Cave Bowling Review

By , on January 20, 2011


Cave Bowling
  • Publisher: Donut Games
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Released: 18 Jan, 2011
  • Size: 8.7 MB
  • Price: $0.99
Download on the AppStore
4 out of 5

PROS

  • Fine-level of control over angle and power.
  • Remembers 'best' shot settings.
  • Simple amusing cartoonish visuals.

CONS

  • No alternative modes; limited replay value.

VERDICT

Not every Donut Games title is a winner, but small details in Cave Bowling show some growth and understanding of the mobile gaming audience.


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After a while it's almost comforting to play a game by Donut Games, if only because you know almost exactly what you're getting in to before you even load the game. After loading up Cave Bowling I'm greeted by the same menus, the same options and the same 3-star system common to just about every one of their games, but once you get in to the game it's clear to see that Donut Games are learning some new tricks.

Cave Bowling is all about smashing a ball across the screen after setting an angle and power with the intent of knocking over all the pins scattered around the level. At first this is easy enough, but later levels introduce hazards that can help or hinder your progress (e.g., bouncing turtle shells, rotating boards, etc.) and spectators that cause you to lose points if you hit them with a pin or bowling ball.

What makes Cave Bowling so great is the absolute level of finesse you have over the controls, with smooth analogue increments on the angle and a clear arrow to indicate your power while swiping down the bottom as well. Furthermore, resetting the level or loading it up later will automatically load your 'best' settings, giving you a chance to hit those 3-star scores with a modicum of patience.

While some may feel this makes the game too easy, it's a genuinely clever way to encourage people to go back to levels they may have considered especially difficult. Unfortunately the lack of any tie-in with a major social network makes continual replays unlikely.

Cave Bowling is a wonderfully addictive puzzler and definitely worth checking out, just don't expect to compete against your friends.

Screenshots

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