Why isn't anyone talking about High Velocity Bowling?

daphatty

daphatty

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I just had the pleasure of spending a few days playing High Velocity Bowling at a friends house. I've always been a fan of the Ten Pin series and this version is no exception. The best part about High Velocity Bowling are the controls. It is amazing that a $10 game has the best use of the Sixaxis/DS3 motion control functions thus far. And holding the controller sideways is pure genius.

Seriously, I cannot stress just how good this game is. This is a guaranteed buy once I get my PS3 (hopefully the wifey is hooking me up for christmas. :D)

Edit: Corrected the title error. Not sure what I was thinking...
 
Yea.. I wasn't too interested in this game at first. Heard about the controls, and they sound pretty good (strangely). You think its a good game to play with friends? I need more of those 'pick up and play' games when friends are over. This seems like it could be a good one.
 
[quote name='dpatel']Yea.. I wasn't too interested in this game at first. Heard about the controls, and they sound pretty good (strangely). You think its a good game to play with friends? I need more of those 'pick up and play' games when friends are over. This seems like it could be a good one.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. It doesn't take long to figure out the controls. I was dropping strikes in no time. It helps to play the single player mode since you unlock better equipment that way. Having options for those times when you do play against your friends makes it that much more fun.

My buddy was pretty upset that I was kicking his ass even though he'd played the game a lot more than I had. It was very amusing. :lol:
 
I'm kinda interested in this game, but the price tag is holding me back. $10 is a bit too much, especially when Home is gonna have bowling which will essentially be free.
 
Why isn't anyone talking about High Impact Bowling?
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Probably because everyone is still caught up in that other motion-control bowling game...

153374710345629fc1791aets0.jpg
 
how do the controls work in the game? Need to hold the controller sideways and imitate a bowling swing? I saw a psn video where it showed that to put spin on it you need to press R2 or L2 or something... how is that incorporated into the sideways controller holding?
 
Isn't the game called High Velocity Bowling?

Anyway, I purchased the game on release. I was extremely skeptical on it and wasn't going to buy it. I heard some good impressions and a few early reviews were good, so I decided to purchase the game. Good thing I did because this is some of the most fun I ever had with a PSN game. It took me a game or two to figure it out, but once I did, it felt like real bowling in ways (such as I kept bowling my average when I bowled in a league a few years ago). Customized soundtracks is nice. I just wish there was online play and the leaderboards worked (they don't seem to update for me, but I might not be meeting the requirements, who knows. Better leaderboards would be nice).

As for how to play the game, which imascrub asks, you hold the SIXAXIS flat. You turn the controller on its side to choose the position of the bowler and the direction you want to aim the ball. To bowl, you hold the controller flat (with the palm of your hand under the controller). To release the ball, you do the normal follow through motion in bowling (to pull the ball back and then to release it). The power of the ball depends upon how much power you put on the swing (although not much power is needed to get up to full power). To spin the ball, you do use the R2 and L2 triggers with your fingers. It may seem complicated to explain and imagine, but it actually works really well. According to the developers themselves (I don't remember the exact wording), they considered using the SIXAXIS motion control itself to put spin on the ball, but they felt the triggers worked better.

Oh yeah, here was a quote from the P.J. Snavely at SCE San Diego Studios:
You’d be surprised at how comfortable it is to hold the controller for this game. Since we use the shoulder buttons, it promotes holding onto the controller. I’ve been one of the very few to throw a controller and that’s because I was being lazy and I caught an analog joystick in my pocket.
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Anyone who is into bowling, I'd highly recommend the game. Although I hate the idea of having to "buy" more characters at $0.99, but I think 8 is plenty (which come with the game) at the current price.

To give everyone a few warnings if they play the game:
-If you haven't worked out in a while, you might become really swore after you first play a few games (I'll admit my arm was really sore, but now it's no longer an issue).
-Be sure you are a distance away from a wall/shelf/etc. I ended up backing up near a shelf and when I swung back, I hit my hand really hard against the shelf and dropped the controller.
 
If I have wii sports, is it still worth getting this game? Even if I do get it, because I have Wii Sports, my buy threshold for this game is much lower than $10.99.
~S
 
[quote name='snowsquirrel']If I have wii sports, is it still worth getting this game? Even if I do get it, because I have Wii Sports, my buy threshold for this game is much lower than $10.99.
~S[/quote]

It's deeper than Wii Sports on a single-player level. There are different balls, characters, and outfits to unlock.

I'd definitely recommend it--it's the better of the two games.
 
I can't compare the game to Wii Bowling because I haven't played it (that will change in a few days.;) ). From what I gather from various forums and people I know who played both, it seems to be a 50/50 split between those who prefer Wii Bowling and those who prefer High Velocity Bowling. From my view, HVB is more realistic. It's a little hard to get into at first and you aren't going to bowl a good game too easily. Wii Bowling will feel more natural at first and is much easier to pick up and play initially (especially for those who don't play many video games). In some ways Wii Bowling may feel a little more realistic because you put the spin on the ball and you release it (by letting go of the trigger/button). But I hear (could be wrong) that the follow through motion isn't what it detects? I figure there are those who could explain the differences better, but from what I gather, they are both great.

Btw, I took some pictures of the game a while ago (when I was going to write impressions):
HVB2.jpg

Selecting a custom soundtrack.

HVB1.jpg
 
It looks really sweet. Next time at my friend's house I'm going to demand that we play it. I love games like this.
 
Another thing that I really like about this game is that it only requires 1 hand to play, leaving the other free for an adult beverage. This is also a great game to play with friends, I had some friends over a few nights ago who do not really play games and we had a phenomenal time. You can drink and play this game just like at the bowling alley. Also, my young nieces(8 and 10) caught on really quick and were beating me in no time. This was a great buy!!!!!!
 
[quote name='buddah8640']Another thing that I really like about this game is that it only requires 1 hand to play, leaving the other free for an adult beverage. This is also a great game to play with friends, I had some friends over a few nights ago who do not really play games and we had a phenomenal time. You can drink and play this game just like at the bowling alley. Also, my young nieces(8 and 10) caught on really quick and were beating me in no time. This was a great buy!!!!!![/quote]

All that, except less drink. :D
 
hell if they can get bowling to work... I know we could do a PS3 sports tennis... and omg how cool would it be, if the characters were from Little Big Planet. [insert: whistle LBP theme song] awwwwwwwwwwwww
 
Can multiple people play with one controller on this ala Wii Bowling. I am not buying another controller for a $10 game right now.
 
[quote name='Snake2715']Can multiple people play with one controller on this ala Wii Bowling. I am not buying another controller for a $10 game right now.[/quote]

Yup, you can all play on one controller.



On another note, tennis, golf, baseball, hell even ping pong would make great mini PSN games via sixaxis control.
 
I may look into this for $5, since Sony tends to put their DLC on sale...but I'm no longer paying $10 for a game that has no demo alongside it.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']I may look into this for $5, since Sony tends to put their DLC on sale...but I'm no longer paying $10 for a game that has no demo alongside it.[/QUOTE]

Agreed....we need DEMOS! Come on PSN. Although, I may cave eventually on this one....I just love Sony's DLC sales.
 
[quote name='doubledown']Agreed....we need DEMOS! Come on PSN. Although, I may cave eventually on this one....I just love Sony's DLC sales.[/QUOTE]I don't really want to get in any argument with people, but this thread I posted (Interview with Eric Lempel) explains why every game doesn't have a demo.
[quote name='StrandedBrit']Yup, you can all play on one controller.



On another note, tennis, golf, baseball, hell even ping pong would make great mini PSN games via sixaxis control.[/QUOTE]That's great to hear. I have two controllers, but would maybe want to try 4 one day.

I honestly couldn't imagine the majority of those working. MLB 2k7 used the SIXAXIS for batting (which is a hit or miss IMO). It could be cool if there was a boxing game using two SIXAXIS controllers, lol.
 
[quote name='The Mana Knight']I don't really want to get in any argument with people, but this thread I posted (Interview with Eric Lempel) explains why every game doesn't have a demo.[/QUOTE]

That's well and good and dandy - but they're losing sales by not offering demos. At the very bloody least, the first-party PSN games should have demos. Put 'em off for a few weeks if you need to develop them. I have patience. Otherwise, I'll wait for a sale, if at all.

It's fine that they're "open" (though I can't believe you can't see how he's hemming and hawing and not giving a real answer to the question being asked), but there are repercussions for it. Me not buying High Whatever Bowling is one of those.
 
hmm for some reason I was imagining that you had to hold the controller sideways in the palm of your hand, but I just tried holding it the regular way, but in one palm, and it really does feel surprisingly comfortable. For the size of my hand, the angles where the controller comes up for the triggers and the right grip are fit quite snugly in my hand. I do kind of wish that they would have made the ball hook by the motion of your hand instead of the triggers, since I've always wanted to simulate that motion in a real bowling alley but could never pull off. With all hands gripping the controller (instead of index/pinky finger on the trigger for spinning), it feels considerably more secure as well for me. Perhaps they could add an option to either use the triggers or hook the ball with your hand in a patch?

Like mykevermin said I'll probably wait till this hits around $5 on the PSN since they seem to have their titles on sale every now and then. I just took a beginning bowling class this past semester so I'm still in the bowling mood. I want a chance to pseudo-make up for my poor performance on the last day of class lol. (during the class the highest I got was 132, last day of class I bowled an 80 :( During the middle of the semester I was able to bowl just over 100 consistently, but gradually I kept getting lower and lower...I dunno what was up :( )
 
I've played both the Wii sports version of Bowling and HVB. HVB is far superior in terms of controls and gameplay options although I think a comparison is somewhat unfair since Wii sports, IMO, was meant to appeal to a broader audience.

At any rate, I understand why some would want to wait for a price drop but you really are getting your money's worth with HVB. This is on my must buy list, hopefully the wifey will hook me up. :D
 
I just got to thinking, High Velocity Bowling could easily be turned into a full retail game in the future at $40-$60.

Well, I was thinking that the game could have 20+ Bowling Alleys. Having 20+ characters would be good along with being able to create your own (also make the characters more realistic). Have tons and tons of unlockables (like bowling shoes, bowling balls, characters, bowling shirts, etc.). The game can have tons of tournaments, leagues, etc. It could be like a Virtua Tennis where you build up the character you created. Oh yeah, definitely have some Cosmic Bowling.

Along with a deep single player, it could have an expansive online with lots of leaderboards, online play, online bowling leagues (where you can even pre-bowl if you can't be there with your team. Also, setting your own average and have handicaps into affect), online tournaments, and so on. We could join a default league (with teams of 4-6 players or something), or just create our own league (like create a password protected CAG league, say we have to bowl by Saturday, 10pm EST, and have a CAG ranking). Seriously, there's just so much that could be in it.

Seriously, I think it could be a Hot Shots Golf, Virtua Tennis, etc. type game easily on retail, with a lot of content and such.
 
I bought it and played a round with glass joe... lol with a game like this its all about gameplay... I have to admit it delivered quite well.
 
I just played and got a 518 series. I finally bowled my first 200 (a 204). I was making splits and everything. This game is too addicting. I was upset during that game because the open frame I had was an easy setup (just missed one pin).
 
It's fun! We have been playing it non stop. My wife is happy and i don't have to shell out 300 bucks to play wii bowling. :)
 
we got bowling... if we can get a tennis game.. I won't even need a wii. oh would be nice if we could use two controllers for boxing! or one for a fencing game.
 
Damn, I just read about this today so I definately will pick this up later on today because I love bowling. Might not play this that much because I also picked up Devil May Cry 4 today.
 
I've heard nothing but good things about this game. However, I think I will wait for an online mode to show up before doing it. I was told that online would be coming in the next game update, but from what I'm hearing it didn't come in that 1.10 update.
 
[quote name='cartman58']I've heard nothing but good things about this game. However, I think I will wait for an online mode to show up before doing it. I was told that online would be coming in the next game update, but from what I'm hearing it didn't come in that 1.10 update.[/quote]

Really? That sounds cool. These kind of games are best when you are playing with someone so if they get it online, I might have to look into it too.
 
I picked it up the other day thinking it would be fun for non-gamers when they come over. It is. Online play would be great too. Well worth the $10.
 
Hey I just got this the other day and it's a lot of fun.. Been bowling as Joe, since his style is like mine is IRL (doesn't hook at all, bowls straight, and decent power). Even after playing a few rounds, my scores are about the same as the are IRL. :)

I have a few questions. On the strength meter on the top, when happens if it goes over the line and goes red? I've gotten that a few times, and it didn't seem to make much of a difference, unless it has to do something if you hook a lot.

On the Challenges, I'm stuck on level 3 (I think) of the trick shot part, where you have to hit the middle pin that's directly behind the traffic cone. I seriously CANNOT hit that pin. And I think it's because I'm a line bowler. Any tips for bowing with a hook? Where would you start and aim on the lane markers?
 
I gotta say having bought the game for 10 bucks I was sort of under impressed. I like being able to play the cagcast when im doing a quick set though.
 
The game is getting an online play update:
Hello everyone! Team RamRod here, the developers of High Velocity Bowling. Today we break our long silence with an equally long blog post.

To give you some background on the HVB development team, we are a small team who works on several projects. As some of you know, Big Ern has left our neck of the woods (we still miss him). But, the team has since picked up the reins and is now leading a new charge for HVB.

A lot of you have been asking about HVB, and we are here to deliver great news. We are pleased to announce that we putting the finishing touches on a new update for HVB, which will hit the PlayStation Network TOMORROW! Excited? Well, the best part of this is that the new update – all new features included – is FREE! For our brothers and sisters in the north, that means FREE for you, too.

Online_Mike_Setup_1 Online_InGame_Joe_Celebrates_1
HEAD-TO-HEAD ONLINE PLAY! VOICE CHAT COMMUNICATION! WEEKLY ONLINE LEADERBOARDS!

MainMenu_Online

We can hear you now … “Wait, what? Really? I get online play in the update? Will it support my Playstation Friends List?” YES to all of the above. You will now be able to play with your friends online AND be able to chat with them using a PS3 headset or microphone. Feel free to chat and talk smack after comparing your stats and rankings on the online leaderboards that will be updated weekly.
PSN TROPHIES!

HVB_trophies HVB_trophies2

Yup! PSN Trophies – 12 new shiny and purty trophies (7 bronze, 4 silver and 1 gold trophy). The only way to earn these is to play online (fortunately, we added that too, ‘cause we’re awesome!). If you’re worried you don’t have the skills, don’t stress — if you’re persistent enough, you will still be able to earn most, if not all, of these as well. Here’s the list:

BRONZE:

* Score 180 or higher in an online game.
* Achieve an online rating of 1600 or more.
* Knock down a total of 500 pins in online games.
* Get 10 strikes in online games.
* Get 15 spares in online games.
* Win an online game.
* Play 3 online games.

SILVER:

* Score 250 or higher in an online game.
* Knock down a total of 5000 pins in online games.
* Get 25 wins in online games.
* Get 75 strikes in online games.

GOLD:

* Get 150 strikes in online games.
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http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/10/15/major-update-to-high-velocity-bowling/#more-2692

Very awesome news indeed. :D I prefer it over Wii Bowling, so this will be great.
 
PLAYLISTS WITH IMPROVED AUDIO!


You can access the XMB while in-game for your own custom soundtracks, with support for playlists. We had custom music before, but were not able to incorporate playlists. Now with the new XMB custom music feature, you can bowl while listening to a mix of Beethoven, Frank Zappa, Britney Spears, Weird Al Yankovic, Gregorian Chants and Nirvana! And with the improved audio options, you’ll be able to crank up your tunes, character voices, and ambient sounds, OR turn them off altogether!

MORE TRICK SHOTS!

That’s right, we’ve included a section on the menu to start posting additional trick shot challenges. You’ll be given two new challenges with your update, and additional trick shots will be created for download in the future. These challenges will not only help you earn patches that you missed out on during your normal gameplay, but get you more stars for the leaderboards!

NEW BALL BAGS!

We’ve added a new and more realistic Ball Bag system in HVB. You can only bring four balls with you onto the lane in each bag, so you’ll have to choose wisely. You can name and save up to 24 different ball bags so you don’t have to individually choose four balls every time that you want to play. Be sure to mix and match so that there are some good hooking balls and some good straight rollers in your bag. This way, you’ll be prepared for any oil pattern or pin leave!

ALLEY SELECTION!



You can now choose which lane to play on (as long as you’re not in a tournament). This means that you can play in Spider’s Garage, Tiffany’s Toybox, the Zen Garden, or wherever you want!

NEW ADD-ON CONTENT



We are going to continue to provide new content for HVB. This content will include more sinister Trick Shots, more wacky characters, cool bowling balls and quirkier costumes.

Anxious to get your game on and strike it up? These exciting new features for HVB will truly make your bowling experience fun. We made the extra efforts to make sure we delivered a lot of fun into a whole lot of FREE for our devoted fans! Please make sure you continue to check back here for future updates on HVB. You’ve all waited so patiently for more – we’ll be sure to make it worth your wait!

Until next time!

Team RamRod
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The rest of that blog post.
 
Damn! I had forgotten I bought this game. My son must have deleted it. Time to download and start playing it again, albeit I suck at it.
 
Patch is up now. If you're not playing with friends, you go into alleys and can challenge people to play or chat with them. You get 5 minutes total to get all of your shots in from what I've played of the online play.

Edit: It may just be me, but the servers seem to be rather poor for me, as I've dropped every game/challenge I've received.
 
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I played this game online with a random person. I was so shocked I won with a 164 score. Tons of fun, can't wait to play again with my CAG buddies. I gained two trophies so far.

Someone gave me a challenge and it worked.
 
I bought this game when it was on sale for $4.99 and I hadn't touched it since but today I updated it with the trophy patch and played for the first time online. I'm not a huge fan of the sixaxis controls but the experience Is not that bad actually and I got a trophy for the win but my hand started hurting probably because I played Dead Space for so many hours but I'll definitely play it again, most likely with some friends.
 
Played one round online today after downloading the trophy patch. Got the 1 win trophy and the ranked over 1600 trophy from the first game. Only managed 3 strikes for the game though.

Online experience went pretty smooth though. Easy to find a game and didn't have any noticeable lag.
 
wow... I didn't know this game even had an online mode... I had been playing games by myself recently even before the patch. Hell its like I got a new game all of a sudden.
 
Did anyone play online once and the other person quit? I had one game where I did really well getting 4 strikes in a row and a spare (first 5 frames), but then the other person quit since he kept leaving every frame open. I'm angry because that ruined my chances of getting the 180 or above trophy. I highly dislike quitters.
 
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