Microsoft Pinball Arcade

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 1998
• Genre: Traditional
• Style: 3D Pinball
• Similar Games: Pinball Wizard (Commodore 64/128), Pro Pinball: Timeshock! (IBM PC Compatible), 3-D Ultra Pinball Power (Hybrid PC/Mac)

Game Description

Microsoft has released a half-game, half-simulation in Microsoft Pinball Arcade. Not only is it a set of seven pinball machines that you can play, but it's also a set of faithful reproductions of classic machines throughout the ages.

Licensed and developed by Gottlieb & Company, the virtual replicas of classic pinball machines include Battle Ball (1931), Humpty Dumpty (1947), Knock Out (1950), Slick Chick (1963), Spirit of '76 (1976), Haunted House (1982), and Cue Ball Wizard (1992).

Each table is faithfully reproduced with photo-quality graphics, down to detailed glass backplates with the scores and bonus indicators. Gameplay on the PC is designed to be just like the play on the original 300-pounds metal machines. Just pull back the plunger and go!

Roots & Influences

The seven machines included in Microsoft Pinball Arcade are based on actual tables that helped influence pinball. All the included tables were created by Gottlieb, the gaming team that brought pinball to the mainstream.

Review: Overall

Microsoft Pinball Arcade could best be described as a playable reference simulation. Not only is it a highly enjoyable game that will give hours upon hours of pinball fun on a choice of seven machines, but also a nostalgic look at the evolution of pinball in America over the last seventy years of the 20th century.

The seven machines are represented in perfect photo-quality, with authentic noises, voices and sound effects. Baffle Ball (1931) is a version of pinball that became popular during the Great Depression and has no flippers! Humpty Dumpty (1947) was one of the first modern style tables. Knock Out (1950) is based on the ever-popular boxing theme. Slick Chick stems from 1963 and has some far out bumpers, man. Spirit of '76 (1976) celebrates the U.S. Bicentennial, complete with pictures of John Glenn and Davy Crockett. Cue Ball Wizard relives the early 1990s. The most fun pinball table of all in this game is Haunted House (1982), which is complete with haunting sound effects.

As a straightforward pinball game, Microsoft Pinball Arcade is great fun. The flippers are responsive, the balls are fast, and you don't have to tilt the machine. The colors are magnificent, the sounds make you think that you are in some smoky arcade somewhere, and the gameplay is addictive, especially on the later machines. Skill levels will certainly increase the more you play this game.

As a nostalgic trip into American history as well as a pinball simulation, it's a must have.

Review: Enjoyment

How can you not enjoy pinball?

Review: Graphics

Photo quality reproduction of the original machines

Review: Sound

Authentic sounds from the machines themselves

Review: Replay Value

Seven great machines to choose from.

Review: Documentation

Colorful manual

Production Credits

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