You got your dating sim in my bowling game, no you got your bowling game in my dating sim! Date Night Bowling is a nifty combo of an arcade bowling title mashed up with some dating sim elements that end up feeling too light on content.
The game takes ten strangers and puts them into bowling matches with each other, creating potential suitors. Throughout the bowling match, the two players will be able to build their connections through a set of minigames and, finally, the end result of the bowling match. Each character has its own stats, and out of the then, you’re only given access to two from the start. To unlock more, you’ll need to complete single matches. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for some deep lore for each character, you’ll not find it here. Even with the speed-dating-like premise of things, you’re not going to learn much about them. They will have some banter here and there that will reveal their likes or personality, but don’t expect a whole narrative about the character you’re trying to woo. The game has two separate lanes to choose from, and the only difference between the two is its aesthetics. One is a normal-looking bowling alley, while the other has a neon “late-night bowl” theme.
Overall, the bowling is spot-on. If you’re familiar with other arcade bowling games, things here feel the same. You can move your bowler left or right to adjust their starting position then can aim your shot down the lane. You’re given constantly pulsing meters that will determine your power and the ball’s spin. The physics feel good enough and respond well to your throw. It almost feels as good as playing Wii Sports bowling, just without the motion controls.
When starting a bowling match, you get the option of choosing your ball weight and how much oil the lane will have. The oil will determine how much your spin will affect the bowler’s throws. If you’re looking only to enjoy bowling, you may want to stay in single matches. Although if you decide to go on a bowling date, the actual bowling itself won’t mean much. The goal for the Date Night portion is to build enough chemistry between the two so that your partner will ask for another date.
To increase your chances for them to ask for another date, you’ll want to win the multiple minigames they throw your way in-between frames. You’ll encounter games that range from getting refreshments from the snack bar to fixing a malfunctioning ball return. You’ll also do date-like things where you have to remove stuck food from your teeth while they aren’t looking or try to hold a conversation by responding to the most important topics. Each minigame is quick and feels like something you’d find in a game collection like Warioware. The minigames capture the fun and nervousness one would encounter while on a date. You’re not given a chance to practice these games while on a date, so you’ll have one chance to get things right.
If the dating bits of the game are not for you, you’ll want to stick to the casual bowl. Here there are no minigames; it is simply bowling only. You are able to play against AI or other humans locally here and in other modes of the game, but there is no option for online play. Alternatively, if you maybe want to set up your own date night bowling at home, you could play two players with or without the minigames with your significant other and maybe create your own in-between-frame fun.
Overall, the game is quite fun, but the game feels very light with minimal narrative and dating-sim aspects. The bowling is good enough to have you play for a few matches or with other people, but the bowling fun only takes it so far. With that said, at $9.99 it hits that perfect sweet spot where even though it feels light, you’re not breaking the bank. I mean, it’s cheaper than bowling alley pizza and will leave you feeling more satisfied.
A Steam code was provided in advance by the publisher for review purposes
