Fast Lanes Bowling 1

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

In both conventional and wacky environments, eight male and female characters go for strikes, turkeys, and tough splits in this 3D bowling game with a blend of arcade and simulation features. With quality graphics and a feisty attitude, Fast Lanes Bowling teases us with the idea of a high-quality PC bowling game, but its simplistic gameplay ultimately leaves us unsatisfied.

The Fast Lanes demo lets you play one female character for three frames in Open Play mode against a CPU opponent in two locations, a regular bowling alley or a pirate ship. Other variations of play in the full game include Skins, Tournament, Golf, Practice, and Challenge modes. Before launching the ball at the pins, players must position their bowler, the intended path of the ball, and the spin of the ball. The actual bowling works much like many golf games: Players must gauge two meters, power, and accuracy. Left-clicking or hitting the spacebar starts the meters, then players must click or hit the spacebar again for the desired power and accuracy. Although anyone can pick up the game quickly, the low learning curve doesn't leave much room for replayability. High polygon counts result in detailed graphics and colorful locations, but characters don't move as smoothly as they appear, resulting in lifelike figures moving choppily. Though the game is a welcome addition to a neglected genre, the end result suggests unrealized potential.

Publisher's description

From Enlight Software :

Fast Lanes Bowling features an advanced bowling physics model that gives players real-time control of their strength, accuracy, position, and spin each time they bowl. With 12 day and night fantasy environments--such as ancient Egypt, a tropical island, or a pirate ship--players will never have to settle for an average bowling alley experience again.

Try out one of four female characters in two of the 12 settings (the bowling alley and the pirate ship). The demo is limited to the Open Play mode and will end after three full frames have been played.

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