Pinball is one game that transforms well onto the PC platform. Controls are usually simple using only a few keystrokes and the game play is very realistic. Microsoft’s Pinball Arcade adds a very graphical 3D interface with smooth guiding flippers to the Pinball lineup.
Microsoft has included 7 real Pinball tables that are actually used at
Arcades. The replicated tables include Baffle Ball, Cue Ball Wizard, Haunted House, Humpty Dumpty, Knock Out, Slick Chick and Spirit Of ‘76. The physics model used on these Pinball tables are superb from the flippers, bumpers, ramps and tilting mechanism, which makes it feel like your actually playing live.
Each Pinball machine keeps its own set of high scores so it’s easy to track the best scores on each table. The options inside the game are minimalistic, for instance you can tailor the volume of the music and effects, and adjust the video detail from low to high, and pretty much that is it.
The one customization I do really enjoy is the ability to change what keys
control the flippers, nudges and tilting. There are a total of 8 keys used within the game, depending on the Pinball machine played. It’s very handy setting up your own key configurations, and I usually play Pinball Arcade with a joystick so I can sit back and enjoy the game.
Pinball has the mass appeal of all types of people. The evolution of Pinball is quite amazing and Microsoft designed a fantastic PC game with Pinball Arcade. Sad to say there is no trial version available for this game, but you can find all about it through this link here. Amazon has Pinball Arcade on sale for only $12.99 which is over 60% off of its regular price. To check it out on Amazon click here. The game will run on Windows 95 and up, even Windows Vista. This game is definitely a keeper if you enjoy Pinball.
FREE DEMO!
FREE DEMO!
17 Comments
I love a good game of pinball and the tables themes sound great especially the haunted house.
I love pinball games, though I’ve only played on one real table. At the moment I’m playing Metroid Prime Pinball on the Nintendo DS. It comes with a rumble pack which make the console vibrate!
Microsoft Pinball Arcade looks great from the screenshots. At least it’s realistic, rather than having aliens suddenly appear mid-game.
A bit of a closet fan of pinball video games. I must say the modern stuff on PCs is definitely better than the carp we had to put up with on the home consoles in the early 90s.
They’re also better than real pinball tables because they never need maintenance.
Very cool! I’m glad you us members to visit this post. I absolutely LOVE video pinball (and regular pinball, but it is so hard to find these days). I even play it on my son’s DS!
Do you ever lose virtual quarters? That would be the most realistic thing of all. I also want to be able to check the virtual coin return slot of machines I haven’t played - that’s how I won money at pinball!
Does it steal a quarter without playing every so often, or reject one? Do you get booted off around 9 pm, when the mall gets ready to close?
David,
That’s funny. It doesn’t take quarters and you can play forever.
i was into microsoft pinball (in xp or me i think…) before i’ve discovered the beauty of the internet. i can play it for hours!
i’m no longer addicted to it but i am happy that the game i used to play (love) is still evolving and there are people who are still addicted to it.
Pinball games in bars are an interesting pass time when you have a beer mug in your hand. But I guess on the computer this will allow one to simulate the same atmosphere at home
I wish you had also told us about the fantastic evolution of pinball. A bit of trivia is always welcome.
Nice game detail again, thanks for sharing this with us
I’ve always been a fan of pinball, there used to be one on the Amiga years ago that I was addicted to, and the version I have on windows is just as addictive
I’m a fan of pinball games and this one is the most authentic Ive seen yet.
If you know of anymore that look and feel as authentic as this, please let me know, I’d like giving it a try if available.
If anyone wants the most realistic pinball simulation ever, then you cannot go with with it. Absolutely unbelievable simulation and the best that anyone can play.
Hey! I played this before but I don’t have any idea how to win this game. All I knew was to increase the score, tried my best to keep the ball up and not go down.. I still have to learn how this game is played correctly. Was I playing it wrong or right?
A era ressurected on pc for those who were there back in the days. Different layouts to choose from and very intense………..
pinball pc 2009 or please let me play pinball right this moment ! What is the best pinball pc game 2009 ?
Does anyone know of a spot to post screen shots of high score boards for MS Pinball Arcade for a friendly competition? My hubby and I are mildly obsessed with the Cueball Wizard table and would love to be able to compare some of our High Scores. Currently, our best scores range between 1.5-2 billion, but we’re not even sure if that’s respectable *lol* Fantastic game. Great physics. Endless things to learn about the table! Recommend turning silly music and sound off, though!