Ten Pin Alley is a ten-pin bowlingsimulation game released by ASC Games in 1996 and developed internally at Adrenalin Entertainment. The game was released on November 30, 1996 in North America, and eventually released in February 1998 in the United Kingdom. Just before its North American release, Sony selected the game's demo to be included on its PlayStation sampler disc. A sequel to the game entitled Ten Pin Alley 2, by an unknown developer, was mooted for a release on the PlayStation 2, but for unknown reasons was shelved. The sequel, developed by Pronto Games and published by XS Games, was released on the Game Boy Advance to dismal reviews. Ten Pin Alley should not be confused with an audio game with the same title made by PCS Games.
Gameplay
Players choose from a set of characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game play modes are single player, multiplayer, tournament and practice. Each shot is controlled in a similar fashion to many of the golf games of the era: with an accuracy based pendulum system. With this the player decides the power, accuracy and hook for each shot.
Critical response
Response to the game was favorable. Critics applauded the accurate and realistic physics, the mechanics for controlling the ball's release, and the humorous behavior of the bowlers. Some critics remarked that the multiplayer capabilities, in combination with its other positive aspects, make Ten Pin Alley an ideal party video game. Next Generation, for example, called it "the perfect party game, with multiplayer capabilities, wacky characters, and solid game mechanics." GamePro summarized, "Striking sparks into the world of bowling, Ten Pin Alley delivers enough fun per frame to be recognized as the kingpin of its sport." Dean Hager of Electronic Gaming Monthly commented, "Despite its cheesy atmosphere and goof-ball characters, this sleeper-hit delivers an accurate and entertaining bowling game to the 32-bit platform." GameSpot deemed it "more fun than real bowling." Ten Pin Alley was inducted into the International Bowling Hall of Fame in 1997, with an exhibit including an interactive kiosk.
