Developer – Fuse Games Publisher - Nintendo Rating: E - Everyone Features 1-8 Player Touch Screen Compatible Wireless DS Single-Card Download Play Rumble Pack Cartridge Save When one thinks of Metroid, one definitely does not think of pinball. However anything is possible nowadays and these two things have crossed paths and melded into a game that will definitely surprise everyone. Metroid Prime Pinball is yet another Nintendo published game that shows the DS is a great gaming machine, and once you start playing you will discover that there is an uncanny addictiveness to this title. Graphics Graphically Metroid Prime Pinball is a very sound title. Everything on screen is pre-rendered, and both screens are alive with action. Each level, or pinball table, is individual to its own level making sure that no style repeats. Differences that are evident range from ramps, rails, bumpers, bumper placement and even the shape of each level. The use of the DS’s dual screens is a major benefit as well. Each table’s rendering is in full form and the developer’s ability to assign a separate portion of the table to each screen allows for artistic creativity. The graphics engine hauls in Metroid Prime Pinball as I did not experience any slowdown or clipping during my gameplay experience, even when there was multi-ball mayhem happening on both screens. As this is a Metroid Game, those faithful to the series will recognize many of the themes found in the levels. Fuse Games even went as far as to put weather effects in some of the levels, ranging from stormy rainy weather to a snowy and icy tundra. Overall I would say that for a pinball game in portable form, this game really has it all in the visual department. Sound I have to admit that I am not a diehard Metroid fan. I never really played the series during the ‘old’ days and have only really been exposed to it through my video gaming reviews. Even with my limited exposure to Metroid I have to say that a lot of gamers will likely appreciate the sound and I think that those ‘Metroid-heads’ out there will really enjoy it as well. During my gameplay I found myself recognizing music from the limited Metroid games that I have played and I am sure that there is much more in terms of recognizable music in this game and those with a passion for Metroid will find it. Add to the overall package great audio effects for each pinball table (e.g. bumpers and jackpot/bonus indicators come to mind) and you have a great sounding game overall. Gameplay Once you fire up this game and start playing, it becomes clearly evident that this is truly a Metroid game, but in pinball form. All the tables are designed from levels found in the Metroid World, however instead of the usual 2D or 3D platforming pitfalls there are now targets, ramps, bumpers and flippers. I was sceptical at first but Fuse Games pulled of a really good pinball game. Everything that real pinball offers is found in Metroid Prime Pinball. You must target certain bumpers, switches and ramps to earn special bonuses or special levels. During gameplay there are also periods when ‘modes’ are opened up where recognizable Metroid enemies must be engaged, either through the pinball or through shooting the enemies when with Samus standing up from her ‘ball’ mode. And for those really crazy about their pinball there is also multi-ball mayhem, something that is synonymous with pinball gaming. The dual screens of the DS are used to perfection in Metroid Prime Pinball, providing a great overview of the table which benefits the overall gameplay. Other pinball games in the past (on other consoles) could only allow one see the whole table by allowing the game engine to scroll as it was being played. This is not the case in Metroid Prime Pinball as the two screens allow for the whole table to be viewed, albeit with a slight split in the middle of the two screens. This was quite enjoyable as I could see the whole screen at once and plan my shots accordingly. And for those looking for an even more lifelike pinball experience, the touch screen allows for one to ‘shake’ the table in an order to direct the ball when needed. This is done by resting one’s thumb on the touch screen and when needed you only have to push on the table. It is a neat implementation adding a little more realism and innovativeness to this handheld pinball game. Fuse Games was kind enough to add multiplayer to Metroid Prime Pinball and I am not just talking 2 players or so, I am talking up to 8 players. Add to this that it is also single cartridge play and you have the makings of a great multiplayer mode. The main goal is to compete for high score on a particular table giving the winner bragging rights. During play you don’t see your competitors screen, but hey, this is pinball so viewing your own table what one would expect. Conclusion In what could have been a disaster, Fuse Games has taken the Metroid name and applied it to a really great looking and great playing pinball game. The DS has shown that it is clearly a versatile machine and with the addition to yet another genre of gaming, pinball, Nintendo can put another notch in their belt while the gaming public once again reaps the benefits from their innovative thinking.