cypress's Full Review: Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling for PlayStation 1
My husband isn't much into surfing the net, but since he loves games, and absolutely LOVES to bowl (but doesn't get a chance to go bowling very often), we bought this game to give *him* a chance to have fun on the computer (when I let him!) ;-) And I must say, Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling has been a very worthwhile investment, because it's downright FUN!
(And since hubby is a great bowler, and I'm terrible at it, I can finally beat him at his own game!
You are given two of what I call 'character' options. You can choose one of the Brunswick Pro bowlers. I find that using the pro bowlers makes this game *really* hard, since the line that guides your shot is VERY short! You can create your own bowler, too (and they give you some UGLY choices, I *have* to admit!) What disappoints me about this is that while they give you options such as left or right-handed bowling, skill level, shirt and pants colors, glasses or none,
facial hair or none, choice of several bowling balls, lanes, etc.....they blatantly missed one important thing to *me*. NO female bowlers! I have no idea why they deliberately left out women in the choices, but it is certainly a disappointment.
There are several modes of play, such as exhibition, tournament, skins,
career, and cosmic bowling (which is like a dark bowling alley with day-glo colored pins - very cool looking!) It's hard to get good at this game, which is a plus as far as playability goes, but can be aggravating
too sometimes. If I put the ball in one spot, and move the guideline and curve to a perfect spot, well, I'd like to KEEP it there! But after every shot, it always moves the ball and the guideline just a tad in order to throw you off (and keep the game from being too easy, I assume.)
You can play with other people, against computer opponents (although they'll kick your butt every time, I've found in my experience!) or by yourself. I like to play by myself, or against hubby. He likes to use the curve option, but I find that I do better by not using curves, but rather, with just a fast, straight shot, with my angle set just so,
and then going outside of the 'green' area for the aim. (If you've played golf games, you'll be right at home with the controls - only
don't click too late, or you WILL get a gutter ball!)
The sounds are realistic, and you can choose to replay your last shot from two different angles (which is always fun to do when you want to show someone that awesome shot you just made!) The graphics are excellent as well, making this game an *excellent* substitute for the real thing!
If you like bowling, then you would really enjoy this game - it gets a definite thumbs-up at our house, even though sometimes it seems like it just doesn't WANT you to ever get a 300 game! <g> I did score a 286 once, but 8 strikes in a row is something I doubt I'll be able to repeat for a LONG, LONG time....but don't think I won't keep trying! ;-)
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