Pinball Challenge Deluxe (GBA) (Pinball Challenge Deluxe (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Pinball Challenge Deluxe (GBA)
Date:	23/05/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Eight different tables

Disadvantages: Simple audio

"Pinball Challenge Deluxe" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2005 by Ubisoft. It is an arcade game based on pinball. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

This game did not immediately present me with a storyline. Like many pinball titles, the objective is to simply propel a steel ball into a series of point generating devices in aims of placing a high score. Pinball Challenge Deluxe features eight different "pinball tables" which are distinct in their design though the objective remains identical in point scoring. One table I found particularly enjoyable was the "Nightmare" table as this offered many trap doors and "underground" passages which allowed the ball to frequently change its position on the table and this created fast paced play.

The graphics are presented from a top down perspective which focuses on the steel ball. The camera positioning is zoomed to centre on the ball and this allows a clear closeup of the table designs though does make the game somewhat challenging as the player must know where his or her pinball paddles are resting at the bottom of the screen. Nonetheless, each of the table designs are distinct and offer excellent background creations. The "Beat Box" table, for example, hosts a wide variety of urban graffiti images offset against neon greens and yellows. Opposite to this would be the "Nightmare" table which revolves around a dark cemetery setting with many blacks, purples and dark blues. The soundtrack is simple and only features ambiance effects such as what would be heard when the ball strikes a score bumper.

Overall, Pinball Challenge Deluxe effectively "does what it says on the tin" by offering the player a standard pinball game. Its many tables offers a change in visuals every so often but ultimately it would only appeal to those seeking a pinball game. I do enjoy this game but I would be hesitant about recommending it to the wider marketplace as other games, such as Super Mario Ball, offer a storyline and adventure surrounding its pinball game which could enhance replay value.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle