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Platform: Playstation
2, Xbox Related Links: Review: NASCAR Thunder 2004 (PS2) Review: DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball (XB)
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Strike Force Bowling |
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If there’s one sports genre that is vastly underrepresented in the gaming industry it’s bowling. And for the amount of coverage it receives on specialty sports channels it actually amazes me that there haven’t been more bowling games. Take a look at another niche genre, NASCAR – Electronic Arts always manages to sell lots of copies of its NASCAR series but NASCAR as a genre isn’t explored nearly as much as hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball or football. So, in a way it’s nice to see another foray into video game bowling. Developed by LAB Rats Games, Strike Force Bowling is the state-of-the-art in videogame bowling, featuring the most authentic real-time pin physics ever created. Straightforward arcade-style control and multi-player performance for up to four players make Strike Force Bowling a great family or party game that anyone can pick up and play. But, the fun doesn't stop there. Strike Force Bowling also offers six modes of play, eight lane environments and a host of other features designed to make this virtual bowling experience second to none. Features: Unsurpassed
realism with real-time ball and pin physics, taking into consideration
ball weight, surface material and lane friction, among other elements. Six
unique and challenging modes of play, such as Skins Mode, Golf Mode,
Challenge Mode, Practice Mode, Open Play and the prestigious Tournament
Play. Over eight distinct realistic and fantasy lane environments, including Standard Lane, Pirate Ship Bowl, Tropical Island Bowl, Egyptian Bowl, the Medieval Bowl, and the Lunar Bowl.
Hidden
game bonuses, such as Big Head mode and secret night lanes. Eight,
high-polygon characters to choose from complete with reaction animations
and customizable characteristics and bowling styles.
For
a budget title ($14.99US for PS2) you might get good bang
for the buck with multiple play modes, fantasy lanes, and customizable
characteristics to keep you playing.
What really would have caught the attention of gamers would have
been online play (which would probably have taken Strike Force Bowling
out of the “budget” category).
Of course, if the developers had made this “Strip Force
Bowling” there could have been a whole different spin on the game.
I mean, it’s been done with Othello, why not bowling?
As long as the developers made sure to include equal numbers of
male and female characters, there shouldn’t be a problem.
Maybe for the Adults Only sequel… All
that said, if bowling is your game Strike Force Bowling should be a
no-brainer purchase (particularly because it’s cheaper than a night at
the lanes). - Omni (April 3, 2004)
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