Action Bowling 2 Review

Action Bowling 2 is a worthy attempt at making a bowling game for the iPhone that emulates the actual sport. It tries to be just like the real thing, but in the end it is much easier. However, the redeeming features of this game are its addictingly predictable gameplay and support for two types of multiplayer.

The biggest problem with Action Bowling 2 is that there isn’t a precise way to control the amount of spin on the ball. When the ball is flicked diagonally, it always starts spinning towards the center. The amount of spin depends on the angle the ball is bowled and is very predictable. This predictably makes it easy to systematically rack up high scores. Evidently, I was much better at Action Bowling 2 than bowling in real-life because of the automatic spin, but also because sending the ball in a straight line is as easy as swiping in a straight line.

Action Bowling 2’s standout feature is its support of two types of multiplayer. It has an online multiplayer and a pass-and-play multiplayer, which is a great fit for a bowling game. Considering players alternate in bowling, pass-and-play is ideally suited for two players sharing one device.

Like so many other free games, changing the look of either the ball or the lane costs coins, which can be purchased with real money or earned by playing. I’m glad that no essential parts of the actual gameplay are locked behind a pay wall and that purchases are purely cosmetic, but the price on most items is high.

Perhaps bowling isn’t the ideal sport to be made into an iOS game – at least I don’t think so – but Action Bowling 2 makes a worthy attempt at bringing bowling to the iPhone. The two types of multiplayer make it perfect for playing with friends, especially if both people don’t have an iPhone or no network connection is available. I suspect many people will be drawn to its easy to master gameplay and like that they are a lot better at Action Bowling 2 than at real bowling.