3D Pinball: Space Cadet

"Absolutely NO feel of control in this game whatsoever"

Yes, this game is effectively a lite version of the Full Tilt! Space Cadet table, with a lower resolution and some features taken away. But, that is not what ruins this game. What ruins this game is lack of control in this game, as we shall see:

Graphics

Personally, I don't see much purpose in lowering the resolution for the 'lite' version of Space Cadet. But apart from that, no criticism. The table actually feels 3-D even though it isn't

Sound

Sound effects that are now being spread and being used in amateur pinball games may seem like a great claim, but in truth, exactly because of that the sounds can eventually get just a little bit annoying. But it is nothing compared to the music, of which there is only one piece which loops over and over and over again, and it is really annoying after a short while.

Gameplay

Let's see... quite possibly the longest pinball game of all-time (apart from the actual Full Tilt version), which is very sadly rendered all but unplayable due to the complete lack of feeling in control playing this game. The flippers are MUCH too powerful, hitting a target far on the opposite side to the flipper, e.g. the mission targets is near enough impossible with aiming, you will have to hit them by chance. You have no idea where the ball will go next when you press the flipper buttons, which aren't even the two shift keys. The ball rarely reaches the flippers for such a shot anyway, instead the ball seems to be constantly attracted to the exit lanes, where the ball seems to spend more time than anywhere else.

Lifespan

You may enjoy playing this game at first, but after a while the lack of control will really frustrate skilled players. Unskilled players might still enjoy this game on occasion.

Overall

If you do not like pinball especially, you might actually find this game alright once in a while. But pinball fans should KNOW that there are much better games out there, including the 21st Century pinball series, especially Pinball Dreams and Fantasies which enable a much better feel of control. The 3-D Ultra Pinball series is also worth a look.

Buy/rent: If this was for sale it might be worth a rent, but this is free, so that does not apply here. I would suggest trying it, but there is no way of telling if you'll like it or not.

4/10 (For being frustrating)

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 10/29/07

Game Release: 3D Pinball: Space Cadet (US, 1995)