Q&A: IR Gurus on Ricky Ponting 2007 Pressure Play

The Ricky Ponting International Cricket series (known as Brian Lara International Cricket in the UK) is heading to the PSP, with Ricky Ponting 2007 Pressure Play slated for release later this year. Australia's IR Gurus have been given the reins for the PSP port, and we spoke to associate producer Rhys Quinert about how the game is shaping up.

GameSpot AU: How different will Ricky Ponting for the PSP be from the console versions of the game released earlier this year?

Rhys Quinert: It's been redesigned and reprogrammed specifically for the PSP. There have been a number of additions that differ from the console versions. Given the later release date, we were able to include last-minute squad changes, and some player abilities and statistics as they were recorded at the beginning of the ICC World Cup. We've also gone for a simpler approach with the batting, bowling, and fielding controls, which we felt was more appropriate for the PSP. The biggest addition, however, is probably that of the Pressure Play game mode, which is a PSP-exclusive. It focuses on short, sharp challenges more suitable for the portable nature of the PSP.

GS AU: What control changes have you made to make the game fit the PSP?

RQ: It's still using the analog stick and D pad for the controls. Fielding is still a single button press so as not to overcomplicate it. The console versions use the triggers a lot more--we've only got two triggers on the PSP so we've simplified things there.

GS AU: What exactly will these Pressure Play challenges consist of?

RQ: They vary in their content. There are five different groups of challenges aimed at different areas of the game. They can range from basic cricket knowledge to more difficult modes for masters of the game, classic match scenarios, and googly missions, which is cricket with a touch of the unorthodox. All up, there are 16 challenges. Depending on the challenges, the Pressure Plays can vary in length. Most of them are short, lasting anything from one to eight overs, but a couple of these classic match scenarios can go for longer, depending on the skill of the player to be able to chase down a target.

GS AU: So they will be set challenges, like chase a score total, or bowl out a team within a certain number of overs?

RQ: That's right. Some of them start off much simpler to give users a basic background in cricket for those that don't know, and to get them used to the controls as well.

GS AU: So the game is still mainly based around the recent ICC World Cup then?

RQ: Absolutely. One-day cricket lends itself to the PSP better than the five-day form of the game, which makes the ICC World Cup perfect.

GS AU: What challenges did you encounter when translating this game to a handheld?

RQ: Most of the challenges were probably with the technology itself--going from a console to a PSP and making sure we get the frame rate up to speed. We also had to make sure we didn't overdo the long game modes--it needs to be short, sharp bursts of play, which is the reason for the inclusion of Pressure Play matches.

GS AU: Is there any more pressure on IR Gurus as an Aussie studio when working on one of the national sports like cricket?

RQ: I don't think so. It's extremely rare that you get to work on a product that is something you've grown up with and is a huge part of your life. When an opportunity like cricket on the PSP comes along, there's more a sense of excitement and eagerness to do well.

GS AU: Rhys Quinert, thanks for your time.