Metroid Prime Pinball Nintendo DS review

After the distinctly average Mario Pinball on the GBA, I approached this title with trepidation. In the end, Metroid Prime Pinball proves to be worth flipping out over.

The Gamecube’s sublime Metroid Prime might seem an odd choice for a pinball conversion. Thankfully, the background is treated with respect, resulting in an excellent pinball game, with satisfying ball physics and a solid feel that remains surprisingly true to its roots.

Roll-Call

There are seven tables, each themed to a Metroid Prime environment. The supporting cast, including Space Pirates, Metroids, Triclops’ and even Meta Ridley all make appearances. Missiles, bombs and Power Bombs are present and correct. There are even moments when Samus unfurls from her Morph Ball to blast away at swarms of beetles and Shriekbats.

Three are traditional pinball tables make up the meat of the game. One of them (Magmoor Caverns) is only accessible in multiplayer – a weak, all too brief affair for up to eight players. The fact that only one cartridge is required is a bonus, but only a small one. Both the Pirate Frigate and Tallon Overworld are very satisfying, packed with features including thirteen ‘mini-games’. Tallon Overworld offers a more relaxed, high scoring table, while the Frigate is a little more challenging and frenetic.

Samus Gets Bossy

Of the others, Phendrana Drifts, Phazon Mines and Impact Crater each have bosses to defeat, with the last one following the same two-part sequence as its Cube incarnation. The first two of the boss encounters are easy enough to get the hang of, but still offer a decent challenge. The Impact Crater will take a little longer to master. The remaining table, Artefact Temple, is a skill test requiring the player to pot multiple spheres in specific targets while under fire. This initially feels a little random, but rewards the skilled player willing to put the time in.

The game features a Multi Mission mode, where the player must attempt to collect enough Artefacts to be allowed entry to the Temple, and thence to the Impact Carter. Tables unlocked here become available in Single Mission mode, where high scores or time completed achievements can be logged. Single Mission mode is where the replay value of the game lies, though the motivation to go for higher scores wanes quickly. It would have been nice to see even an online friends high score comparison thingy in the game just to add to the games lifespan.

The graphics in Metroid Prime Pinball are excellent, clear and crisp, really capturing the essence of the Gamecube experience. The wonderful, evocative music and the solid and well used spot effects enhance the atmosphere and gameplay perfectly.

Ready to Rumble?

Metroid Prime Pinball includes a rumble pack that plugs into the GBA cartridge socket. More than simply a ho-hum extra, this well implemented bit of kit really enhances the experience, giving a remarkably tactile feel to the tables. It would be great to see other games making use of the feature - I’m surprised that Mario Kart missed this particular option.

There’s a lot in Metroid Prime Pinball for fans of Samus’ adventures and for anyone who is simply looking for a good fun game. It’s nice that no feeble attempt was made to force the stylus into the pinball format, but it would have been better to see some more multiplayer options and maybe just a couple more tables. Really, that’s the only thing wrong with this otherwise fantastic title.