High Velocity Bowling
High Velocity Bowling is a virtual bowling sports game available from the PlayStation Network, and available for download Via the PlayStation Store. The game was released December 6, 2007 for the PlayStation 3. The game was developed by SCE San Diego Studio's in-house studio, Team Ramrod, and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was first announced at the SCEA's Gamers Day 2007 at their Santa Monica Studios. The European release date was originally scheduled for an April 2008 release, but this was then delayed until May because of the new and improved PlayStation Store, included in Firmware 2.3. The game was released in Europe on May 6, 2008. On September 21, 2010, an update made the game playable with the PlayStation Move controller.[1]
Gameplay
High Velocity Bowling varies from other bowling games by introducing a challenge mode. The player has to go through every level to unlock all of the 10[1] playable characters and all of the 10[1] lanes. Each level has 3 challenges to complete. These challenges can be tournaments, matches or trick shots, where the objective is to get a strike while following a certain road. The game also has a trophy room, in which the player can see his trophies, rings and patches he gained through the game. While the player can use the Sixaxis for the bowling swing, there are other control schemes in the game. Finally, High Velocity Bowling has a multiplayer mode, where up to 4 people can play online and offline. Recently, at TGS 2009, it was confirmed that High Velocity Bowling would get an update that would add support for PlayStation Move.
Characters
- Bruce ‘Flyboy’ Fitzpatrick, according to Brandon Akiaten of Team RamRod, "is a flamboyant flight attendant from New York, New York who happens to be fantastic in the lane. He’s definitely earned the nickname ‘Flyboy’ and has proven to have fabulous ball control. Though, his downfall is that he cares more about his precious manicure than pin action … so it’s nothing but light balls for him."[2]
- Doug Graves, according to Grace Chen, Senior Manager, PlayStation Store, "is a former pro bowler turned mortuary owner who has a mysteriously powerful throw. But after years of digging graves, arthritis has set in, preventing precise spin control like the good ole days. Download includes Doug’s special Tombstone ball, plus the new Crypt Lane."[3]
- Heather Haughtfer is, according to Grace Chen, Senior Manager, PlayStation Store, "an 8th grade teacher who never has trouble keeping her male students’ attention. She exhibits excellent speed control, but with guys always volunteering to do things for her, she doesn’t have much power behind her throws. Download includes Heather’s special Gimm-n-A ball, plus the new Afterschool Playground lane."[4]
- Dwayne Harper, according to Grace Chen, Senior Manager, PlayStation Store, "manages by combining good aim and power for an awesome shot. Download includes Dwayne’s special Urban Assault ball, plus the new Inner City Alley lane, set in a back alley of a major city with unique audio."[5]
- Darryl “Stringbean” Johnson is, according to Mike Skinner of Team RamRod, "a long-haul trucker from Memphis, Tennessee. After his recent divorce, Darryl spent many lonely nights perfecting his hook down at his favorite bowling alley, Loading Dock Lanes. It’s about the only place on earth where a trucker with a passion for bowling can feel right at home amongst the oil, flatbed trailers and shipping containers. Darryl also loves fresh produce, which is the only thing he hauls these days. It just seemed natural for him to find a perfectly round watermelon and turn it into his favorite bowling ball, the melonballer."[6]
- Candy Lincoln is, according to Grace Chen, Senior Manager, PlayStation Store, "a clash of old school and new tattoos. Her aim is great, but her ball is a bit too heavy for her. Download includes Candy’s special Candied Cherries ball, plus the new Jumpin’ Joe’s Diner lane, with a rockin’ retro atmosphere and unique audio."[5]
- Gage Mason, according to Mike Skinner of Team RamRod, "grew up in Washington, D.C. as the only child in his family. Years of playing video games has helped his hand eye coordination, which has allowed him to perfect his bowling accuracy. Gage spends most of his time hanging out at the Dark Carnival. It’s a place to bowl a few games, reflect on his thoughts, and get into the perfect state of mind to write new lyrics for his band Pain Magnet."[6]
- Carmen ‘Sordida’ Sanchez, according to Brandon Akiaten of Team RamRod, "is from San Ysidro, California, and with a chip on her shoulder, she has much to prove. She’ll do anything to win even if it requires dirty tactics. Carmen refuses to wear bowling shoes and as a result, her form leaves a lot to be desired."[2]
Reception
IGN: 7.5
References
- ^ a b c d High Velocity Bowling at UK playstation.com
- ^ a b Brandon Akiaten, "New Strikers Coming to High Velocity Bowling," PlayStation.Blog (March 5, 2009).
- ^ Grace Chen, "PlayStation Store Update," PlayStation.Blog (Oct 15).
- ^ Grace Chen, "PlayStation Store Update," PlayStation.Blog (Sep 10, 2009).
- ^ a b Grace Chen, "PlayStation Store Update," PlayStation.Blog (Feb. 5, 2009).
- ^ a b Mike Skinner, "High Velocity Bowling – New DLC and Holiday Surprises," PlayStation.Blog (December 18, 2008).
External links