Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo DS, 2005)

This is one of the more addicting virtual pinball games due to the number of goals and missions that the game offers aside from simply getting a high score. The game starts you with an initial two tables which is where your main playing time will occur. Meeting certain requirements will open up 2 more tables each consisting of unique main boss found in the Metroid Prime game for the GC. Acquiring 10 artifacts will then grant you access to Ridley's stage, where upon beating him takes you to Mother Brain's table.

The only reason I did not give this game a 5/5 rating is due to the difficulty. The game is incredibly difficult. Obtaining 10 artifacts is quite a task. And when you do obtain them, Ridley proves not so difficult, but good luck with the second form of Mother Brain. The reason the bouts with the Brain prove so difficult is do to the fact that your pinball can actually be destroyed on the playing field. This is not so much a problem due to the minimal damage and constant healing items that frequent the other stages, but two hits by the Brain (even if your temporarily in a drop hole) means loss of ball.

On another note, any table that you complete will unlock that specific table for you to play stand alone. Meaning instead of playing the missiion game in order to practice on Ridley's table, you can choose another menu to access Ridley's stage right of the bat.

The sound keeps the same ambiance as the Prime games and the graphics are somewhat the same as well. As for the rumble pack, it is not all that impressive and serves only as a novelty which wears off shortly.

Basically any fan of virtual pinball games will be very pleased with Metroid Prime Pinball.

Those who enjoy this game may also wish to check out Pinball of the Dead for the GBA.

This is an outstanding game! The graphics are really crisp and clear and the gameplay is fast-paced. It doesn't get old like some pinball games are known to. It's replay value is very high as there are multiple levels to defeat, and that'll take some time to accomplish! Awesome unlockables and a multiplayer, race to a pre-set points option are great additions to this title.

My advice, buy this game, period. You won't be disappointed. Not only is it an amazing game, but it comes with a Rumble Pak. Insert it in the DS's GBA slot and it'll rumble throughout the pinball game (or any other game that features a rumble option). That alone is worth the price of this game, especially if you own a DS Lite. It really rocks those babies hard. Buy this game (with the Rumble Pak) and clear that day on your calendar because you are going to be hooked.

Imagine remaking Metroid Prime as a Pinball game. Imagine no more. Metroid Prime: Pinball is Metroid Prime but you play it in Morph Ball form. It is the same goal in both games, defeat Metroid Prime and Meta-Ridley while collecting the Chozo Artifacts. Theres even a Combat Mode where Prime enemies such as Metroids, Space Pirtes, Beetles, Burrowers, and Shriekbats can be fought and defeated to obtain points and Artifacts. They even have a Wall Jump mode where you can Screw Attack to a Artifact! You can obtain items such as the Power Bomb and Missiles to fight classic bosses such as Thardus and the Omega Pirate. The ingienious game control plus the classic "Pinball of the Dead" control its easy to get used to and play.

Great game. This is something different from the past Metroid games. It has a great well design stages and it comes with a rumble pack that simulate the action. Great graphics.

I just became a pinball maniac. And when you start playing pinball, you dive in head-first and just have to get your hands on everything pinball imaginable. Since a real table is going to set you back a grand or so, video pinball is and easy solution to get your fix. I first got hooked when I downloaded pinball pulse: The antients beckon on my DSi.....I still can't stop playing it and trying to beat my high score. After downloading the "Crush" pinball games from the turbographix on my Wii, I just needed more....and I was trying to see if the makers of the ancients beckon were planning any more releases..that is when I came across this game and read that the same people made it. I just HAD TO HAVE IT...I waited for a good deal and think I got one at 10.50 with free shipping..and it would be well worth even more than that..I know I will get hours of enjoyment out of this game...