Capcom Bowling

From Incredible Technologies and Capcom, Capcom Bowling is a simplistic top-down virtual bowling game that utilizes trackball controls.

Arcade

Overview

Capcom Bowling (rarely known as Beer Frame Bowling) is a top-down virtual bowling game developed by Incredible Technologies and released by Capcom for arcades on August 10, 1988.

A virtual bowling arcade game similar to the 1978 game 4 Player Bowling Alley, Capcom Bowling utilizes trackball controls (using a custom trackball that resembles a marbled bowling ball) that allows players to precisely determine where to roll the ball from, which direction it rolls to (although it can be hooked using dedicated buttons), and how much power to roll with. It also features four-player hotseat multiplayer, a high score system, and humorous between-frame animations.

It is the first arcade game developed by Incredible Technologies (best known for other trackball games, such as the Golden Tee series) and was originally planned to be titled Beer Frame Bowling (with the first 1000 or so boards silk-screened with that title). It later received an alternate version in 1989, titled Coors Light Bowling, that replaced some graphics to advertise the beer drink Coors Light. It also received a sequel in 1990, titled Strata Bowling.

Gameplay

The lane is displayed vertically with the score information of the left of the lane. There are left and right hook buttons which can be used to determine the amount of spin that will be put on the ball. Once the desired amount of spin has been set the player moves the trackball to the left or right to determine the starting location of the throw. Once the player has the starting position in the right spot the trackball is rolled upwards towards the screen to throw the ball.