Strike Force Bowling

No game can accurately re-create the visceral thrill of hurling a ball down a slippery lane or hope to pack in the immutable ambiance of greasy fries and rank rented shoes. So really, the best experience a bowling sim can aspire to deliver is a wacky, larger-than-life one.

Strike Force Bowling appears to wisely head down that zany path, what with its googly-eyed skeletons rolling pumpkins down pirate-ship-themed lanes. Sadly, though, playing the game (even at its bargain price and with all its wackiness intact) defines��and then deftly redefines��mundane. Tossing the ball plays out a lot like playing video golf��you line up an arrow, successfully stop accuracy and power gauges, and let that mother scratcher rip. Choosing the right ball and applying spin add a modicum of strategy, but it��s still pretty damned easy for you (and your CPU opponents) to toss strikes time and time again. Luckily, multiple game types add some much-needed variety: skins play, challenge, and golf modes exhaust all possibilities for ball-pin interaction.

Publisher: Crave

Developer: Lab Rats

Players: 1-4

Live: No

MSRP: $19.99

ESRB: E

5 Out of 10

Copyright © 2005 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Xbox Nation.