PDC World Championship Darts 2008 Review

Once upon a time, in a time long, long ago, darts was an incredibly popular game amongst most British pub goers. In recent years, with the advent of trendy wine bars and clubs, the humble game of darts has been in a steady decline. However, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has been attempting to revive the once loved sport by introducing a new world championship and by licensing out the rights to videogame companies.

PDC World Championship Darts is essentially a sports game that has been designed specifically for the Wii format, but also allows us to use the PlayStation 2 method of controls as well. This is great as using the Wii Controller to throw a dart is much more difficult than it sounds. You take aim with the Wii Remote, in a similar way that you take aim with the bow in Twilight Princess and then once you’ve decided you’re at the right place you hold “A” and move the Wii Remote back and then release “A” and move the Wii Remote forward. The dart will fly through the air and will likely miss, owing to the fact that it’s a lot harder than it sounds.

With the PlayStation 2 version of controls, you take aim with the Wii Remote however, instead of moving your arms around to throw the dart; you push the analogue stick around on the Nunchuck. The motions are the same, and you’re more likely to succeed with this method. Yet it’s still fairly difficult.

However, the player must also consider the strength and smoothness of the throw. If thrown too meekly the target will be missed, and if the throw lacked rhythm and smoothness then the target will be missed. This level of play will increase the enjoyment of the game for some, but for many others it will lead to the off button being employed.

Yet, controls alone cannot make a game, visual stimulation is important too. Sadly the visuals on this game aren’t stunning. Although it’s clear that this is a PlayStation 2 port, Mere Mortals have given a solid attempt at changing some of the basic features of the game to cater for the Wii Remote. The graphics may be lacking, but the navigation screens and use of the Wii Remote is first class and it handles much better than some games developed directly for the Wii.

Although there is a serious multiplayer mode on PDC, the best part of multiplayer is the light hearted party modes, which are fun and great to play after a few drinks as the level of competitiveness is reduced somewhat. Though in reality the main aspect of the game is the single player mode, which allows the player to choose a realistic career path and play against the professionals in the darts world.

The main area of concern is the awful commentary mode. In any major sports there is always a couple of people talking throughout the entire show letting the poor saps at work listening on radio know what’s going on. Unfortunately, this has been added to PDC as well and the commentator just uses tired old catchphrases and yells general abuse at the player when doing poorly. As a comparison, imagine Pokémon Stadium 1 on the Nintendo 64 and then make it a little worse and you’ve got PDC commentary.

Thankfully, the option of turning the commentary off exists, so the biggest problem of the game can be removed.

See more screenshots here .

Final Verdict - 6/10
Despite the dreadful audio PDC Darts World Championship is a good darts simulation. With a few minor problems with the controls and a few uninspiring graphics the game will keep many occupied for many hours.