Epic Pinball: The Complete Collection

I'm a pinball fanatic and I've played lots of real pinball machines and pinball games in my time. Epic Pinball drew my interest after I had heard how it was hailed as one of the most definitive pinball experiences on the computer, specifically DOS. Well, after playing it, I can safely say that it was indeed a product of it's time. The table artworks look nicely done and helped by the nice pixel graphics to make them look good. However, I can't say the same for the game play of the tables because they don't really give you enough to really do with the ball and for scoring. Take into account the shark/aquatic table for instance, which is honestly one of the weaker tables in the package. All that's really on that table is a couple spots to send the ball to, a few switches to hit and to hit the spell out lights up on the top right. That's it. It's a bad table to me because it's the kind of table where it can get boring real quick. And unfortunately, a lot of the other tables seem to have nothing better to offer. They all look visually impressive at least, but playing them for prolonged periods can't be bothered. Again, this game was a product of it's time and there have been better pinball games released after this one.

Say what you want about dated imagery, say what you will, about old outdated operating systems, but leave it there, as there is nothing, and I mean nothing wrong with this collection. I remember going to Blockbuster video and collecting the various diskettes it took to make a complete collection for this set. I will always treasure this game and hold it high regard. I recommend this collection to just about anyone who is looking for a little fun at a GREAT price. Thank you GOG you continue to astound me with the rarities you are able to flesh out. Peace be with you! Dark

Looks like I have a new favorite for computer pinball. Honestly, this sucker would have been worth price of admission just for the Android and Crash 'n' Burn tables, but it's got so many more. The value is amazing for the whole set. It's an incredibly responsive game - apparently, the whole game was coded in assembly to achieve this - so there's no angry feeling that you totally timed that shot right only for the flipper to delay. The sheer range of tables is honestly my favorite part - there's goal-driven tables such as Android (resurrecting an android), reactive tables (Enigma keeps throwing little challenges at you), and pure point-gathering tables (Excalibur, Magic, others). Some tables aren't much fun, but they're outnumbered by really addictive tables. I adore Android, Crash 'n' Burn, Pot of Gold, and Deep Sea. I could live without Excalibur and Pangaea. Each table has different little challenges, too - the Toy Factory table, for instance, has so much gap between the flippers that it includes a bounce point between them - in comparison, Crash 'n' Burn will rarely let you lose the ball betwen the flippers, but it has brutal side rails off the board you need to avoid. Enigma gives you a huge playing field, but puts landmines in it. Deep Sea has a lot of timed objectives. Things like that. On the whole, this pinball pack is by far the best pinball pack I've ever played. If you like pinball, you need this. If you don't play computer pinball, this could be the one to get you doing it. It's a ton of fun, easily worth double the full price.

Oh, what memories! Back in the 90's I ordered disks directly from Epic MegaGames in Maryland via snail mail. And it was money well-used: I spent countless hours with this gem of the game. Certainly, some tables were more interesting with Android, Crash & Burn and Jungle Pinball being my favourites. And the music: simply excellent! Now waiting for the Silverball, another gem from the same makers...

Interesting tables, but moving camera and partial view: a no-no for me. Unless I missed an option to see the whole table... The flippers are pretty weak and unrealistic in behaviour, rather similar to those of poorly designed pinball machines.