What do you get when you blend wacky mini-golf courses with a ’50s retro-futuristic theme and rocket-powered bowling balls? No, not a scene from the latest Michel Gondry film, but RocketBowl, a game that gives new meaning to the term “gutter ball.”

Gameplay focuses on the use of collectible physics-defying rocket balls with crazy names like Jupiter 5000 or our favorite, Pretty in Pink. You use them to take down a standard set of 10 pins while simultaneously nabbing numerous deviously placed power-ups along the way.

Basic balls stick to the straight and narrow, while fancier and more expensive upgrades offer improved curve control, can rocket sideways to finish a split, or can go vertical to avoid hazards — all in the pursuit of the perfect game.

Earn cash and unlock courses in Freeplay or enter high-stakes Tournaments and compete with up to four of your friends online (or locally) for big payouts. You’ll need to win $10K of in-game cash to lay your hands on the holy grail, the Eight Ball, so dust off those bowling shoes and get downloading.

On Xbox Live Arcade

+ Soundtrack worthy of a Danny Ocean and Tarantino showdown.

+ Expansion packs offer welcome expandability.

- Unlocking tougher courses can be truly fascinating.

? Where's the golf cart-racing mini-game?

8.0