High Velocity Bowling

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Dec 6, 2007
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Game Chronicles
    90
    High Velocity Bowling has rolled its way into the first place slot for bowling games across all systems. It offers the best "feel" of any motion-controlled bowling game out there, and with next-gen visuals and sound, you can't help but feel you are really bowling in these exotic private lanes.
  2. Gaming Age
    83
    A fun little bowling title with a nice amount of "game" and an attractive price. Really, all it's missing is online play, and I guess there's always the possibility of patching that feature in later on.
  3. NZGamer
    79
    It probably isn't the game you'll play hours on end, but you'll find yourself coming back to it over and over again.
  5. IGN
    75
    Though High Velocity Bowling is a little short on overall content (and no, offering to let us buy more characters isn't really what we had in mind), it's a fun little game to fire up and play with friends.
  6. TotalPlayStation
    75
    High Velocity Bowling is far, far better than you'd think it initially seems. I've little doubt that this review will probably be one of the highest-rated of the bunch on most aggregate sites, but I honestly think it's a simple matter of going into the game with an open mind.
  7. PSM3 Magazine UK
    72
    Looks brilliant for a downloadable game and there's tons to unlock too. [Mar 2008, p.80]
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  8. GameZone
    68
    The idea is there and the graphical quality is solid, but the game misses on the setup to bowling the ball. Fix that and this download will be a decent diversion.
  9. Eurogamer
    60
    But it also makes you wonder why the game uses motion sensing at all, since all you're really doing during the swing itself is setting the power of your shot. If you can live with that then it's a decent bowling game with plenty to unlock, as well as trick shots and other fun frills.
  10. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    60
    A lot of fun if you've got mates round and fancy something light-hearted as a warm-up to your next Singstar/Rock Band/Guitar Hero III sesh. [Mar 2008, p.112]
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  11. Gamer.nl
    60
    It's unlucky that Nintendo already achieved the same results with Wii Sports Bowling. High Velocity Bowling is mainly the same. Throwing a ball with the Playstation controller simply isn't as smooth as the Wiimote. It's not that the game is unplayable. You just have to get used to the controls.
  12. 1UP
    58
    If only HVB wasn't so difficult and limiting at the start; being stuck with below-average bowlers using below-average bowling balls while trying to navigate oil patterns and control ball-spin is more than enough to dissuade anyone looking to simply, well, bowl.
  13. Games Master UK
    54
    Intelligent Sixaxis use and fine characters make this a strike. [Mar 2008, p.84]
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  14. VideoGamer
    50
    A game that simply isn't that much fun to play. Had we not been treated to Wii Sports then the controls on offer here would no doubt have seemed far more impressive, and the truth is that the Wii game destroys Sony's attempt. Sony's PSN is full of high quality releases, but High Velocity Bowling isn't one of them.
  15. Play UK
    50
    A waste of time once you've mastered the strike technique. [Issue#163, p.86]
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Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Best PS3 Game of 2007
51
#51 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
34
#34 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. the_blueprint
    Dec 17, 2013
    8
    I've played this a lot! It just works so well with the sixaxis. And it's really fun to be able to feel like I can actually throw a curveball.I've played this a lot! It just works so well with the sixaxis. And it's really fun to be able to feel like I can actually throw a curveball. It's really fun to play with friends too.
    Downside is that to unlock everything you have to complete the career mode and challenges. The ending was too difficult and it also made me a lot better then my friends and so I always won every game. Which broke the game for us and we didn't play it again. I did have a lot of fun though.    … Full Review »
  2. Jobadkins
    Dec 4, 2010
    10
    What a fun game!I loved playing the wii bowling but after playing this game,there is no bowling game that even comes close to the physics,theWhat a fun game!I loved playing the wii bowling but after playing this game,there is no bowling game that even comes close to the physics,the feel,the fun.This is what I'm talking about,games like this are always best with another player but when you can play a game like this by yourself and have tons of fun then you know it's a well made great game.I recommend this to anyone wanting fun,real bowling that doesn't want to go out to the bowling alley cause this is as close as you can get.… Full Review »
  3. JayK.
    May 10, 2008
    10
    This is the best £5 I have ever spent. It is so addictive and there is so much to do for the money. There is a lot to unlock and This is the best £5 I have ever spent. It is so addictive and there is so much to do for the money. There is a lot to unlock and it's quite challenging. The different characters are all creepy but weirdly likable. The controls are genius and are easily better than the Wii sports bowling game. Lastly, it is a great multiplayer game and you will find yourself becoming very serious and competitive.… Full Review »
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