There are two tables in the game, red and blue. Each table has its own details and gameplay elements. Each table has different "locations" that you play, which determine which Pokémon are available for capture. A subset of available locations are displayed slot-machine style in the beginning of a game, and pressing A will select your starting location and launch the first ball into play. After that, each table has its own mechanism for advancing to the next location, including the locations not available at the start of the game. "Catch Mode," when activated, starts a 2 minute window of opportunity where you can attempt to capture a Pokémon. Once you activate "catch mode," you must hit the pop bumpers 6 times. Each hit unlocks 1/6 of an image of the Pokémon currently up for capture. Once the image is complete, the Pokémon appears on the table, where it must be hit 4 times with the ball to capture it. "Evolution Mode," when activated, starts a 2 minute window of opportunity where you select a captured Pokémon (from the current game in progress only) and attempt to evolve it into another form. This is the only way to add the evolved form to your Pokédex. Once you select a Pokémon, you must hit targets on the playfield. There are up to 6 targets, but only 3 of them have items in them you need to evolve a Pokémon. The others create a time-wasting sequence before you can hit targets again. If you hit a target with an item, the item appears on the playfield and must be collected with the ball. Once you've collected 3 items, the hole in the center of the board opens up. Sinking the ball in the hole successfully evolves the Pokémon.
Also in series
Reviews View More
The gameplay itself is typical pinball, shoot at the lit up portions of the map and eventually the Bellsprout or Cloyster to enable the capture mode. Doing full loops of the board build up a meter that determines what type of Pokémon will be accessible. You then need to shoot at the top bumpers - Voltorb or Shelders to make the Pokémon appear on the board, then you shoot your ball at the Pokémon. I like that during this ball saver is on (to a degree) until finally you capture the monster. Evolution mode is fairly similar, yet more challenging requiring you to hit specific parts of the board then to collect either Experience Points or Evolution Stone symbols that appear on the board before hitting the hole in the centre.
I’ve played some of the beginner bonus stages like Diglett and Meowth and they’re plenty fun.
It’s interesting seeing the gradual transition from NES Pinball to Revenge of the Gator and Kirby Pinball. This is easily the most unrealistic pinball sim but I like being given some leeway. I find this game really addictive, it’s a 9/10 so far I’ve only played roughly 2 hours and I’m looking forward to finishing my Pokédex.
For real though, it's got a pretty good soundtrack and it's an alright pinball video game. I like the GBA one a lot more than this one, though.
Pokemon Pinball is about as friendly of a pinball game as you can get without giving you a free practice mode. The ball can move unforgivingly fast, but board orientation will bail you out more often than not. There's a massive level of RNG in getting the Pokemon you want, but the game is incredibly generous in giving you a minute where you can fail all you want in getting them. The ability to control your multiplier through the CAVE system and three markers at the top of each board is incredibly generous. That weird little gravity well on the blue board is very helpful in getting you the result you want if you can only shoot toward the middle of the board. There is an incredible level of novelty that, even at a base level, just getting one or two new Pokemon or landing in a new location will make you wanna play more. Every consideration has been taken to make both Pokemon and pinball comfortable and familiar to a new player and a young target audience, with charming spritework and unique bonus stages as their own reward, and some VERY stringent timing on the final Mewtwo bonus stage. It's a good game!
This is as high as I can ever personally place it due to my inability to be good at pinball. I think very fondly of this game, but it is not my addiction. No matter how many hours I pour in, I will never actually be good, and I suppose that is my curse.
First off, it's pinball, something I don't have a great amount of experience with, so bear that in mind before diving in to both the game, and this review. You are tasked with catching the original 150 Kanto Pokemon. Catching is achieved through, well, playing pinball! It's very satisfying and super addicting to do. Kudos to the developers for managing to make a new catching mechanic feel so more-ish and engaging!
That being said, there is an INSANE amount of RNG required when finding the little creatures. This can lead to frustration during long sessions and is why I didn't bother catching them all. If the grind is for you, then jump right in!
The music is absolutely suberb. Some of the melodies will be recognisable in songs used in the Generation 2 games, a few years before they came out! This was a pleasant surprise, as well as the catchy renditions of the original Gen 1 chip tunes.
Overall, it's worth playing as a Pokemon fan but probably more for those looking for a pinball table with a real unique spin. Don't let the difficulty put you off and play for 10-20 minutes at a time, and you'll have fun!
