| Introduction
What is this fascination that video game developers
have with Pinball? After all, aside from emulating in
binary the correct physics, ball trajectory, sounds
and flashing lights of a real Pinball machine, there
isn't very much that this classic "mechanical"
arcade game can offer in terms of new features or creativity.
So why on earth are there still so many Pinball games
being released for the PC, home consoles and even the
GameBoy? Well, the answer is "simplicity"
and the fact that Pinball is almost universally understood
and enjoyed by everyone.
GamePlay
"Hardcore Pinball" for the GBA is developed
by Paragon 5, the same people who brought us the excellent
racer "Karnaaj Rally". Pinball itself needs
no introduction and even if you've never encountered
it before, simple intuition should provide clues as
to what is required to succeed. Basically, the object
of Pinball is to prevent a solid metal ball from exiting
a pre-defined area. You do this by blocking the ball
with the left and right flipper. Of course, the object
of the game isn't just prevention, but also gaining
points by using the flippers to push and guide the ball
at a variety of bumpers and specific targets.
While this is tedious and at times difficult, it
is also simple to understand, since the whole premise
of Pinball is to score as many points as possible before
you loose your balls (no pun intended). It is this lack
of complication that makes Pinball so enjoyable, and
in "Hardcore Pinball" you're given four separate
and differently themed tables to enjoy. With four tables
to choose from, there should be at least one that you'll
like.
For me, the "Soccer" table was the best,
since it incorporated some of the rules of the game
such as "fouls" and "throw-ins"
which really enhanced the game. The other three are
the "Retro", "Station", and "Robomech"
tables. Although they all have the same basic features,
each table's layout and bonuses are different and dependent
on its theme, so take your time to discover all the
bonuses of a particular table before you move on to
the next.
Control
In real Pinball, the only thing you can really control
is the flippers, because once you've hit the ball with
the flippers, it's all up to the laws of physics, angles
and trajectory to calculate where your ball will go.
A good player with good reflexes can of course control
the direction of the ball by hitting it at different
points along the length of the flipper. The whole game
of Pinball is thus one hell of a "headache"
to emulate as a video game, and one of the main reasons
why so many video Pinball games have failed is because
the programmers were not able to correctly emulate the
physics of a real Pinball table.
I'm pleased to announce, however, that "Hardcore
Pinball" is one of the most life-like Pinball games
ever to grace the GBA. The ball moves and bounces just
like the real thing and at times, you'll even believe
that it is the "real" thing. As far as customization
goes, the game does allow you two flipper settings,
although I would suggest using the shoulder buttons
as I found it the most effective and comfortable.
Graphics
Being able to see the ball, even when it's caroming
of bumpers and flippers at high speed, is another important
aspect of a good video Pinball game. Similarly, targets,
bumpers and ramps must also be easily discernable. Wisely
enough, the developers have taken that aspect into consideration,
and have created a good balance in "Hardcore Pinball"
by creating a game that not only has "accurate"
ball animation and visibility but also table backgrounds
that are colorful and well detailed. Although some of
the backgrounds look to me like cheesy retro 70's art,
there's still no doubting the skill of the graphic artist
in getting so much detail in such a small area.
Another thing to note is the absence of flashy cut
screens or intros in "Hardcore Pinball", nor
are there loads of dazzling option screens since truth
be told, there aren't that many options in the game.
Simplicity seems to be the key here, and unlike a lot
of games, you'll only need two button presses to start
enjoying "Hardcore Pinball".
Sound & Music
There are lots of audio variety in "Hardcore
Pinball", all of which changes according to the
table you're playing. This includes everything, from
the music to the sound effects. The "Soccer"
table for example not only features suitable soccer
type music, but also sound effects such cheering crowds,
balls being kicked and referee whistles. It's all excellent
quality too, so kudos to the developers for raiding
their audio archives and not stinging on the effects
for each table.
Final Comments
Paragon 5 has done a good job with "Hardcore
Pinball". They've produced a well designed and
very enjoyable Pinball game that's likely to keep you
occupied for some time, despite the absence of a multi-player
option and un-lockable "secret" tables. All
four tables in the game are excellent and the high score
save feature will definitely have you and your friends
playing again and again to outdo each other. Short of
the real thing, "Hardcore Pinball" is one
game that any Pinball enthusiast will be happy to own.
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