Brunswick Pro Bowling

Presentation

A real pin-up

Transporting you to oil slicked lanes and neon screens, Brunswick Pro Bowling on PlayStation 3 will bowl you over with its authenticity. Designed to appeal to everyone, not just bowling fans, the game places you in six themed bowling alleys to mix up your fun. From the railway inspired Victory Lanes to the lively Technobowl, these varied alleys add character to your sporting antics.

Not familiar with ten pin bowling? Never fear, there are tutorials on how to play the game as well as how to use the PlayStation Move motion controller or the wireless controller. No matter which peripheral you choose, it's your motion which translates into how well your on-screen character throws the ball.

Need more help? There are many modes to make sure you don't go spare in your throw for bowling victory. You can enjoy a few short games in Quick Play, tackle some tricky pin formations in Spares Challenge and, when you're ready, go for the comprehensive Career mode. Think you're good enough to be the king pin?

Gameplay

Let the good times roll

How's your bowling arm? Brunswick Pro Bowling challenges you to test your skills by taking on the world's best, and the key to beating them all is literally in your hands. Using the motion sensor functions of either the wireless controller or the PlayStation Move motion controller, you can throw the ball down a bowling lane just like in real life.

Technique is everything. While you can pick one of eight on-screen characters with different statistics such as strength and hook, it's up to you how you perform when taking a shot. Your hand preference, style and direction all play a part in whether you're a striking success or just languishing in the gutters.

By rotating your hand slightly you can add spin to the ball, which is even more vital to your technique as a lane's oil pattern can affect the ball's behaviour. Observant players can use these factors to glide the ball exactly where they want for perfect pin precision.

Brilliant bowlers can take on the lengthy Career mode where you can practise your bowling skills before entering leagues, tournaments and one-on-one challenges. Success earns you a greater reputation and prize money which you can spend on in-game items such as new clothing for your bowler. Do your best and have a ball!

Multiplayer

Pin pals

Eager to share your bowling prowess with the world? Brunswick Pro Bowling gives you the chance to strike all comers out of the frame with a variety of online and offline multiplayer options. If you want to keep everyone in the same room, up to four players can go head-to-head in one-off matches, create a league or tackle the Spares Challenge where you have to convert ten spares in as few attempts as possible. You can also play together in a team based league and go up against computer-controlled line-ups. It's ideal family fun where you all can share the spoils of victory.

Take on other bowlers online via PlayStation Network for a fresh challenge. The action in this mode is fast and furious as you all bowl at the same time, with alerts on when your opponents hit a strike, spare or gutter. It's an intense and entertaining way to play as you constantly keep an eye on your competitor's scorecard and the ever ticking timer which prevents you from taking too long on each shot.

No matter which one you choose, with Brunswick Pro Bowling's multiplayer modes you're bound to have so much fun that your living room will never be silent enough to hear a pin drop.