First off, MY credentials : I am a once a week (if that) bowler. I have
a 175 average and bowl in 1 mixed league every other week and
occasionally in a local traveling league. I have never bowled with the
pros and really have no great desire to do so. I think that most people
who are going to play (and enjoy) this game have similar stats. I am
aware of the fact that the lanes are oiled and that the way they are
oiled does effect how your ball moves. I dont think that a simulated
Playstation game has to neccessarily have the exact varying oil patterns
that real life has to offer. (No computer sport game that I have ever
played has every single combination of every single factor figured in).
The oil conditions in this game are fine for me and, I would imagine,
for every other NON-professional bowler. I do agree however that the
method of throwing the ball is a little unforgiving. If your click on
the 'power' or 'release' bar is slightly off, it can result in an
exaggerated bad shot. It doesnt happen often, but when it does, just
hope that it doesnt go in the gutter. (The controls are similar to a
golf sims controls - hit the button when the bar reaches the right spot
for best results). 

For the most part, the controls for the game are fine. There are a few
things which I feel should be changed for 'Ten Pin Alley 2' though.
  
 1)Add Handicaps or at least Tournament Computer Opponents who have
similar averages in the first round and progressively get tougher. When
you start a tournament, its a crapshoot if you are going to bowl
against  a little kid who shoots a 130 or a Pro (even in an amateur
tournament) who shoots a 279. At the very least, I would like to know
what my opponents average is before starting a match. 

 2) In tournament play, I think the order in which you bowl should be
like the real thing. In 'TPA' you have to shoot every frame first. In
real tournaments, you take turns throwing first in a frame. By having to
go first every frame, you get the feeling that the computer has the
advantage of knowing what it has to do in order to stay ahead of you,
and throws strikes most of the time when it needs to. (My record for
Tournament Play so far is 0-21 at Amateur level - Ive gotten past the
1st round only 3 times). 

This game is very fun and very addictive. With those two problems
addressed, I couldnt think anything more that would make 'Ten Pin Alley'
more enjoyable.

There are many small touches which add to the fun. After the tenth
frame, one of my computer opponents who got a big split to end the game,
committed suicide  (off camera) - unless that shotgun blast I heard was
for the guy who oiled the lanes. (I guess her 230 game and victory
against me wasnt good enough for her). Also, my on screen alter ego
seems to have a flatulence problem - after 3 strikes in a row or a split
pickup, he flexes his muscles nicely for the camera and then proceeds to
let one rip. Juvenile, yes, but very funny. 

If the amount of time that I have spent playing this game so far is any
indication, I will be enjoying this game for quite a while to come. If
youre looking for an exact scientifically correct bowling simulation, go
bowling. If youre looking to have a real good time playing a simulation
of bowling, then check out 'Ten Pin Alley'. You might even get good
enough to bowl against Elvis. (Im still waiting for that). 

Dave C