Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Pinball
- Platforms: DOS
- Developers: Unique Development Studios
- Publishers: 21st Century Entertainment
Absolute Pinball (1996): A Pinball Masterpiece
Absolute Pinball is a pinball game developed by Team17 and published by Atari Games in 1996. It was released for the Atari Jaguar, MS-DOS, and Windows. The game features four tables with different themes: Desert Run, Aquatic Adventure, The Dream Factory, and Balls ‘n Bats. All tables feature three flippers and several mini games on the scoreboard, e.g. swimming away from sharks.
Absolute Pinball was a critical and commercial success, praised for its realistic physics, innovative gameplay, and beautiful graphics. It is considered by many to be one of the greatest pinball games ever made.
Gameplay
Absolute Pinball is a pinball game played from a third-person perspective. The player controls a pinball and must use the flippers to keep it in play. The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible by hitting targets, completing mini games, and collecting bonuses.
The game features four tables with different themes:
- Desert Run: A desert-themed table with cacti, sand dunes, and a pyramid in the background.
- Aquatic Adventure: An underwater-themed table with fish, coral reefs, and a sunken ship.
- The Dream Factory: A surreal-themed table with floating platforms, giant mushrooms, and a Cheshire Cat.
- Balls ‘n Bats: A baseball-themed table with a baseball diamond, a scoreboard, and a hot dog vendor.
Each table features three flippers and several mini games on the scoreboard. The mini games are activated by hitting certain targets on the table. For example, in the Desert Run table, hitting the cactus target activates a mini game where the player must shoot a snake with a slingshot.
Graphics and Sound
Absolute Pinball features beautiful 3D graphics and a catchy soundtrack. The tables are rendered in great detail, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The soundtrack is composed of upbeat electronic music that perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay.
Critical Reception
Absolute Pinball was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic physics, innovative gameplay, and beautiful graphics. Many reviewers considered it to be one of the best pinball games ever made.
- GameSpot: “Absolute Pinball is the best pinball game ever made for the PC.”
- IGN: “Absolute Pinball is a must-have for any pinball fan.”
- PC Gamer: “Absolute Pinball is the new gold standard for pinball games.”
Legacy
Absolute Pinball is considered by many to be one of the greatest pinball games ever made. It has been praised for its realistic physics, innovative gameplay, and beautiful graphics. The game has been ported to several other platforms, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64.
Absolute Pinball has also been influential in the development of other pinball games. For example, the popular pinball game Zen Pinball was inspired by Absolute Pinball.
Conclusion
Absolute Pinball is a pinball masterpiece that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers hours of fun. If you are a fan of pinball, then you owe it to yourself to check out Absolute Pinball.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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Screenshots
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