Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

PDC World Championship Darts 2009 builds on its predecessors with a completely overhauled control scheme that brings the precision and tension of real-world darts to your living room. Whether you’re using a traditional controller or motion-based input on compatible platforms, the revamped throw mechanics allow for nuanced wrist movement and aim calibration. The learning curve is gentle enough for newcomers to pick up quickly, yet deep enough to reward players who master spin, release timing, and stance adjustments.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game features 18 officially licensed top pro players from the PDC circuit, each modeled with their own throwing style and stance. This lends authenticity to every match, as you can step into the shoes of legends like Phil Taylor or Raymond van Barneveld. Career mode guides you through a series of new events introduced this edition—from local opens to televised world championship finals—testing your consistency across different tournament structures and pressure situations.

Character customization has seen significant improvements, allowing you to tailor your avatar’s appearance, throwing arm, and even entrance animations. For the first time in the series, you can create and compete as a female player, adding diversity to online leaderboards and local multiplayer matches. With additional unlockable gear, dart designs, and victory celebrations, the game keeps you engaged as you chase milestones and championships.

Graphics

Visually, PDC World Championship Darts 2009 captures the bright lights and polished arenas of professional darts tournaments. Player models are cleanly rendered, with smooth facial animations and realistic posture adjustments that reflect each athlete’s trademark style. The character creator’s expanded options allow for more lifelike customization, ensuring your avatar stands out amid the sea of pros.

The arenas themselves are impressively detailed, from the dynamic crowd reactions to the subtle lighting variations between day and night sessions. Scoreboards and on-screen graphics are crisp and easy to read, with clear indicators for double and triple rings, checkout options, and match statistics. Even on mid-range hardware, frame rates remain steady, ensuring throws feel responsive and watchable in slow motion replays.

While the game is not pushing the boundaries of modern graphics engines, it achieves a polished, arcade-like aesthetic that suits the sport’s spectator-driven nature. Textures on dartboards, flight trails, and arena backdrops all blend seamlessly, conveying the atmosphere of live TV broadcasts without unnecessary visual clutter. Overall, the presentation strikes a fine balance between realism and performance.

Story

As a sports simulation, PDC World Championship Darts 2009 does not offer a traditional narrative, but its Career mode plays the role of a bespoke story arc. Starting in regional qualifiers, you’ll fight your way through Progressive legs, sudden-death rounds, and ranking events to earn a spot on the biggest stage in darts. The journey from local hopeful to world champion delivers a satisfying sense of progression and accomplishment.

Encounters with licensed pros double as story beats, each match feeling like a showdown with a rival whose in-game persona reflects real-world intensity. Between tournaments, you’ll receive virtual press coverage and sponsorship opportunities, lending credibility to your ascent. This structure gives each throw context—even if the dialogue is minimal, the pressure and stakes tell the story for you.

Customization also feeds into the narrative experience: choosing your entrance music, victory celebrations, and personal branding helps you craft a unique identity. Whether you’re an underdog rising through the ranks or a seasoned pro defending your title, the game’s pacing and event variety maintain engagement without relying on cutscenes or scripted drama.

Overall Experience

PDC World Championship Darts 2009 delivers a comprehensive darts simulation that balances accessibility for newcomers with depth for hardcore fans. The official PDC license, complete with 18 top pros and multiple sanctioned events, provides an authentic backdrop for competitive play, while revamped controls and robust customization ensure each match feels personal and dynamic.

The title excels as both a solo career challenge and a social party game. Local multiplayer sessions capture the camaraderie of pub darts, and online matchmaking lets you test your skills against players from around the world. Leaderboards, unlockable content, and varied event structures contribute to high replay value, encouraging you to refine your technique and climb the ranks.

While not groundbreaking in graphical fidelity, the polished presentation and fluid gameplay loop make PDC World Championship Darts 2009 one of the strongest entries in the series. Fans of the sport will appreciate the level of detail and official roster, and casual players will find an engaging, easy-to-learn experience that keeps the darts coming round after round. Whether you’re aiming for triple 20 or simply enjoying the thrill of competition, this game hits the mark.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10