Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation
by Amanda Nettgen
(USA)
Quick verdict
Game:
Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation
Download it from:
GameHouse (FULL FREE version when you open a FREE trial Fun Tickets account!
Footprint score:
4/5
It’s time to torture Santa’s minions because the jolly guy didn’t bring you what you wanted for Christmas as a kid. Elf Bowling has been around almost as long as the Internet, and this version serves up fun in the sun.
What’s it about?
You begin by selecting a comically cute ball and avatar to represent you. Hitting Bowl will bring up the options for Story Mode, Single Player quick play, Multiplayer versus a friend, or VS Computer.
In Story Mode you must beat opponents of varying difficulty in a bunch of games of bowling to unlock all of the worlds available in the game (there are three total). The controls are simple and entail moving your mouse from side to side at the starting position, then launching it with your desired power and steering as you go.
Throughout your turn, the elves will consistently crack jokes, give insults, and make pop culture references (they’ll even fart!). They’re actually what you’re trying to knock down instead of pins, and they definitely have a thing or two to say about this in their body language.
A power up coin or three can be found laid out in the lanes, and you must roll into one to obtain it. These bonuses prove to be very useful when it comes to either hindering
your rival, or boosting your own performance for a more guaranteed strike. There are a myriad of them on the positive side including a bouncy ball, a boxing gloves attachment, and a rocket that basically guarantees hitting all ten elves.
The goals of the game include completing the story, finishing single-player career (a whole new bowl game), and attempting to earn all of the trophies. You do this amongst pretty graphics and with plenty of humor to keep you company.
Pros and cons
+ It’s a surprisingly enjoyable and entertaining strategy game.
+ In Single Player mode, you go for increasingly higher scores in a level to unlock new bowling balls. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed trading off as we tried to go for the 200, then 250, and even 300 point balls.
- People who have played previous takes of Elf Bowling may not be impressed. Newbies, however, should eat it right up.
The verdict
If you want a lighthearted virtual venture that still provides some strategy, Elf Bowling: Hawaiian Vacation delivers. It’s also a great join effort.