Paper Pinball Review

Not another game that's borrowed the Doodle Jump look? Rightly or wrongly, that's immediately what I think when I see a game that looks like Paper Pinball. It's a look that's been done many times before and can't help but make me feel a little cynical.

What fascinated me about Paper Pinball, however, is its never ending nature. It's a key component that makes the game an ideal title to drop in on in short bursts, all in order to achieve the best high score possible.

Sticking to the basic pinball principles, there are the customary flippers at the bottom of the screen with a selection of bumpers scattered upwards. The difference between this and regular pinball games is that the flippers 'follow' the ball to an extent, always sticking around the bottom of the screen. It takes a few minutes of adjustment. I found myself thinking that the flippers would still be way down off the screen, like in a regular pinball game. Once mastered though, it's great as it makes the experience last as long as the player's abilities can sustain a good run.

Flipping the ball higher and higher, the game engine creates new obstacles to bounce off and bonus objects that can be collected for extra points. It's never ending and always offers something new to experience. The physics engine reacts accordingly so there's no risk of feeling cheated. Crucially, it's excellent fun.

There may be little point behind Paper Pinball, bar the GameCenter support that offers online leaderboards, but it's an ideal timewaster and palate cleanser between more involved affairs. For those who like simpler pinball tables, rather than ones with many different objectives, Paper Pinball is terrific fun at a budget price.