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Pin Ball

review by Deezer, 1-3-98

WAV from Pin Ball title screen.
242kB, 11s, 22kHz, 8bit, Mono
Name: Pin Ball
System: NES
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release date: 1983
Players: Two; alternating
ESRB Rating: No Rating

—Overview—
Pin Ball is a dual-field non-scrolling pinball game. The design is pretty basic when compared to newer tables... but hey, it's a classic game now, and pretty fun when you're bored. Note: this review may be a tad biased; I've liked pinball games for as long as I can remember :)

—Objective—
Get as many points as possible by hitting the ball into various targets and drop holes. Point values range from 10 to 5,000. You are given 3 balls, and you earn another after your first 50,000 points.

—Strategy—
It's easy to rack up big points in the upper field - try to spend as much time there as possible. If the ball drops to the lower field, it's fairly difficult to get back up, and it's very easy to lose a ball by an errant hit off the lower bumper. When you're in the lower field, immediately try to:

  1. Get the kickbacks (have all 3 chicks hatched at once)
  2. Flip over all five N-Cards to get a cool 5,000 and a center post
This will allow you to concentrate on earning points.
An easy way to get back to the upper field is to hit the ball into the drop hole in the upper-right corner. You will enter a bonus game where you control Mario, trying to free Pauline from a box above you. Anyway, whenever you lose the ball in the bonus game, the ball will be shot back into play in the upper level.

—Pros—
Really, really fun. I enjoyed this game.

—Cons—
Below-average design and graphics.

—Ratings—
Graphics:
2.0		 It was one of the first games for the NES, remember. However, graphics are not especially important for this type of game.
Sound:
3.8		 Some sound effects are re-used. Typical pinball table sounds.
Play Control:
4.5		 Ball doesn't go where you expect it to go after hitting it with the flippers. Practice makes perfect.
Challenge:
4.7		 Very easy to lose a ball.
Satisfaction:
4.9		 Remember, I love pinball.
Design:
2.5		 Fields are not too complex.
Replay Value:
4.0		 Tough game, and it will keep you coming back for more until the basic design starts to bore you.
Overall:
3.8		 Great game to play when you are bored. I recommend it.
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