Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Arcade, Pinball
- Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: Bill Budge
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Virtual Pinball (1993): The Ultimate Pinball Experience
Virtual Pinball is a pinball simulation game developed and published by Sierra On-Line in 1993. It is the spiritual successor to Bill Budge’s classic Pinball Construction Set, and it offers a wide range of features that allow players to create and play their own custom pinball tables.
Gameplay
Virtual Pinball features 29 pre-made pinball tables, each with its own unique theme and set of challenges. Players can also use the in-game editor to create their own custom tables, choosing from a variety of backgrounds, objects, and music tracks.
The game’s physics engine is very realistic, and it accurately simulates the movement of the ball and flippers. This makes for a very challenging and rewarding pinball experience.
Features
Virtual Pinball offers a number of features that set it apart from other pinball games. These features include:
- Custom table editor: Players can use the in-game editor to create their own custom pinball tables. This gives them the freedom to design tables that are perfectly suited to their own preferences.
- Wide variety of objects: The game includes a wide variety of objects that can be used to create custom tables. These objects include bumpers, ramps, targets, and spinners.
- Multiple music tracks: Players can choose from a variety of music tracks to play while they are playing. This helps to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Realistic physics engine: The game’s physics engine is very realistic, and it accurately simulates the movement of the ball and flippers. This makes for a very challenging and rewarding pinball experience.
Reception
Virtual Pinball was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its realistic physics engine, its wide variety of features, and its easy-to-use interface. The game was also a finalist for the “Best Simulation Game” award at the 1994 Computer Game Developers Conference.
Virtual Pinball is still considered to be one of the best pinball games ever made. It is a must-play for any fan of pinball games, and it is also a great way to learn about the basics of pinball design.
Legacy
Virtual Pinball has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It helped to popularize the pinball simulation genre, and it inspired the development of many other pinball games. The game’s realistic physics engine and its easy-to-use interface have also made it a popular choice for pinball enthusiasts who want to create their own custom tables.
Virtual Pinball is a classic pinball game that still holds up today. It is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding pinball experience.
Tips for Playing Virtual Pinball
Here are a few tips for playing Virtual Pinball:
- Learn the basics of pinball: Before you start playing, take some time to learn the basics of pinball. This will help you to understand how the game works and how to score points.
- Practice: The best way to improve your pinball skills is to practice. Play a variety of different tables and experiment with different strategies.
- Use the flippers wisely: The flippers are your most important tool for controlling the ball. Use them to keep the ball in play and to score points.
- Aim for the targets: The targets are worth points, so try to aim for them whenever possible.
- Use the bumpers: The bumpers can help to keep the ball in play and to score points.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Virtual Pinball offers a lot of customization options. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Virtual Pinball is a classic pinball game that still holds up today. It is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding pinball experience.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
