Curling 2010

While I still do not understand the scoring system of curling, this is a pretty good representation of the game for the XBox. The tutorial/instructions are very helpful for someone like me who doesn't really know how the game works. The graphics are really nice, but there isn't any background music...which would have been nice. However...maybe that was design because curling matches usually have a quiet audience. LOL!!! I may have to consider getting this one some day!!!

Excellent game for the curling fan! Physics in the game are great and the rocks move as you would expect! Great graphics compared to some curling games seen before and great gameplay!

Thanks!

Curling is a fantastic sport to play, and given the great timing of the Winter Olympics 2010, Curling 2010 has a strong opportunity to attract both enthusiasts and Olympic fans alike. But while it might be fun to play, is there a reason why this sport doesn’t have a huge digital following? Realistically, curling is something best done in real life, just like any sport. However, the thrill of a little challenge in the theme of a favourite winter hobby is never a bad thing, and I think that the digital recreation has done a solid job of taking that thrill to the HDTV.

Curling 2010 is friendly to both veterans of curling and newcomers alike – with a simple tutorial and a supplementary practice mode, you can understand how the movement of the rocks translate to the gamepad, and I’ll be the first to say that the controls are very responsive, even going so far as to include pressure-sensitive input when you sweep. Once you get a handle on the controls, you’ll be able to handle your own nicely, be it in local play against AI or fellow people, via a system link, or even by joining or hosting an online game. What’s even better is that during any of these styles of games, you can earn badges for skillful deliveries and tactics, or ‘awards’ for accumulated greatness in the game. A scorecard keeps track of your local and online wins, giving you a personal barometer for your success.

Visually, the game is incredible by XBLIG standards; I can’t imagine curling looking any cleaner and sharper without actually playing the real thing, and with the inclusion of multiple camera angles, you can really get an appreciation of the level of detail to the game. As strange as it sounds, I was actually disappointed that there wasn’t Avatar support for this game- it would have been kind of fun to see your Avatar throw the rock, or line up the shot, or do a dance when they win. In fact, any sort of interaction is really lacking – no fans, or your country’s flag, or photo finish/instant win replay – that would really bring an adrenaline rush to a moment.

Even without a little extra “fluff” around its presentation, Curling 2010 is still a fantastic game for curling enthusiasts (even couch-potato curling lovers can get in on this action!) or people interested in learning more about an awesome winter Olympic sport. At the rock-bottom pricing of XBLIG, you really need to try Curling 2010, and catch the Olympic spirit!