''PBA Bowling'' is a 1995

bowling Bowling is a target sport and recreational activity in which a player rolls a ball toward pins (in pin bowling) or another target (in target bowling). The term ''bowling'' usually refers to pin bowling (most commonly ten-pin bowling), though ...

sports-based

video game Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device to generate visual feedback. This fee ...

from

Bethesda Softworks Bethesda Softworks LLC is an American video game publisher based in Rockville, Maryland. The company was founded by Christopher Weaver in 1986 as a division of Media Technology Limited, and in 1999 became a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media. In its ...

. A sequel, '' PBA Tour Bowling 2'', was released in 2000.

Gameplay

''PBA Bowling'' has available play modes of singles, teams, and tournament/league. Players customize their own bowlers, selecting characters, naming them and selecting their clothes. Players interact with the game using four windows: the scorecard, a view to set the spin and power on the ball, a view for aiming the shot, and a display of the ball hitting the pins. Players are able to select their ball weight and choose lane conditions. Players may position their bowlers anywhere on the lane, using the aiming arrows to line up the throw.

Development

The game was developed by Bethesda Softworks and MediaTech West.

Reception

GameSpot ''GameSpot'' is an American video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information on video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996, created by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. In addition ...

gave the game a 6.2 of 10 stating "I'm sure there are people out there saying “Yeah, football and baseball are great, but when is a bowling game for the PC coming out?” Well, here it is. And, if you're a die-hard bowler, it's probably all you hoped for. For the rest of us, though, PBA Bowling leaves a little to be desired."

PC Gamer ''PC Gamer'' is a magazine and website founded in the United Kingdom in 1993 devoted to PC gaming and published monthly by Future plc. The magazine has several regional editions, with the UK and US editions becoming the best selling PC games ma ...

gave the game a 70% of 100 stating " PBA is one of a king simulation and great fun for fans of sport-but you may tire of the solo action before the beer frame" Peter Scisco from

CNET ''CNET'' (short for "Computer Network") is an American media website that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos on technology and consumer electronics globally. ''CNET'' originally produced content for radio and televi ...

recommended the game stating "There's no lounge, either. So even if the PBA Bowling is enough sports action for you, you still have an excuse to get out to the lanes. Either way you look at, it's best to download a demo first to see for yourself" According to Pete Hines, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Bethesda, the game is the best-selling bowling game of all time.

References

{{reflist 1995 video games Bethesda Softworks games Bowling video games Professional Bowlers Association Video games developed in the United States Windows games Windows-only games