Just in time for the start of the Ashes series (a whitewash judging from day one), Codemasters has released details of the online gameplay in its upcoming Ricky Ponting International Cricket 2007. Known as Brian Lara International Cricket elsewhere in the world, the game will deliver "extensive online play", which Codemasters claims is a first for the cricket game genre.

The features differ depending on the platform, but on PC Ponting will have LAN and online play, with multiplayer leagues, big tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy, as well as exhibition games. There are plans for 16-player tournaments, and a spectator mode in case you think watching the video game is more exciting than the real thing. Codemasters is even encouraging sledging on the Xbox 360 version through Live voice chat, but PC users might have to use TeamSpeak to harass their opponents.


Decent online play has definitely been a shortcoming of cricket games to date, so let's hope Codemasters pulls it off in time for the World Cup in March next year, when the game is due for release.

With the recent release of immersionFX's sailing sim Days of Sail: Wind Over Waters, the demo has now sailed onto the internet to give gamers a taste of the seawater action.

The game allows you to compete in regattas as you race around some of the world's most idyllic locations. Whether you choose to race against time or other boats, the game will require you to strap on your sea legs as you're thrust into realistic sailing environments. The game will also feature realistic racing rules and behaviour as rival crews fight for pole position.

If you're ready to take the helm, head over to Gamers Hell, grab a copy of the 59MB demo and sail away.

49Games has released a demo of Alpine Ski Racing 2007, letting you control either Bode Miller or Hermann Maier on two downhill ski tracks playable in three game modes.

The JoWooD-published ski sim bills itself as the "digital showdown" between Bode and Hermann, probably over who has the coolest name.

The 192 MB demo is available at 3D Gamers, Gamers Hell and Worthplaying.

NHL 07 was released about two months back, but EA has finally released a PC demo in case you've been sitting on the fence. It offers five-minute games between a choice of three teams: the Philadelphia Flyers, HC Sparta Prague and Modo Hockey, whatever that is.

In what must be some kind of record, the demo is a gargantuan 1.85 gigabytes, so you can add screaming-fast broadband to the list of system requirements.

If your pipes can cope, download it from 3D Gamers, GamersHell.com or Worthplaying.

10TACLE Studios has announced a licensing deal with Ferrari to develop a new racing title based on the Italian manufacturer's vehicles. The currently-nameless game will be developed by the 10TACLE-owned Blimey! Games.


No details or release date were announced for the Ferrari game, but it's one to watch given Blimey's track record with driving sims. While the GTR series and GT Legends are credited to SimBin, Blimey was mainly responsible for their development under contract.