Producer: C.P. Software
Memory Required: 16K
Retail Price: £5.95
Language: Machine code
Author: Sagittarian Software

Why spend money in the arcades any more? For the modest outlay of the price of this program, you can now play pinball in the comfort of your own home. The layout of the table is quite traditional with a row of 12 bumpers at the top and two collections of bonus targets to either side. These are arranged in a diamond shape with a 20-point target at the top and three 10-point targets beneath. There is a high bonus gate to the left edge of the table, one in the centre and one at the bottom in the middle. In addition there are Hi and Lo targets and two central bumper gates below the scoring window.

To the right is the ball launcher. Pressing the fire key causes the spring to pull back and then return, and continue doing this until you release the firing key. In this way it is possible to control the strength of the shot desired.

At the base are two sets of flippers, each with an independent right and left arm with exit gates between them. Two more exit channels run at the edge sides of the flippers. The score window looks authentic with the digits flicking up just as they would in a real table. Below that is another window with the number of balls left to the player.

Hitting any of the rollover targets at the top of the table will light the letter above it (S-A-G-I-T-T-A-R-I-A-N) and any of these targets subsequently hit will increase the bonus by 50 points to a maximum value of a freeball once all the letters have been lit.

COMMENTS

Control keys: Q to T left flippers, Y to P right flippers, 6 to zero for launching the ball
Joystick: none - none needed
Use of colour: good
Graphics: large, detailed and smooth
Sound: good
Skill levels: 1
Lives: 5 balls

It may not have quite all the thrills of a noisy arcade, but this is definitely one of the best simulations of a table-top game I have seen. Of course, a lot of the graphics don't have to move very much, so it has been possible to concentrate attention on the ball, which moves around with extraordinary realism. Using the flippers is simplicity itself and they work very effectively. When I first started playing the game I thought that a few minutes would suffice, and then found that a couple of hours had passed and I was still at it. Excellent.

This simulation is fast enough to be enjoyable and addictive. The sound has been well used to simulate real arcade sound. There isn't much going on graphically, but what does move moves very smoothly. Perhaps one aspect that isn't too realistic is that the ball can spend quite a long time playing by itself, bouncing from target to target.

I missed the opportunity to "tilt" but otherwise I was very impressed with this game. The colours are well used, it has the best effect of a moving ball I've seen yet in a Spectrum game, and it manages to be very addictive - not usually the case with these sort of games on the computer. I would say that as a change to zapping or even adventuring, Pinball Wizard has it made.

The title really speaks for itself; a simulation of the old arcade favourite, and a rather complex one at that, complete with flippers, spring action firing, bumpers, and many others.

Tony: This game is so well written that everything works as it does on a real pinball machine. The flippers move instantaneously, and the scoring makes excellent use of sound. 9/10

Mark: The perfect choice of colour and superb graphics all go to make this a most amazing simulation. Ball movement is impressive and very realistic. 10/10

John: A brilliant idea that's totally absorbing and so addictive it makes this game one of the best to have been put on the Spectrum. Only one thing: perhaps it would have been nice if a change of scenery had been included. 10/10

SURE PLAYS A MEAN SOFTWARE

MAKER: Sagittarian Software
OTHER VERSIONS: CBM 64
FORMAT: cassette
PRICE: £5.95

Surprisingly successful attempt to simulate the not inconsiderable joys of the common pin table. Although it looks fairly mundane, the gameplay is actually quite addictive and evokes the authentic fish 'n' chips feel of a run-down pin joint. The author was obviously a devotee.

Potential gamers are advised to note that the pin-table is of the double gate variety, with high and low scoring bumpers, bonus roll-overs and a free-ball pay-off. Balls are relatively fast-paced, with almost flicker-free movement, and the flipper responses are excellent. I dare say that with practice your could aim for almost any bumper onscreen. The potential for mega-scores is clearly massive.

I doubt if it'll ever replace the real thing though. Half the fun of playing the genuine article involved thwacking the pin-cabinet at some strategic point. Who could play and not taunt the tilt? Unfortunately to succumb to such temptation here would clearly have disastrous results!

MACHINE: Spectrum 16/48K
JOYSTICK: No
SUPPLIER: CP Software
PRICE: £5.95

This is an excellent simulation of the pinball game. The display is well-designed and colourful and ball movement is very realistic.

There are two sets of flippers and good sound effects. All that's missing is the feel of the real thing - somehow it's not the same without the big glass-topped table in front of you.