Neroli's Opinion: Zombie-Bowl-O-Rama is a hysterical Halloween game that has you bowling your way through aisles of zombies. Aside from Wii Sports, I have no interest in most sports games, but this one is great, with plenty of power ups and obstacles. It's not too much different than most other bowling games, but you will get a couple hours of zombie-smashing fun out of it, which is really the point!

Game Genre: Sports (Bowling), Action, Halloween

Release Date: October 26, 2009

Platform/OS: Windows XP/Vista

Screenshot:

Game Review:

Zombie-Bowl-O-Rama is an action game that has you bowling your way through aisles of zombies . I say "action" in a loose sense, since it's more about lining up your shots. Aside from Wii Sports, I have no interest in most sports games, but this one is great! You've got full control of the ball, and can choose how hard to throw it. You also get to guide it as it rolls down the aisle, which makes things easier for the physics impaired like myself. Very few gutterballs are involved this way, yes!

You are given a variety of balls as you play, including a head of cabbage, or a decapitated zombie's head. Different balls have different special effects. Cabbage is slow, and explodes in a flutter of cabbage leaves. Zombie heads wobble irregularly down the lane. Your standard ball packs a punch and does the most damage. When a zombie is hit, he withers back into his grave.

What happens if you miss zombies? They keep coming at you, yikes. This means that it gets harder and harder if you mess up, and the zombies might be having your brains for dinner. There are all kinds of power ups, like a "dance" power up which sends the zombies moonwalking in a tribute to Michael Jackson's Thriller. There are also obstacles and trick shots you can attempt. These shrink your bowling alley, or put big blockades in your way.

On the downside, once you've gotten over the novelty of bowling for zombies, it's not too much different than most other bowling games. That said, you will get a couple hours of zombie-smashing fun out of it, which is really the point! Before buying it, I'd recommend playing the free demo for an hour so you can see if you've had your fill, since the demo might be enough for you.

Overall, Zombie-Bowl-O-Rama is a humorous Halloween game that's fun for the family. It's also a novelty if you're playing on your lunch break. Zombies are kind of hard to ignore.

Where to get the game, or play the free demo:

DOWNLOAD TRIAL

BigFish: $6.99
iWin: $9.99 ($6.99 with Club iWin)

Disclaimer: Casual game companies change their prices like most people change socks! Always check before you buy.