Brunswick Pro Bowling: Wii Controls Guide

Brunswick Pro Bowling is a video game developed by Point of View, Inc. and published by Crave Entertainment. The game was released for the Wii in 2007 and features a variety of game modes, including a career mode where players can work their way up from amateur to professional, as well as a multiplayer mode for up to four players. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising the realistic physics while others criticised the controls.

Mastering the controls

Understanding the Basics

The game uses the Wii's tilt sensor to simulate a real bowling swing. To initiate the bowling action, hold down the B button and swing the Wii Remote in a bowling motion. This involves swinging the remote up, forward, back, and then forward again before releasing the button. The speed of your swing will impact the ball's hook, so a faster swing will result in a more pronounced hook.

Mastering the Technique

The key to mastering the controls lies in understanding the impact of your movements on the ball's trajectory. The game takes into account factors such as momentum and spin, so it's important to experiment with different swing speeds and angles to observe how they affect your shot.

When pulling and pushing the left stick, a sharper angle will result in a stronger spin. Additionally, the game allows you to angle your push, which will cause the ball to spin in that direction. For example, if you push the stick to the left, the ball will spin to the left.

Customising Your Character

Brunswick Pro Bowling allows you to customise your character's appearance and accessories, although these choices don't seem to impact gameplay. However, you can also unlock and purchase additional equipment and apparel, which will enhance your character's attributes, such as power and accuracy.

Special Bowling Balls

In addition to standard bowling balls, the game features special balls with unique abilities. For example, the Ying-Yang ball splits into two, making it easier to pick up splits, while the remote-controlled grenade ball explodes on command. These balls can be purchased in the in-game shop and can give you an advantage in certain situations.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any game, the best way to master the controls is to practice. Experiment with different swing speeds and angles to find what works best for you. Keep in mind that the controls are designed to be simplistic, so don't expect a high level of complexity. With time and patience, you'll be able to consistently recreate the controller stick movements that guarantee a strike.

Customising your character

Choosing Your Character's Appearance

The first step in customising your character is to choose their appearance. You can select from a variety of different character models, each with their own unique look and style. Consider what type of character you want to play as and choose an appearance that reflects your personality or the image you want to portray.

Selecting Your Character's Outfit

Once you've chosen your character's appearance, it's time to select their outfit. Brunswick Pro Bowling offers a range of clothing options, including shirts, trousers, and shoes. You can mix and match different items to create a unique look for your character. Choose from a variety of colours and styles to really make your character stand out on the bowling lane!

Accessorising Your Character

In addition to clothing, you can also accessorise your character with items such as hats, glasses, and jewellery. These accessories not only add to the visual appeal of your character but can also provide in-game benefits. For example, certain accessories may improve your character's performance or give you an advantage during gameplay.

Upgrading Your Character's Equipment

As you progress through the game, you'll be able to unlock or purchase upgraded equipment for your character. This includes bowling balls, bags, and even custom-drilled fingers inserts. These upgrades can improve your character's performance, making it easier to bowl strikes and pick up spares. Keep an eye out for special Brunswick-branded products, as these often provide the best performance enhancements.

Not only can you upgrade your bowling ball for performance, but you can also customise its appearance. Choose from a variety of colours, patterns, and designs to make your ball stand out on the lane. You can even add your character's name or a personal message to the ball, truly making it your own.

Remember, customising your character in Brunswick Pro Bowling is all about expressing your creativity and having fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with different looks and styles until you find the perfect combination that suits your character and gameplay experience.

Unlocking content

As players progress through Career Mode, they will be able to unlock:

• Realistic physics and real-time changing lane conditions to master during matches.
• A variety of authentic Brunswick bowling products to enhance their character's performance, including shirts, shoes, wrist guards, and 44 types of bowling balls.
• Different environments to bowl in, with 10 unique settings to choose from, featuring colourful and detailed alleys with realistic styles and themes, dynamic lighting, normal maps, spec maps, and real-time shadows for impressive lighting and effects.
• Special bowling balls with unique powers, such as the Blast Ball, which almost always guarantees a strike, and the Splitter, which splits into two balls to pick up difficult splits.

Playing in career mode

In 'Brunswick Pro Bowling' for the Wii, players can work their way up from an amateur to a professional bowler in Career Mode. This mode sees players competing in a year's worth of bowling tournaments, with the action taking place in ten authentic bowling centres modelled after real Brunswick locations. Players can also face off against rivals who will challenge them throughout their careers.

In Career Mode, players can gain experience points, earn cash to purchase new equipment and clothes, and improve their character's arm strength, accuracy, hook control and stamina. Players can also buy better balls, with the more expensive ones offering the best hook percentage, breakpoint shape and flare potential. Wrist guards can also be purchased to improve the player's hook, and players can also beef up their character's wardrobe, sporting items such as fancy shades, hats or pants, which will improve their reputation and throw off their opponents' concentration in the heat of battle.

The game features realistic, real-time changing lane conditions that players must master during the course of a match. Players can press 2 on the Wiimote to see which parts of the lane are slick with fresh oil and which have more friction and are therefore slower. These patterns start simple but get more elaborate and difficult as the player progresses.

Playing in multiplayer mode

Brunswick Pro Bowling allows up to four players to face off in its multiplayer mode. The game is highly customizable, allowing players to choose their character's appearance, accessories, and ball styles.

The game features a realistic physics engine that simulates real-time changing lane conditions, and accounts for momentum and spin. Players can also unlock additional content, including a variety of Brunswick balls, bowling centers, equipment, and apparel.

The multiplayer mode is not very good, according to some reviews. The gameplay mechanics are described as "shonky", with players reporting that it is challenging to connect their moves with those on the screen, and the results are inconsistent. The game is also too complex for a party game, and it is not rewarding or consistent enough to be a good sports simulation.

Frequently asked questions