In addition to this, the camera will flip when a right handed batsman is replaced by a left hander. This gives a tangible difference when playing as a right or left handed batsman.

The fielding camera used in Cricket 07 has also undergone improvements. It now shows much more of what’s happening on the field of play as it happens. Used in tandem with the new default batting camera, the user can now get a much better idea of what’s going on in the field, allowing him to make more accurate choices in terms of shot placement and critical decision-making.

There have also been changes to the HUD. The “Picture in Picture” display is still predominantly used to give the user an indication of whether a run is available or not, but it has been given a visual overhaul to enhance the look of the game. Some of the changes to the HUD also improve the gameplay as well as the look. Examples are the fielding radar – which is now an element of the HUD that allows field placement changes while in-game – and the HUD is a batting timing gauge.

Cricket 07 will be making its way into stores in Australia on November 16 and will be released in Europe on November 17.

EA Sports‘ Cricket 07 will bring an all-new perspective to the way players view the game thanks to more dynamic camera features and angles. According to producer Justin Forrest, almost every camera – from the default batting camera to the secondary cameras – has undergone some changes. The default batting camera now allows a wider field of view for the player, giving the game a more realistic approach and allowing the user to feel the anticipation as the bowler runs towards the wicket.

There are also two new cameras that flip the perspective so that the user faces the bowler as he approaches the wicket. The first of the new cameras – the “Behind Batsman” cam – has been improved and is now much more viable. The previous problem with using this cam was that the batsman and wicket keeper bodies would obscure the pitch point marker, making it hard to choose the correct shot to use. The addition of semi-transparency to both the batsman and wicket keeper models solves that.

The second camera is set behind the batsman and is called the “Flip Cam.” This entirely new camera feature places the camera in a natural position where the user could see the pitch marker clearly without the need for semi-transparency. In addition to this, the camera will flip when a right handed batsman is replaced by a left hander. This gives a tangible difference when playing as a right or left handed batsman.

The fielding camera used in Cricket 07 has also undergone improvements. It now shows much more of what’s happening on the field of play as it happens. Used in tandem with the new default batting camera, the user can now get a much better idea of what’s going on in the field, allowing him to make more accurate choices in terms of shot placement and critical decision-making.

There have also been changes to the HUD. The “Picture in Picture” display is still predominantly used to give the user an indication of whether a run is available or not, but it has been given a visual overhaul to enhance the look of the game. Some of the changes to the HUD also improve the gameplay as well as the look. Examples are the fielding radar – which is now an element of the HUD that allows field placement changes while in-game – and the HUD is a batting timing gauge.

Cricket 07 will be making its way into stores in Australia on November 16 and will be released in Europe on November 17.