Star Trek Pinball

Copyright: KBkids.com 1998

Pinball has been around for what seems like an eternity. Many of the adults who now watch their children cruise through Cyberspace, or play the most incredibly complex computer programs got their own start on the pinball machines in stores and arcades. These same parents probably grew up on the original Star Trek television series as well. This new pinball game incorporates the nostalgia of the old pinball machine and the classic Star Trek series.

Interplay games have glitches at times which require a bit more computer finesse than the average. Some run smoothly, and some require a bit more computer know-how. This program falls somewhere in-between. Testers had sound problems initially which seemed to magically disappear. No patches, or repairs were needed in this case. There are no table sounds, which testers missed, but the CD quality sound track comes from the original Star Trek series. Other than the minor sound glitch at first, this program runs fairly well. It is a DOS based program (like many Interplay products), but runs very smoothly in a Windows/Windows 95 environment.

Three basic games are included. "To Boldly Go" is a pinball table based on Captain Kirk, his world, and his love conquests. Nothing objectionable here, just pictures of pretty girls with Captain Kirk in the middle of the table. "Qapla" is a Klingon based game with a slightly more sinister look (remember, the old Klingons were not as good looking as Warf!) The last game is called "Nemesis" and is set up for multiplayer action. You can play Star Trek Pinball over the Internet, a LAN, or with up to 4 players (although how they all play on one keyboard is a stretch!).

The action of the flippers is very realistic. Without the table sounds, a bit of the charm is lost, but the action is still realistic. The graphics are very well done. With a small screen it is harder to see all of the shoots and ramps quickly. The bigger the monitor here the better. This program was tried on both a 17" monitor and an older 14 1/2" monitor and there was a definite difference in ease of play. The tables respond in a fairly realistic manner. If you have an expensive keyboard you may worry a bit about the wear and tear on your shift keys, and probably with good reason. No one plays pinball gently! Multiple ball play, bonus points, chances to win extra rounds and points make this seem like a real pinball game. Table objects have familiar Trek names like "Federation Loop," "Warp Power Flippers," and the ability to increase your "Klingon Factor."

Bottom Line: This is a very good pinball action game, but the table sounds are sorely missed. They would, admittedly, be difficult to add in real-time...but missed nonetheless. A great nostalgic trip for old time pinball players and kids alike.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 2 1/2

BrainGain: 1

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 2 1/2

Buy Star Trek: Pinball at Amazon!