PDC World Championship Darts 2009 Review

The third official PDC World Championship Darts game to be made, 2009's edition has made its second appearance on the Wii along with the handheld counterpart on the DS. Developed by Rebellion Studios and published by Oxygen Games, the title is their latest attempt to bring the world class level of dart play right into player's homes.

Putting aside any skeptical remarks that can be drawn with the use of the word darts, it's time to see whether this game has the right to represent the world's dart lovers. The question is though, is this game worthy of the sport and does it do enough to bring in the average gamer?

Firstly, as far as the various options go, there is the traditional Career Mode, Exhibition Mode, and Party Mode. Career Mode takes the player through each of the various tournaments and events, allowing players to compete as any of the 18 Professional Darts players, or a created character. Various trophies can be obtained for successfully reaching and winning the final in each event, but it becomes apparent that it can be quite a slog to reach the final, as each round consists of winning three sets with up to three legs in each set. This means that a player should be prepared to be throwing "darts" for a considerable length of time. There is no option to reduce the number of sets needed to win in this mode, or reduce the 501 point game to anything lower. However, exhibition mode allows a bit more freedom with regards to this.

In the case of the create-a-character feature, one would figure there would be a range of features and attributes to play with. However, this is not the case as there are only a few models, with a very limiting hairstyle selection. Furthermore, most configurations only cater to creating the average-darts-player stereotype due to the limited options. Not only this, but the nationality flags are somewhat incorrect in a few cases. Dart customization options are a bit more unique and there's a fair bit of variety to be had with those from the needle to the weight, and the angle of which the dart is thrown. While the option to create female player has been the addition, there are only two models, and again deeply let down the purpose of the word "custom". However, it is to be noted that some new additions can be unlocked via gaining trophies in the Career Mode.

In terms of gameplay, after initially attempting to jump right in with absolutely no aim assist, it can be safely said that the controls are rather responsive. The Wii Remote is held much like a dart, used by simulating a throwing movement through the air (without letting go of the Wii Remote!). The Wii Remote is then pointed at the screen to select a point to throw a dart at using a reticule. Throwing the dart consists of holding down the A button, and depending on the speed, rotation and timing of the release of the A button during the throw motion, correctly performing the throw will quite accurately propel the dart at the board. While it feels natural and very easy to pick up, there are some inconsistencies at times. However, using the Aim assist on Min or Max settings immediately makes quite the noticeable difference.

Fans of darts will be interested to know that commentary and referee audio are provided by actual Championship involved people, so the sense of authenticity is quite strong. As for the contenders in the game, much of the actual differences between dart players are extremely minimal. Walk-ons are completely identical, and the constant drone of the audience remains exactly the same in every tournament.

Commentary itself can be quite entertaining, although after the sixth or seventh time of hearing the same line in a single round, it can become somewhat nauseating. There are also moments of sound distortion, and some overlapping of commentary with referee score announcements.

With regards to graphics, the dart board itself and the various stages look quite sharp. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the player models, as they remain quite unanimated most of the time, and aren't particularly eye pleasing. During shots where the screen is split 50/50 vertically to show the dart player readying the dart on one side and the dart board on the other, it can become quite static as the dart player stands there dart in hand with a stern expression frozen on their face, without so much of a blink for minutes on end. Frame rate drops for something that isn't really pushing the graphical limitations of the Wii are also somewhat unforgivable as a player goes to retrieve his or her darts from the board.

For those players that aren't avid fans of darts and just like the odd game with a bunch of friends, the only real investment might lie in the Party Mode. There's alot of modes to choose from and a variety of different ways to play, with some quite short while others can last a fair few minutes. Most are fairly straight forward, others require rules to be read before hand. This could in theory be quite fun for the odd couple of sessions on an evening in. However, there really isn't a great deal of variation that can be had using the same gameplay mechanics.

5

Average

For the really hardcore dart players and fans out there, this hits pretty much every mark spot on. As such, it does pose the question on whether it's actually any better than just having access to a real dartboard. The Career Mode might be fun for the first few rounds, but there's little variation to keep it interesting enough to proceed right up to the end, and obtain every cup. Party Mode might be worth the effort for a good evening for the family or friends. However, having said that there just isn't enough reason to warrant repeated returns to the game. It must be said that the game does achieve its sole purpose well, as a darts game it is second to none. But for everyone else, sometimes it's just better leaving the World Championship Darts to the professionals.