Does PDC World Championship Darts hit a bullseye I hear you ask. Well, not quite, but it is a lot of fun.
If you don't know the in's and out's of darts then the chances are you won't be reading this review but if you are a fan of the sport and all the razzmatazz that is now associated with Britain's favourite pub sport then this game is probably for you.
In darts it's all about the throw and throwing is performed by perfectly synchronising the 2 analogue sticks and their movement. Maintaining a consistent straight throw is the key to the game like it's real life equivalent and like real life it's a hugely difficult skill to master. Aiming is done using the left analogue stick whilst judging the amount of power and throwing is done with the right. As an amateur there is a power guide for you which assists in guaging your power but as a Pro you are totally in the dark and have to rely fully on your own judgement when throwing the darts. The controls really are difficult to pick up but stick at it, there's nothing better than beating Phil Taylor in the World Championship final with a 106, 3 dart average. Even if it is only make believe.
Playing options are very basic but what can you do with darts? Beginning with 301, 501 or 701 are your basic options to be played over varying numbers of legs and/or sets. Exhibition matches for one or two player will be most peoples port of call I'd expect as single tournaments licensed by the PDC can only be played as a single player and you can of course only play in a SINGLE player career mode.
Party games add to the game's long term appeal, these include Cricket, Round the Clock and Killer amongst others. These games are played using an alternative control method and to be honest aren't as much fun as the standard darting battles. Many may find these easier to pick up and play as the control method is more a single button event.
In career mode you travel the world playing in a host of official PDC events. You create a darts player from scratch but the editing options available to you are so basic it's embarrassing.Choose between 4 styles of shirt , 4 colours and you can choose from about 3 or 4 different soundtracks to enter the arena to. All of which sound terrible. One face and one face only(balding and bearded), one build(not slim,suffice to say) and you can't even change the hand you throw with so any athletic, smooth faced, blond south paws out there, no luck you now look the anti-you.
10 of the better known PDC players are available to play against or use in the exhibition modes. Players trademark darting shirts are authentically recreated in the game including sponsors so it's always fun to play with Wayne Mardle against Peter Manley, the battle of the garish shirts. Phil Taylor and Raymond Van Baarneveld make appearances in the game so why not recreate this years World Championship final? Only have Taylor win! The likenesses aren't great but you can certainly tell everyone apart easy enough.
My favourite touches in the game are the commentary provided by Sid Waddell, while repetitive always amusing and the announcer Russ Bray. Fans continual chatter and clinking of glasses in the background make you feel as though your part of the whole TV experience. Fans of the Sky Sports coverage will recognize these distinctive features immediately and it definitely enhances the overall experience. For those of us unsure of the mathematical side recommended checkouts are provided on screen, again just like TV. Even the split screen effect is taken straight from TV with a zoom into the treble 20 when a 180's on the cards or if your aiming on the double to checkout. My overall opinion on this game is that while enjoyable to fans of the sport I feel that the gimmick would be lost on those with nothing more than a passing interest. It'll go down as a decent title in the eye's of fans but it has been let down by a lack of any real options(double darts anyone?). Those looking for a novelty title will be kept amused at first but may very well be trading PDC Darts in for 10 pin bowling and a Wii in a few months time.
Fan's of the sport only I'm afraid but that's only when you aren't in your garage or back bedroom taking out real life double 20's.