Hmm. What to think? The décor is likely Hyperbowl's strongest suit, regarding its goth standing. Loads of post apocalyptic crap - very tank girl - and the whole thing is technically located in a section known as the "Badlands", however, the fact that these lands are located within a glorified shopping mall tends to make their badness questionable.

Oh, did I mention that there aren't actually any bowling alleys in Hyperbowl? It's a video game, really, based on the gothiest of all sports. The screens for each game are set up in faux alleys complete with the chair setup we are all familiar with, disconnected ball returns and a bowling ball lodged inside some kind of pedestal. The game is played by manipulating the ball with the player's hands, something like a giant track ball. Doing so directs a digitally simulated bowling ball through a city, generally wreaking havoc, a scenario I can definitely back and, as an added bonus, you don't have to wear any funny smelling bowling shoes while you play. So while the purist may be offended by the entire ordeal, the fashion-conscious should be pleased.

The snack bar/bar bar, is appropriately clad in simulated riveted steel and offers the obligatory hot dogs and Superpretzels, though I'm fairly sure they are just for show. There is no pro shop, but instead a strategically placed kiosk of Roman Dirge (Lenore) items and/or similar creepy comics, and while I do miss the Forrest's Hand Conditioner and condoms (see Athens Bowl), this, surely, is goth as fuck.

Overall, the big question still looms. Hyperbowl: goth or geek. Very close, but all in all, I'd have to say the latter wins out. Definitely worth a visit, though.