Compatible emulators

Synopsis

The game will be familiar to anyone who has Microsoft's Plus! Windows 95 companion pack, since one of the tables—Space Cadet—was included there as a bonus. All the tables in this collection are single-screen tables: viewed from an isometric 3D perspective, so you don’t need to scroll the screen to see the entire table. There are only three tables in FTB—too few compared to most pinball games, which feature six or more. However, all the tables are quite well done.

The version of the Space Cadet table in FTB is the same as the version in MS Plus!, except that it has been enhanced with improved graphics, multi-ball play, and support for multiple resolutions. With the largest viewable playing surface, Space Cadet is the simplest and easiest of the three tables. All the tables have a nice built-in help feature: small arrows light up to show you the next target, ramp, or bumper to hit for bonus points.

One of the best features of FTB is the soundtrack. You’ll hear digitized pirates telling you to walk the plank on the pirate-themed Skullderduggery table, and kings commanding you to slay the dragon on the fantasy-themed Dragon’s Keep. Sound effects such as laser fire, cannon fire, and water splashes are all realistic and significantly enhance the atmosphere. The problem with FTB is the same as with most single-screen games: the ball is too small to track its path accurately, so only sharp-eyed pinball experts will have a chance at high scores in this game.

While Full Tilt! Pinball is by no means a classic pinball game, it’s fun enough to warrant a revisit once in a while. Compared to other single-screen games, it’s not as good as Crystal Caliburn, but much better than run-of-the-mill offerings. Thumbs up, but not a Top Dog.

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