Overall, despite the seemingly well-suited control scheme, the Wii version somehow manages to serve up the least enjoyable action of the three available versions. As a simulation game, Brunswick Pro Bowling aims to incorporate the myriad factors and miniscule variables that make the difference between a good roll and a great roll. Lane oil patterns, bowler arm strength, fatigue, hook, and power are all incorporated into the action. Regrettably, the Wii controls do not allow for the type of precision necessary to take all these factors into account, and this creates a margin of error that will frustrate even the steadiest hands. You can still manage to bowl a reasonably consistent game, but the intermittent inaccuracy is bound to ruin at least a few of your rolls--and if you're aiming for scores above 200, a few ruined rolls is a ruined game.
The overall presentation sticks with the lackluster theme, offering predictably styled colorful clothing to outfit your bland characters while they bowl in a bland alley. The one visual bright spot is the animated roll of the ball down the lane and the crash of the pins, which, being the focal point of bowling, is crafted lovingly. The music loops through a few pastiches of different music genres that, while fairly innocuous, does nothing to enhance the experience. Also, for some reason, the Wii version costs $40, which is $25 more than the PS2 version at retail. Just one more reason not to go with this version.
On the whole, Brunswick Pro Bowling presents a fair facsimile of professional bowling, which itself is pretty unexciting. If you take umbrage at that assertion and actually enjoy watching the PBA on ESPN, then Brunswick Pro Bowling offers the kind of bowling sim you'd likely enjoy. If, on the other hand, the only pro bowlers you can name are The Dude, Walter Sobchak, and a guy who calls himself "The Jesus," you'd best leave this one alone.
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