I picked up 2004 today (12/12/03) and the gameplay is very promising to say the least. Terrific animation. As promised a great selection of teams, stadiums, players and competitions. A smarter wicketkeeper than 2002. Some new features that will be obvious when you play the game. A few minor bugs that could be fixed with a patch ie a player misfielding- yes misfielding- and the AI batsmen not taking advantage of it by running on the misfield. A lack of real life players' faces. A career mode over several seasons is absent- or perhaps I haven't found it yet!!!! Hopefully it is there. Overall a very pleasing effort. Oh well, back out to the centre!!!