If you're looking for the quintessential bowling experience on your mobile device, PBA Bowling Challenge goes a very long way towards scratching that itch. With its solid gameplay, variety of options, turn-based online multiplayer and a slick presentation, it's the next best thing to going to the bowling alley and throwing down a few balls for real.
Here are some tips that'll help you get the most out of your time with the game.
What's the best way to get a strike in PBA Bowling Challenge?
When you start out with the house ball, your best bet is to aim at the gap between the first and second or third pins. That's the central point for knocking down pins in one shot. To further guarantee the strike, lean your tablet or mobile device left or right to add some hook, so that it rolls towards this particular gap. The closer you get to hitting it, the more pins will go down.
As you progress, you can unlock new balls and oil options, enabling the ability to throw sharper hook balls at higher speeds. This will take some practice, but, thankfully, bowling in Quick Play doesn't cost you any energy, so you can roll balls there for as long as you like until you've got the hang of it.
How do tickets work in PBA Bowling Challenge?
You earn tickets by winning tournaments and face-offs in Career Mode. If you usually place in first, second or third, you'll net a fairly good amount that you can turn around for new purchases.
Tickets can be used to buy new balls, although some will only unlock after you reach a particular level in the game, which you earn through continual play. You can also unlock new oil options, which open up various styles of play. Casual players probably won't worry about using these, but fans of PBA-style bowling and pros will definitely want to check them out.
How does the energy meter work in PBA Bowling Challenge?
The energy meter starts off as full, but will deplete with each event you take part in, via Multiplayer or Career Mode. Usually, each one will cost 35-40 bolts, although some special events may go as high as 150 to 200. With each tournament tier you clear, the energy meter expands, so you don't have to worry about paying if you don't want to. It'll also refill at certain points, either as a result of winning a particular tournament, or waiting about an hour to refill.
You do have the option of using gold pins to refill the meter automatically, which can be between 1 to 2 pins. Unless you're in a hurry to complete a tournament though, you should have no problem waiting it out.
How do gold pins work in PBA Bowling Challenge?
Gold pins act as your general currency. You can use these to refill your energy meter, unlock certain PBA professional bowlers to go up against, or cash in ten of them for 1,000 tickets, if you wish. You'll earn these over the course of the game, namely by completing certain challenges. These include scoring a turkey (three strikes in a row) or picking up a 7-10 split.
If you prefer, you can also buy Gold Pins, ranging from $.99 for 100 to $99.99 for 16,000. These options are best reserved for true fans of the game, though. You'll be able to eventually unlock everything by continuing your journey through Career Mode and Multiplayer match-ups.
Is there an advantage to buying new balls in PBA Bowling Challenge?
Some balls actually do come with perks. For instance, if you score three strikes - a turkey - with a turkey-oriented ball (feathers and all!), you'll earn some additional energy. If you purchase the Powerhouse ball, you'll earn additional XP that will help you level up faster. Check around the shop and see what benefits each ball provides.
In addition, watch out for some good cosmetic designs, too. We can't get enough of the eyeball bowling ball ourselves - even if we're sticking our fingers into its holes. Ick.
How does Multiplayer mode work in PBA Bowling Challenge?
PBA Bowling Challenge uses GameCenter, and either lets you match up against friends who have the game, or random players who happen to be online. Either way, you'll need to use about 40 to 60 energy to take part in each match. It pays off, though, as you'll win tickets if you become victorious in the match. It takes about a second for the tournament to begin, but be patient, and you'll be bowling soon enough.
How do power-ups work in PBA Bowling Challenge?
There are three available - a lightning ball, a split ball and a bomb ball. Lightning and bomb balls pretty much guarantee strikes every time you throw them, while you can break the split ball apart to pick up out-of-reach pins. These automatically refill over time - first after about ten minutes in, and then three or so hours - but you can also refill them right away by cashing in gold pins. You won't really need to do so, though, unless you're in a high-stakes tournament. Even then, try to save them when you can.
