This is a new downloadable ($10) game from PSN which implements SIXAXIS
motion controls to simulate the motions of real bowling. Although this game
will suffer many ignorant comparison to Wii Sports Bowling the games are
really in two different (bowling) leagues.
Where Wii Sports excels at being a "kiddy" game High Velocity Bowling takes
a much more realistic tack and provides many more options for deeper play.
You can even review the wax pattern on the boards if you wish.
The game is both more complex than Wii Sports but also simpler in some ways.
In short the method of play in Wii Sports is 1) postion your bowler left to
right using buttons 2) hold the button and swing the controller, letting go
of the button when you want to let go of the ball. The speed of the swing
controls the speed of the ball while the "twist" of the controller controls
the spin of the ball.
In High Velocity Bowling there are three steps: 1) position your bowler
left-to-right by tilting the controller 2) aim your ball left-to-right by
tilting the controller 3) when your bowler starts their approach swing your
arm, the force of your swing determines speed of the ball (which is released
automatically). You can control spin with the trigger buttons on the
controller.
This does means that the controller is held in a novel way: you wrap your
hand around the middle of the controller. Thumb is on the "X" button
("Down" button for lefties) while your pinky and index finger rest on the
triggers. This configuration seems odd at first but is remarkably
comfortable after a while. Very small hands will have problems however (my
five-year-old daughter has trouble, but my nine-year-old son has none).
Personally I find this scheme easier than the Wii (much easier for
controlling spin), but not so much that makes any real odds. The controls
are tight and well balanced without being "twitchy".
There are some missed opportunities. For example you need to press a button
to "Switch hands" (from right to left handed) when simply noticing whether
you pressed "X" or "Down" to set your position would indicate that easily
enough. Also the scheme for setting up multiple players seems more
cumbersome than it needs to be and we've still not discovered how to use
multiple controllers.
In what's becoming a PS3 hallmark the game makes use of impressively
realistic physics. The graphics, in general, have a light-hearted 1950's
neon style that fits with the tone very well. Character animations, sound
effects and music are adequate, but nothing special. Of note is the fact
that you can (a first for the PS3) choose to play any music from your
hard-drive (but frustratingly not from network media servers) instead.
You start off with two, utterly average, bowlers and a couple of balls
(different balls have better spin). You can earn other bowlers by beating
them and several more are available for purchase from the store. Other
challenges let you unlock new clothing and balls. The bowlers come with
mini-biographies and a small collection of reaction phrases which serve to
give them nicely distinct, but not remotely deep, personalities.
There are a bunch of single player challenges ranging from beating other
bowlers, to multi-game tournaments and even "trick" challenges recreating
some of the crazier bowling tricks (ramps, chairs on the lanes, the "Flying
Eagle", etc). It's easy to spend several hours engrossed in just getting
the subtleties of the controls (learning to throw a reliable spin takes a
while, just like in real life).
Of course the real fun is playing with others and despite the clunky game
set-up interface this is a blast. Nothing super special mind you - this is
realistic, physics-based bowling played by bowling rules - but still a
blast.
We've been playing a game or two - my wife, son and I - each night for the
past week after my daughter goes to bed. A game with three people takes
about 15-20 minutes tops. My son, the current champion, is averaging about
150-170 a game.
The game does everything it sets out to do well although not always as well
as it might. But none of the problems really affect gameplay and while
you're playing it's truly fun to play. Considering the depth of the subject
matter (this IS bowling after all) and the cost there's a surprisingly
amount of depth here as well. In the bargain it demonstrates a novel (and I
hope soon to be mimicked) use of the SIXAXIS.
Especially considering the cost this is really a no-brainer purchase. It's
a good way to spend a dull afternoon and a great party game.
Jim Davis
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