The main stage mode is reminiscent of a standard game of bowling with two throws per turn and ten pins to target, except players bowl against themselves and their own record. A score meter indicates three separate numbers, and depending on which points score you beat you’ll be rewarded with one, two, or three stars. This starts out relatively simply, but the further you progress in the game the more objects you have obstructing your bowl, ranging from ramps to moving blocks. Perfectionists will look for all three stars in every round, but this isn’t a requirement to move up a level; instead the more stars you earn the more gold coins you receive. These in turn can be spent on upgraded bowling balls, all with different wacky color patterns. Gems are the game’s other in-game currency, and are rewarded upon completing 100-pin bonus rounds; they can then be used to either purchase more gold coins or on further skills and upgrades. Both can be purchase with real-life money.
Other game modes include a 100-pin round of a similar fashion to the bonus rounds, local two player, and online multiplayer. The latter is an interesting mode, as it features the ability to gamble with your gold coins and gems. Decide the amount you wish to bet, whether it be 0 coins or 20,000, and either link up with a friend or a random opponent online. It’s an extremely fun way of making multiplayer more interesting, by having more than just pride riding on a win or loss.[sc name=”quote” text=”It seems as though not much can be done with a bowling game to make it unique, but what World Bowling Championship manages to do is include original, enjoyable game modes, and create a depth to the gameplay that will keep you addicted until it’s completed.”]
Another interesting facet to the game is its motion control sensitivity. The initial movement and direction of the ball is performed by swiping your finger in any particular direction, but after that point the ball is directed depending on your phone or tablet’s movement. At first this can seem difficult, as its tight responsiveness can lead to the ball waving around erratically, but once you’re used to the sensitivity it makes it more enjoyable than simply tapping or swiping the screen again. The boosts, barriers, and ramps all make the game more enjoyable by giving you something else to think about than aimlessly bowling for a hundred or so rounds, and make certain that even a seasoned bowler is challenged every now and again. As for the inclusion of star ratings for every round, 2100 to play for in total ensures you’ll need to play for a serious amount of time to complete the whole game.
It seems as though not much can be done with a bowling game to make it unique, but what World Bowling Championship manages to do is include original, enjoyable game modes, and create a depth to the gameplay that will keep you addicted until it’s completed. Taking one of the world’s best-loved hobbies and turning it into a small-screen app is a difficult feat, by MOBIRIX have done it in style.
