Metroid Prime Pinball

 DS
Metroid Prime Pinball Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

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  • Summary: Samus Aran's entry into the bumper-and-flipper world is a sleek, sci-fi classic gaming adventure that has her careening into gigantic boss monsters and bouncing through a variety of exciting pinball tables. Play tables across two screens at the same time using the touch screen to nudge theSamus Aran's entry into the bumper-and-flipper world is a sleek, sci-fi classic gaming adventure that has her careening into gigantic boss monsters and bouncing through a variety of exciting pinball tables. Play tables across two screens at the same time using the touch screen to nudge the pinball table. Battle deadly enemies and experience a number of special modes such as Clone Machine Multiball and the Wall-Jump Challenge while you blast and bomb your high score into a state of pure pinball pandemonium. [Nintendo]… Expand
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Metroid Prime Pinball Official Movie 1

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. Nintendo Power
    95
    A fully realized and well-tuned hybrid of pinball play and Metroid Prime atmosphere, and it sets the bar high for other pinball-action games to come. [Dec 2005, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. eToychest
    88
    The game’s pinball mechanics, save for the somewhat inept table-tilting feature, are expertly implemented, and the numerous flavors of Metroid have been liberally sprinkled throughout the experience the ensure fans of the franchise will come away both smiling and humming a familiar tune.
  3. PALGN
    85
    This could be the game that convinces you to take the "Mario Kart" cartridge out of your DS. Metroid fans will love it. Pinball fans will love it.
  4. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    80
    One of the better pinball games of late. [July 2007, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Cheat Code Central
    80
    You don't have to be a diehard Metroid fan to dig the onscreen action either, but being one will certainly help you recognize all of the little flourishes that only true Samus sympathizers will appreciate.
  6. Detroit Free Press
    75
    I enjoyed the way you shake the table -- by rubbing the touch screen -- usually to prevent the ball from dropping into the gutter.
  7. Eurogamer
    40
    While fun can be had here, it's from the mini-games and the experience rather than solid table designs - and that's a cardinal sin in pinball.

See all 51 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. [Anonymous]
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    May sound cheesy, but it's actually very entertaining! Recommened for any gamer who just wants to sit down for 15 minutes and relieve May sound cheesy, but it's actually very entertaining! Recommened for any gamer who just wants to sit down for 15 minutes and relieve some stress.… Expand
  2. DarrenZ.
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    A thoroughly entertaining and solidly designed game. The ball physics are amazingly realistic, and the sharp and colorful graphics never lag A thoroughly entertaining and solidly designed game. The ball physics are amazingly realistic, and the sharp and colorful graphics never lag resulting in a fast-paced and fluid gaming experience. My one niggling criticism is that having to use the touch screen to "bump" the table is awkward and hard to do quickly which leads to me rarely using this feature. An alternative method, such as using the control pad, would have been welcome. Also, some gamers may be disappointed with the relatively small number of tables. There are two "regular" tables, and several "special" tables. The regular tables are well designed and feature lots of ramps and unlockable goodies and mini-games, while the simplier special tables are featured in the multi-mission boss battles, where you have to defeat a boss creature by knocking the ball into him. Still, the tables are exceptionally well designed, so it's really a quality over quantity judgment call. Finally, the rumble pack lends a surprisingly authentic "pinball table" feeling to the game. Bottom line: The positives of this game far outweigh the admittedly minor negatives. This is an excellent game and well worth the purchase.… Expand
  4. TonyG.
    Oct 24, 2005
    9
    This game is great!!! love pinball and love metroid , so if you do to ,get this game asap. presentation 9, sound 9, graphics 9, control 9, This game is great!!! love pinball and love metroid , so if you do to ,get this game asap. presentation 9, sound 9, graphics 9, control 9, lastability 9, overall 9 ... way to go nintendo keep the classics coming!… Expand
  5. JoB.
    Nov 3, 2005
    9
    This is a great game to pick up and play anywhere, and if you have mates with a DS, they can play it with you without needing their own copyThis is a great game to pick up and play anywhere, and if you have mates with a DS, they can play it with you without needing their own copy of the game, which is a fantastic way of finding out if you want to buy your own copy.… Expand
  6. BlueFalcon
    Dec 24, 2006
    9
    I would venture to say this is the best pinball video game ever created. If I was a fan of metroid prime, I'd probably give it a 10. I would venture to say this is the best pinball video game ever created. If I was a fan of metroid prime, I'd probably give it a 10. Basically what makes it great is variety and polish.… Expand
  7. TheLinkgirl
    May 2, 2023
    9
    Experimenting with a long established formula can be a tricky balancing act, especially when you're looking to apply the mechanics of one gameExperimenting with a long established formula can be a tricky balancing act, especially when you're looking to apply the mechanics of one game genre to another. Metroid Prime Pinball is a bit of a strange case, since it knew exactly how far to go to make an entirely unique pinball game, sprinkling in numerous gameplay mechanics and a couple of minigames acting as bonus stages that replicate concepts right from the Metroid series (like a shooting segment), while also primarily remaining a pinball game at its core.

    Unlike most other pinball games, Metroid Prime Pinball has stage progression, power ups and bosses. Each stage distinct, with their own enemy types and some stage layouts are genuinely great, such as Phendrana Drifts acting more like two mini tables, one for each screen. I think this game isn't the hardest pinball game, and I would say that is to the games benefit, as you can loop around multiple times for gradually harder gameplay, and the game definitely is all about chasing high scores. I wouldn't say the game is perfect; the multiplayer leaves a lot to be desired, and one boss in particular feels a little frustrating since if you fail it you're booted back to the other levels rather than losing a life, but I find myself coming back to this game a lot. Its a unique pinball experience that is a ton of fun.    … Expand
  8. Clone25
    Sep 25, 2010
    7
    i can see this game being a Metroid game. but i don't get how it ties into with the Metroid prime series. but its still a great game if youi can see this game being a Metroid game. but i don't get how it ties into with the Metroid prime series. but its still a great game if you like pinball… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best DS Game of 2005
28
#28 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
12
#12 Most Shared DS Game of 2005