"Very Good Pnball Sim"

In 1994, Game Tek decided to release a Game Boy version of the very popular pinball sim "Pinball Fantasies". For those wondering, "Pinball Fantasies" was the premier pinball sim for the old Amiga computer. How does this game fare with the other game boy games? Read my review to find out the answer to that question.

GRAPHICS--5/10

The graphics in this game are just average. The pinball tables are very generic-looking, with it's usual assortment of ramps, bumpers and kick-backs. There are some interesting animations at a table's title screen, like the Party Land table shows a clown waving his hand in the air and the Stones Bones table shows dark clouds moving over a castle. Overall, the graphics are average.

SOUND--8/10

The sounds are very good. You've got sounds of the bumpers being hit, targets being hit and numerous sound effects that accompany each table. The music, while sparse, really gets the job done. You can also turn off the music if you like to. Overall, the sounds are very good.

CONTROLS--10/10

The controls in this game are excellent. You hold down on the d-pad to pull the plunger, A to flip the right flipper and left on the d-pad to flip the left flipper. You also have two buttons to nudge the table, but like the real pinball machines themselves, too much nudging will cause the table to tilt and thus lose a ball. Overall, the controls are excellent.

GAME PLAY--10/10

The game play is excellent. You've got four different tables to play with. The Party Land table consist of a theme of going to a nationally-known theme park. The Speed Devils table has a racing theme to it. The Billion Dollar Game Show table consist of, you guessed it, being on a very popular game show. The Stones Bones table is the most interesting table, with a medieval theme going around. Overall, the game play is excellent.

OVERALL--8/10

Despite it's sparse graphics, "Pinball Fantasies" is a very good pinball video game for the Game Boy. This game not only appeals to Pinball wizards, but also the average gamer. So, pick up this game if not for the graphics, but for the game play.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/29/04