Pinball Arcade is a suite of seven pinball games, each representing a pinball machine from a particular time period, going as far back as the 1930's. You select which pinball table you want to play, and the table goes into action. The tables included are Cue Ball Wizard, Haunted House, Spirit of 76, Slick Chick, Knock Out, Humpty Dumpty, and Baffle Ball.

If you're a history buff as well as a pinball fan, this game may intrigue you, as each table is presented in an accurate fashion. You control the ball similar to how you would in the real table, and that includes flipper controls and table nudging. The ball physics give each table a very accurate and realistic feel.

In terms of replicating these historical tables, I found nothing to complain about. On the other hand, as "historical" may imply, these tables are quite dated. You need to determine whether playing the real tables would provide you any fascination. In my experience with the game, this is a case where the accuracy in replication worked against the software. I went through each table, and although impressed by the representation, I didn't have a whole lot of fun on any of the tables. With the older tables, the technology is simplistic, and having that translated into a computer program just didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Even with the more current tables, I found the games lackluster. None of these games were near as much fun as any of the other pinball software programs on the market. The focus on historical accuracy trampled over the fun factor, and my interest was not kept for very long. I think these historical pinball games belong in Encarta, not in a stand alone pinball software title. There are plenty of pinball software titles out there that are far more fun and interesting that will hold you interest.

Pros

• Accurate physics of real pinball tables
• Historical depiction of pinball evolution

Cons

• Game play is lackluster
• Historical significance wears off fast, game does not hold interest

Rating: 2 out of 5 Mice