Ultimate Bowling Fighter

So, what was it that I was playing on the Zodiac earlier when I was interrupted? It was none other than Astraware’s Ultimate Bowling Fighter, which I mentioned a while back.

I’d forgotten how much I actually enjoy bowling, virtual or otherwise, and this game reminded me full-force from the start.

First of all, the graphics are excellent, and on my Zodiac, the colors jump off the screen. Being a bit brattish when it comes to graphics, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the game actually looks. Visually, the bowling lanes are my favorite part, if only because they look so realistic. The game itself is charming in a cartoonish sort of way: from its quirky array of characters, to the clown bowling pins that greet you on the Game Over screen.

Still, what I find most attractive about the game – and to be honest, addictive – is the style of play. The game gives you a choice between stylus control and gauge control. I’ve tried both numerous times, and I find that I’m better with the stylus control. I just slide the stylus across the screen toward the pins, and hope I aimed correctly. The faster I slide it, the more power the bowling ball has when it hits. At maximum speed, the bowling ball looks aflame. Sounds like it would be a breeze, but it’s amazing how much control you need to excercise. In fact, I’ve only managed a handful of strikes, and I’ve been playing a lot (that might be a clear indication of just how poor of a bowler I actually am).

The gauge control works a little differently. A gauge moves side to side on the screen, and you try to make it freeze at the precise location you want your ball to be aimed. Next, a different gauge measures the power behind the throw. You have to time it just right to get the right combination of direction and speed. I’ve been unable to manage a strike with the gauge control option, but I’m certainly going to keep trying. I’m nothing if not stubborn.

The game offers three different modes of play: single-player (you versus yourself), tournament (you vs. the cpu) and multi-player (you vs. up to 3 of your friends).

Additionally, the game has hidden locations and a hidden character, which you unlock as you play, and that’s always a good incentive to keep playing.

I’m still not certain where the “fighter” part of the title comes in. I was half-expecting there to be a boxing match after each frame, but that’s certainly a minor issue. Overall, I’d say Ultimate Bowling Fighter is bound to be another hit game for Astraware.

Obviously, if you find no pleasure in bowling whatsoever, you might want to borrow it from a friend before you make any brash decisions based solely on this review. But, if you enjoy bowling, and need a nice little game to procrastinate with and/or help pass the time with (it made my metro ride this morning go by in a flash), I’d give it a go.

Ultimate Bowling Fighter is now available for the Palm OS and the Windows Mobile Pocket PC here.