We all remember playing that 3D Pinball game on Windows XP and many gamers have tried out Pinball FX (ZEN Pinball). However, what The Pinball Arcade brings to the table is something entirely different. Instead of fantasy tables with ridiculous effects, it is aiming at the hardcore pinball fans.
The Pinball Arcade initially brings you 4 classic REAL pinball tables. Tales of the Arabian Nights, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Black Hole and Theatre of Magic are put before you in all of their old-school pinball greatness. All of the tables are recreated to a “t.” Not only are the designs of the table exact, but so are the sound effects. All of the sound effects and music are faithfully recreated, bad sound quality and all. While the recreation of the sound effects is awesome, it can be kind of painful for us with more sensitive ears.
The intense attention to detail is not the only thing that is great about this title. The physics are as close to realistic physics I’ve seen in a pinball title. The ball feels like its weight is just right and the way it behaves on the table is remarkable. This will truly allow the game to show the difference between seasoned pinball players and those who have only gotten their feet wet.
The Pinball Arcade is truly a game for pinball-aholics. The faithfully recreated tables and the astounding physics will definitely keep players coming back for more. With continued support, which should be little problem, this game could easily be one of more successful titles on the arcade. Any true fan of pinball should definitely swoop up this game as there are very few titles that can match how well it emulates an actual pinball table. The Pinball Arcade is available now on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 MSP ($10).
- Four classic Pinball tables faithfully recreated
- The sounds are recreated fantastically
- Physics are astounding
- Sound effect can hurt gamers with more sensitive ears
- Fans of more “fantasy” tables may not enjoy the realism
Score: 4/5
