Metroid Prime Pinball

 DS
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
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  1. My Gamer
    74
    In the end, you must head the advice which our dear bounty hunter has taken to heart, literally: BE THE BALL.
  2. Games Master UK
    74
    Aimed more at Metroid fans than pinball aficionados, and it shows. Flashy but insipid. [Aug 2006, p.65]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GamePro
    70
    There's a very limited selection of game modes. Players can select Single Mission, Multi-Mission, or Multi-Player, however all the game modes feature the same Metroid Pinball tabletop worlds and goals--there's just a lack of variety.
  5. N-Europe
    70
    This game should amuse you for a while, but don’t expect any big things from it. It hasn’t got the high quality standard of the regular Metroid titles, but you knew that already.
  6. The Sydney Morning Herald
    70
    These pinball tables are well-designed, the ball action realistic with familiar Metroid elements smartly integrated.
  7. Boomtown
    70
    It’s nice that no feeble attempt was made to force the stylus into the pinball format, but it would have been better to see some more multiplayer options and maybe just a couple more tables. Really, that’s the only thing wrong with this otherwise fantastic title.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    A polished and entertaining experience, Metroid Prime Pinball is only let down by its lack of proper pinball tables.
  9. GamerNode
    70
    Metroid Prime Pinball fills the void for a portable pinball machine. If you are looking for a pinball game that is fun and challenging, MPP would be a good addition to your DS game library.
  10. Game Revolution
    67
    Next time, hopefully Fuse will go easier on the mini-games. We'd rather have a character-based game that's great at pinball rather than a fence-riding jack of all trades that is master of none.
  11. Gaming Age
    67
    The graphics are nice, the music is great, and it’s fun to play. The Metroid tie-in actually works quite well in this case to create a richer environment. If you’re looking for something more than pinball, however, you’d best look elsewhere.
  12. VGPub
    65
    So while this game might take you only a few days to beat, its presentation and feel make for a fun pinball game not like any other. If you’re looking for something that takes pinball to a new level of greatness, look somewhere else.
  13. Gamestyle
    50
    Success or failure in Metroid Prime Pinball is down to little more than what day of the week it is; what modicum of skill that actually makes a difference is frequently undone by chance. With such a randomly uncontrollable element to the proceedings, you'll find yourself thinking this is either a really good addictive game, or the most infuriating thing since those Michael Winner commercials.

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

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 40
  3. Negative: 3 out of 40
  1. 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.    … Full Review »
  2. ConnKon
    Nov 24, 2013
    7
    It's a fun spinoff to the series and works well on the DS. But being a spinoff, it lacks depth. You can beat the game in an hour. It's a funIt's a fun spinoff to the series and works well on the DS. But being a spinoff, it lacks depth. You can beat the game in an hour. It's a fun game, if you're a Metroid Prime or Pinball fan you should pick it up since it's cheap. But it doesn't deserve higher than a 7/10… Full Review »
  3. 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… Full Review »
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