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Title Pinball Dreams
Publisher 21st Century Entertainment Ltd (1992)
Game Type Sport
Players 1-8
HD Installable HD-Patch: aminet:game/patch/pdreamhd.lha
Compatability Old versions: non-AGA so use HD-patch;
Patch for 040/060 - aminet:game/patch/pdreampatch.lha
Demo aminet: game/misc/PinBallDreamDe.lha
Submission Dennis Smith Profiled Reviewer

Review
Pinball Dreams was an enormous success; not only did it top the Amiga
best-sellers lists, it's also responsible for selling a sizeable number of
Amigas at the same time. But what was it that made the game so different
from other pinball games? Attention to detail: Pinball Dreams emulated the
real pinball feeling like no game before it. The ball's response is so
much more realistic, the layout of the tables is carefully thought out and
tied to the theme of the table - many previous games had been little more
than a deluxe bagatelle. So careful were Digital Illusions to catch the
real pinball feeling that the beautifully drawn tables (especially
considering the colour limitation) even depict the screws that might
conceivably be holding the table together. Add to this the great sound
effects, the ability to give the table a quick shove (but not too much or
you might affect the tilt sensors) and you've got a real classic. Unlike
any previous game, you could really believe that there might be real
pinball tables just like the four in Pinball Dreams.

The four tables featured are 'Ignition', based around rocketing about the
solar system, 'Steel Wheels', with a steam train theme, 'Beat Box', about
topping the music charts and 'Nightmare', with a horror theme. As you can
see, this offers a very wide variety. The tables play very differently too
and each can keep you occupied for many hours. 'Steel Wheels' and 'Beat
Box' are the weaker of the four tables, but only because 'Ignition' and
'Nightmare' are so very addictive, indeed 'Nightmare' is one of the best
pinball games you're likely to find. And unlike Dreams' earlier
competitors, you can play any table you like; you don't need to achieve any
special scores on one table to get to the next.

A real pinball experience with no need to keep shoving fifty pence pieces
into a slot - it's no wonder it had such popularity. It laid down a very
high standard for pinball games, but it wasn't very long before it was
challenged by another strong contender - its sequel, Pinball Fantasies,
appeared later that same year, and the third in the trilogy, Pinball
Illusions, took simulation to new levels in 1995.

"Your keyboard will never take so much bashing..."

Gameplay - Smooth, flowing pinball action here. Very realistic ball dynamics and well layed out tables. It plays almost like the real thing, but with one minor flaw that is the ball sometimes seems a little too light, sort of like a tennis ball. But, other than that, it is a perfect game. Also, just to add to the fun, it can get a little bit frustrating, when your racking up millions and millions of points and the ball slips down the side of the table, I guarantee you will be mashing your palm into the keyboard with anger. Including in the game are three tables:

Ignition - This is my least favourite table as it is like a beginners table and their is nothing to really aim for. I recommend it if your about to play your first go.

Steel Wheel - My favourite table out of the lot as there is plenty of bonuses and such to aim for. With my highest score being 107 millions points. I finally beat my score of 72 million points after about 8 years!

Beat Box - This is also a great table, with plenty to do and great features, such as the ability to climb the european and US charts, and when you reach the number one spot you get the jackpot. Nice sound effects also used here.

Nightmare - This table is definitely for the pros of pinball! Extremely difficult, as tunnels seem to be very high on the board and hard to get access to.

Story - Well, it's a pinball game so it doesn't really have a story, other than the objective to the game which is to knock up as many millions of points as you can with the three balls you are given.

Audio/Video - Sounds are top class in this game. Each board has it's own theme, and while not getting too repetitive can be quite enjoyable. Each board also has it's own sets of sound effects for greater score tallys. As for graphics, it is just your basic 2D Pinball game but with smooth pixel graphics so that it doesn't strain your eyes.

Replayability - Simply unlimited in this game! I still play it 8 years on using my old Amiga 600. It's just as fun to try and beat my old high scores. I still think I will be setting up my old Amiga in the very near future to play this game again.

To buy or to rent? - If your not a big pinball fan, it's probably best to rent, but otherwise it is quite sensible to purchase as you'll be wanting to go back to play again and again. Overall it's great value for money.

Overall Rating - 9 out of 10.


Reviewer's Score: 9/10 | Originally Posted: 03/18/02, Updated 03/18/02