Did you know that bowling was an ancient Egyptian game? Wall drawings depicting pins and balls as well as artifacts were found in an Egyptian child’s grave dated back to 3200 BC.
In the following centuries, gaming enthusiasts updated the game until now, where bowling is played in five different variations: Ten-pin Bowling, Nine-pin Bowling, Duckpin Bowling, Candlepin Bowling, and Five-pin Bowling.
Generally, ten-pin bowling is the most commonly played around the world, but others are also being practiced. In the virtual world, bowling video games use ten-pin bowling, while some games offer options to play these other variations.
So, let’s take a look at seven of the best bowling video games that’ll have you absolutely hooked.
7 Best Bowling Video Games
Bowling is a target sport that has been around for centuries. So it should come as no surprise that it found its way into the realms of the virtual world.
Though the thrill of rolling down a big, heavy ball and the satisfaction of striking more pins than your opponent cannot be replicated, video games come very close.
Moreover, you get to play it in the comfort of your own home without the need to rent shoes or carry heavy bowling balls.
In this article, you’ll find seven of the best bowling video games that’ll have you completely captivated, whether you play it individually or with other players.
1. Brunswick Pro Bowling
This game has a quick-play mode, a career mode, and a multiplayer mode. The quick-play mode allows players to compete against four other unknown players.
The career mode, as the name suggests, is where players can start from an amateur position and work their way up to the professionals.
The multiplayer mode is where you can play with your friends or family as your opponents (which also allows up to four players).
This game is popular for its realistic graphics and great intuitive controls. It also allows character customization and a tilt sensor to mimic a real swing.
2. Wii Sports
Published by Nintendo, Wii Sports consists of five sports simulations: tennis, baseball, golf, boxing, and bowling. It comes with consoles or Wii remote, which made it the popular choice for gamers as it was easily accessible, simple to use, and fun to play.
The rules are the same, you can compete with up to three components, and all you have to do is swing the remote to throw the ball. With Wii Sports Bowling, all you have to do is press the button “B” and release it to throw in your chosen direction.
Not only does this idea make you feel like you’re really playing the game, but you also get to move around and have a good workout.
3. Premium Bowling
As the name suggests, if you want a premium experience, play the premium bowling video game.
Premium bowling video games have their own VR headset that makes it seem like you’re actually there playing the sport. It also has a multiplayer option where you can compete with real-time online opponents from around the world and join leagues.
This game is a sophisticated simulation where there are no power-ups or modifiers. But you can choose your own ambiance, oil patterns, and customized bowling balls, allowing you to add a personal touch to the game.
4. Tekken 7: Ultimate Tekken Bowl
While Tekken 7 is a popular fighting game, Tekken Bowl is on a whole other level. The most iconic minigame, Ultimate Tekken Bowl is quite similar to other bowling video games (in terms of rules).
The only difference is that apart from men and women characters, there are aliens, cyborgs, and demons capable of prolific violence.
The control spins, direction and power thrust are all the same, however, if you apply too much power, your character will be launched headfirst down the lane. It’s a fun and silly spectacle mode, but Tekken 7: Ultimate Tekken Bowl deserves applause.
5. Yakuza 0 (Mach Bowl)
The Yakuza series is filled with minigames and additional content, and when featured, the bowling minigame is frequently played on the list.
All the rules and controls are the same as other bowling video games, but Yakuza 0 (Mach Bowl) lets you choose the weight of the ball, too.
The most interesting fact about this game is that there is an in-game challenge where you can score a turkey.
Doing so helps you unlock a rooster named Nugget, who can help you manage your real estate business! It’s all relative but, oddly enough, very enjoyable.
Tip: Play a 10-set game to increase your chances of winning the turkey!
6. Date Night Bowling
Yes, the name says it all! You get to choose your own character and also your date from a list of ten characters. It’s all bowling, except you’ll have content of dialogues and activities that’ll spice up your evening with your date, making it a good experience.
You’ll also get to play minigames in between your bowling, which would increase your chemistry with your date. Sounds fun, right?
7. PBA Pro Bowling 2021
PBA Pro Bowling 2021 is the ultimate bowling video game for bowling enthusiasts. It’s everything that you’d expect in a bowling video game to be, and also has a career mode to experience the life of a pro bowler.
PBA is played with two control systems: simulation and arcade. Simulation is what you’d expect; that is, the player can control the spin and how much power to exert before launching the ball.
Whereas in arcade bowling video games it allows players to control the ball as it travels down the lane. It also gives you an added advantage against your opponents to use power-ups. The only downside of this game is that it’s micro-transactional.
In a Nutshell
Bowling video games have come a long way from their inception, and now there are so many different varieties that it’s difficult to choose just one.
Whether for entertainment, social interaction, or just to develop your skills, this classic sports game will provide you with a fun way to pass your time. You also get a good workout flexing your hands and fingers.
So, call up your friends or family, lace up your virtual bowling shoes, and enter the vibrant world of bowling video games. Win prizes and rewards, and become a pro at the field of bowling, virtually, of course!