3-D Ultra Pinball by Sierra On-Line/Dynamix (Win95/3.1, Mac CD-ROM)
 
3-D Ultra Pinball Box Art

Reviewed: 08/1996

Rating: 2 1/2 of 6Rating: 2 1/2 of 6Rating: 2 1/2 of 6Rating: 2 1/2 of 6

Sierra Home
Dynamix Home

Tables:
Colony, Mine, Command Post

Interesting concept with side and bonus tables and computer-only (physically impossible) features. Three different tables called levels that can be played in combination or individually. Requires scoring in the three linked tables to get to the ultimate bonus table (which oddly doesn't score very much. I've reached my highest score focusing on the main table only). 3D non-scrolling full-screen tables from digitized models look nice but make for inaccuracte ball control. Supports resolutions up to 1024x768. The flipper area and kickback lanes are unproportionally wide. Rollover lanes and kickback are annoying (no scoring on upward bounce, no "grace period" for kickback and ball often bounces past kickback without activating it). Four individual highscore tables for the three levels seperately and for combination play. 3- and 5-ball scores recorded in same highscore table with indication of number of balls. Beginner's table with lack of pinball integrity that gets boring soon and frustrates the pinball purist. The manual contains instructions for Mac installation although the game box mentions only Windows. The above said, I can't understand how this game has been hyped so much and received ridiculous amounts of long-term shelf space (then again, is it any wonder if you look at who still stocks it)...

Where Found: CompUSA, Arizona, USA, 09/1995