Pinball tables are a classic arcade hit. Modern tables have expanded on the classic model and they now include a wider array of ramps, hidden levels, and extras. Pinball video games are the next evolution of the large table. This new found genre of pinball has it's own set of unique pros and cons. 4Pinball is a pinball game for the Pocket PC by 4Pockets. Can the 3.5" screen of a Pocket PC bring the same excitement as a giant pinball table? Read the review to find out.
The Game
4Pinball is optimized to work with iPAQ Pocket PCs. 4Pockets says that the game may run on other Pocket PCs running ARM processors, but compatibility is not guaranteed. The game runs in landscape mode and the tables scroll up and down. The setup menu will allow you to change the orientation of the screen for either left-handed or right-handed use. You can also configure the buttons for your particular playing preference.
4Pinball is basically an engine that allows you to play any of the tables that have been written for 4Pinball. Two tables come with purchase of 4Pinball, and other tables may be purchased separately. Currently there is just one add-on table, Halloween, but there are more in development. Each of these tables has its own unique layout and play.
Game Play
Once you have set your options and you hit start game you will be taken to a screen with all of your installed tables. You pick the table that you would like to play and the game will load that table. The table will load in a few seconds, which is amazing considering the detail and features that accompany each of the tables. Once the table has completed loading the screen will scroll displaying the entire table. Once you hit the start button the screen will stop scrolling and your first ball will load. From this point the game will play just like a pinball table would play.
You begin the game with three balls, and your object is to accumulate as many points as possible through bonuses, jackpots, and various other methods. The premise is simple, but you'll soon discover that the game becomes increasingly complicated as you progress.
