It's summer, and you know what that means. It's time to get out and have some fun with all kinds of activities. One activity that should be high on your list is bowling, a fun little sport for all types where you roll a ball towards pins, trying to knock down as many as possible. The folks at the AMF thought it would be a great idea to put together a bowling video game for those who can't wait to get down to the alley, and the result is AMF Xtreme Bowling 2006, the latest bowling budget title to hit the circuit (it's currently priced around $15). However, as most budget games go, this one left some of the fun behind in production.

The game features a number of modes that are interesting to play around with, and it can get interesting in multiplayer, where several players can jump in to play and roll the ball down the lane. The play system involves you using the analog stick to set up your spin and a triple click bowling system to help you set up your power and accuracy. However, most of the time, it's just a matter of pointing the ball the right way, rolling it, and nailing some pins, really. The play systems matter very little as you'll still manage to rack up a high score. In fact, it won't take long before someone discovers the system of nailing a strike every time, and once you do that in a bowling game, it's ruined.

The presentation really isn't that much. The sound and music components are basic at best, with looped music and sound effects, and the graphics are made up of flashy graphics and muddily-designed pin and ball action. The bowlers also look a little stiff, although there is an option to create your own bowler using a number of tools, and it is a fun little option for creation if you find yourself with some extra time in this game.

AMF Xtreme Bowling 2006 is just like most of the other budget titles out there- forgettable. Its eight player option might be tempting, but the gameplay never really gets off the ground like real bowling should, and the presentation is rather bland. You're better off just reserving a lane and taking part in some Cosmic Bowling instead, even if it's slightly more than $15. I assure you, you're going to have more fun.

Our Final ScoreVery Bad

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