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Classic Pinball TV Games

The Jakks TV Games "Classic Pinball" unit is something completely different: instead of emulating games or a gaming system, Classic Pinball presents three completely new video pinball games in a unique controller designed specifically for pinball games.

Classic Arcade Pinball Controller

The controller for this TV Games unit deserves special attention. It's shape is similar to many modern gamepads, but it's designed for pinball alone. There are two large flipper buttons, as well as two "shoulder" buttons on the top that can be used instead of the main flipper buttons.

During gameplay, balls are launched using a unique ball plunger control at the bottom of the controller. This is a true variable control — pull it back three-quarters of the way, and the onscreen plunger moves back the same amount.

The Pinball "Plunger"

Even more unique than the plunger is the virtual "tilt" feature. There are no buttons required for a "nudge" of the ball during gameplay — just bump either side of the controller, and it will register as if you had nudged the virtual pinball machine.

Okay, so we've got a great pinball controller — what about the games? Classic Pinball offers three original tables: Paleolithic Pete, Super Star Strike, and Skate Scene Pinball, each with three difficulty levels: kids, arcade, and pinball wizard.

The Classic Pinball Table Selection Menu

The games themselves are very nicely done, and are reminiscent of the early PC video pinball games (think: CGA-EGA era graphics). The games consist of vertically-scrolling playfields, with ramps, pop bumpers, drop targets, even multiball and "secret" mini-playfields. If you enjoyed the PC pinball game collections, you'll feel right at home here.

One of the Classic Pinball Tables

The controller really makes playing video pinball a blast — its amazing how much difference having a dedicated pinball controller makes. I want one of these things for Visual Pinball on the PC! The only problem I had with the controller was an occasional accidental "nudge" when I thumped the shoulder buttons a bit too enthusiastically during gameplay.

Oh, and you'll know when you've nudged — an onscreen lightning flash and thunderclap herald your bump. It's not a directional nudge, though, more of a general "whack" at the playfield. Still, when you're looking at a sidelane drain, a whack may be all you need to save your ball.

The scrolling playfields takes a while to get used to. I was never a big fan of them on PC pinball games, but it's not quite as motion-sickness-inducing here for some reason.

Unfortunately, a scrolling playfield ruins multiball, as you can never see more than half the playfield — launch a ball up into the upper playfield, for example, and you won't see it as long as there are other balls bouncing around the lower flippers. It gets even worse when you lose a ball and the scrolling suddenly jumps up or down to follow one of the remaining balls.

Aside from the scrolling I had a lot of fun playing the games. The rule sets are good, and there are a lot of combination shots and targets to go for. There's enough going on to keep you busy and to keep the boards from getting boring. You can enter your initials for high scores, but as with the Ms. Pac-Man controller, high scores are lost when the unit is turned off.