December 13, 2006

The creative team over at NStorm have been keeping us entertained with Christmas follies since they introduced Elf Bowling in November, 1999. Never heard of Elf Bowling you say? Oh, you’ve missed out!

Unsure if they’re planning on releasing a new version this year; haven’t stumbled across any press discussions about the endearing little elfen sportsters. In the meantime, I offer up a summary of the previous versions (and developer links to downloads) for your amusement. If you’re new to Elf Bowling, I highly recommend you start with the original (scroll to the bottom of this entry for details).

Elf! Elf baby!

Update 11/14/2007: Jumpin’ jubilation! - great news! Seems there’s a whole bunch more of Santa and his elves, and ‘cousins’ to keep us entertained through the holidays! I received a note from the guys over at Blockdot/kewlbox.com (the founders of the company were the creative geniuses behind the original Elf Bowling games):

Just wanted to let you know that we are still making fun games. You might want to check out some of our holiday games.

Adventure Elf
(http://www.kewlbox.com/games/gameDetail.aspx?gameID=96)
Santa Balls
(http://www.kewlbox.com/games/gameDetail.aspx?gameID=54)
Santa Balls 2
(http://www.kewlbox.com/Games/GameDetail.aspx?GameId=75)
Blackjack Elf
(http://www.kewlbox.com/games/gameDetail.aspx?gameID=97)

We have over 100 games now in our library. Hope you enjoy and tell your friends.

Following are summaries on the Elf Bowl series:

Elf Bowling 6: Air Biscuits (released Dec, 2005) - Up at the North Pole its Elf Bowling time again….but this time Santa broke his 16lb. ball. Santa decided to bowl with the elves instead. “Bowl” three elves and see how far you can get. Each elf adds to the total distance / score. Earn bonus points by popping balloons.Help Santa and the elves skip work and blow off a little “steam.”

Elf Bowling: Bocce Style (released Dec, 2004) - Don’t look now, but Santa has an all new way to keep those naughty, wise-cracking elves from holding up Christmas this year…a good, swift kick in the pants. During a holiday trip to Montebelluna, Italy Santa became fascinated with the game of Bocce and decided that with a few minor adjustments making it a contact sport would the perfect addition to the annual Elf Fest. Where the elves serve as “bocce balls”, Elf Bowling - Bocce Style! features Santa kicking elves across the ice to try and get closest to the penguin. There are bonus items along the way like Olive Oil, Salt Shakers, Bombs, Force Fields and Chili Peppers that can completely alter the strategy and gameplay. Presented in 3D Elf-Vision, there are all new insults, antics, wisecracks and soundtrack. Play Santa, Mrs. Kringle, Dingle Kringle or Ellyfay elf at Santa’s Toy Factory, The North Pole Sleighport, The Elf Village or out on a solitary Iceberg.

Super Elf Bowling (released Nov, 2003) - Deja vu?
This Aint Your Daddy’s Elf Bowling! It’s the biggest and baddest bowl-o-rama yet. Santa’s elves have gone on strike refusing to make any more toys for Christmas and now its payback time 3D style. That’s right. You will bowl those wise-cracking elves right down Santa Clause Lane in all new 3D Elf-Vision. You also get funky fresh 3D graphics, elf insults, sound effects and a global score registry. Use your mouse to position your ball right or left, then click the mouse and pull back. Complete your shot by moving the mouse forward and letting go of the mouse. Go for a perfect score of 300! Get what you really want this holiday! Play Super Elf Bowling Now!

Elf Bowling 3: (Slingshot) (released Dec, 2002) - Hold on to your stockings…those bawdy, naughty, wise-cracking elves are back for their wackiest adventure yet! Having returned to the North Pole Santa finds Rudolph and all the reindeer unable to fly the sleigh (or count backwards, or walk in a straight line, or touch their hoof to their nose). Seems they have become good friends with Santa’s older brother Dingle Kringle who has fallen off the wagon -again.

Elf Bowling 2: (Elves in Paradise) (released Nov, 2000) - The snickering elves are back with Santa, but there is a new twist as Santa’s ne’er-do-well brother, Dingle Kringle joins Santa and the Elves on a cruise ship headed for an island adventure. Players compete in a crazy shuffleboard tournament, with the Elves - oh that naughty Santa - serving as “pucks” and providing their own special, colorful commentary. There are plenty of hilarious surprises to continue the irreverent escapades of the Elves, and players register their scores to compete with other participants from around the world.

Elf Bowling (the original) (released Nov, 1999) - The original that started the whole Elf Bowling craze! Strap on your best pair of bowling skates and polish up your shiny Christmas ball, it’s time to save Christmas from those greedy little union elves. Help Santa show those elves what the true meaning of “strike” is! Special guest appearance by Kalvin Kroaker!

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