Now I know what you may be thinking, why are you reviewing a game that is a year old? The question to this is simple: It is a very different game to the one that was launched on the 6^th May 2008. Team RamRod, the developers of High Velocity Bowling have added a ton of new features via a downloadable patch. Although this patch is catered towards the online aspect, it is a welcomed addition.

First and foremost in what is a similar trend these days is that they added Trophies to the game. Although these trophies are only for use in online play they are quite challenging and rewarding as you try and get the silver and gold for knocking down 5000 pins and 150 strikes respectively. Trust me I nearly there in getting them!!! Another neat feature is that they have added custom soundtracks and playlists which are great as nothing beats getting a strike while rocking out to Back in Black to Sweet Child O Mine seamlessly without going out to the XMB. Also included are more trick shots and new alleys. As of writing Team RamRod are continuing to offer premium DLC in the form of extra characters. There are also extra bowling balls that you can download as well. The characters on offer are quirky characters which range from a vertically challenge bowler from East LA which resembles Verne Troyer to a Goth from Washington DC to a wannabe gangster from South Bronx. All in all an interesting selection to keep the game fresh. There is also an improved online mode where you can track your friends on your friends list and voice chat is also supported in the game.

Apart from the beefy online mode, there is also a single player mode. This is called the Challenge Mode. Challenges are divided into levels and there are specific tasks you must pass in each level to progress. Some range from simply beating another bowler to winning a tournament to performing trick shots. If you pass each task you will either unlock a bowler or a ball which you can use in online or offline play.

The gameplay is very similar to the bowling in Wii Sports but I feel it is more rewarding as it is not dumbed down like Wii Bowling. You simply use the SixAxis Motion Control to pick where you like to aim the ball and then you can manipulate to spin by holding L2 or R2 for left and right spin. Apart from Flower and Heavenly Sword, this is one of the best uses for the Motion Control. At first it may seem a bit tricky but you will soon very quickly master the aim and be getting the strikes or spares in no time! There is also support for up to 4 player’s offline which seems very rare these days as there is more of a push for online play. It is also worth mentioning that can use 1 controller for 4 players in case you don’t have four controllers.

The graphics are very sharp yet simple. There are no framerate issues and it all runs in 1080p. It is one of the better looking games available on the PlayStation Store.

At first when this came out I wouldn’t have recommended it as it was just short of some features but with the new patch it is a must buy and one of the best, if the not the best purchase on the PlayStation Store. Did I mention it costs only €7.99! A Bowling game that so good you don’t have to put on you bowling shoes. Get this and I will see you in the alley!