Plays a fine game of pinball
Although pinball has now rather fallen out of favour with the gaming masses, back in the day it was a highly popular genre. Pinball Illusions is the follow up to two of the more successful such games from the 1990s, Pinball Dreams and Pinball Fantasies, and builds on their appeal by adding in new tables and, for the first time in the series' history, a multi-ball feature. Pinball Illusions is probably the best game in the franchise, so if you are intrigued to discover what pinball on computer is like, this is a great place to start. The tables on display here are highly varied, each with distinct themes and with their own playstyle and layout, and which thus require very different approaches in order to rack up the highest scores. Each table also features several mini-games, which must be activated by hitting ramps or bumpers in a set way, and opening these up successfully really adds to the challenge. The game's graphics have aged pretty well, all things considered, with super vibrant colours that really help the tables to pop off the screen. Music and sound too are excellent, creating a suitably exciting and authentic experience that evokes the halcyon days of pinball halls. Although Pinball Illusions is unlikely to convert non-pinball fans, if you enjoy them or are just curious, this is the one to play, providing as it does a solid lineup of tables.