©Adrenaline Vault
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I had high hopes of this game. So okay, Microsoft haven't the best reputation when it comes to games, but the idea of a program that simulates some of the best pinball tables of the past (7, to be precise) seemed too good to resist. And I am sure that from a simulation point of view, they have done amazingly well. Sadly, from a gameplay point of view, things are slightly less amazing. One thing I now know about older pinball tables � they are kind of, well, boring. And simulating them is as worthwhile as, oh, simulating one of your gran's coffee mornings. In short, dull, dull, dull! The table in the demo, Haunted House is the most recent table, dating from the 80's, and its no fun. Weird ball action, tinny music, strange layout, all beautifully and accurately relayed to the computer screen in bright colour. It's a pinball game, its nicely rendered, it has noise and flippers, and yet is strangely unengaging. I played it. I played it again and again. And again, sure I was missing something, maybe I wasn't in the right mood, maybe I didn't have the sound set right, maybe I was being too harsh. Maybe � it just wasn't enjoyable. Accuracy does not equal gameplay. Oh, and whoever thought they were adding that extra dimension of realism by making you "insert coin" (i.e. click red button with mouse) each time you want to play needn't have wasted their time. My main view of this game? Wish they hadn't bothered. You see, I play pinball on my puter for fun, I love the clever graphics, the way the ball works, the extra element the puter can add because you can do anything with graphics these days. No doubt old pinball tables have their devotees in the real world � in 'puter terms however, these versions are dated, slow, and tedious. About the only worthwhile aspect is the great images of backglass art featured on the website! Sorry, Microsoft. Great simulation� pity you left out the fun.
Requirements :P90, 16MB, WIN95, directX6 Download the demo (4.8Mb from Adrenaline Vault) |
