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Classic Windows arcade game that was originally introduced on the Windows 95 OS

Classic Windows arcade game that was originally introduced on the Windows 95 OS

Vote: (1 votes)

Program license: Free

Version: 1.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(1 votes)

Free

Version

1.0

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Runs exactly like the nostalgic favorite from previous versions of Windows
  • Vintage look, music and sound effects
  • Players can configure their own controls
  • Takes up very little memory
  • Some cheats are built in

Cons

  • May be too simple for some gamers
  • Dated graphics
  • Struggles in full-screen mode on modern resolutions

Space Cadet 3D Pinball is a tabletop arcade game that has all of the classic features of the original pinball game that used to ship with Windows. This revamped 32-bit version of the game is almost completely identical to the original, which means you can run it on modern hardware without sacrificing the look and feel of the 1990s-era title. While some people might say that the graphics and sound are somewhat dated as a result, this is exactly what fans of this 3D Pinball app want.

Almost anyone who grew up with a Windows 95 or NT computer in their household will remember the Space Cadet table, since it shipped as a sort of demonstration app with the system software. In spite of this, it's a relatively advanced pinball game for the time that lets users set their own controls if they're not fans of the defaults. Modern keyboards often include more keys than vintage ones do, and so this is a feature that's really stood the test of time.

The 256 full color graphics might very well bring a tear to the eye of anyone who remembers configuring a VGA card for the particular type of monitor they bought. While you won't have to do any configuration work to get Space Cadet Pinball to work these days, the on-screen images haven't changed a bit. That gives it the appearance of a timeless classic that really shines.

Since players are free to tilt the virtual pinball table back and forth, it could be said that the Space Cadet app comes with its own built-in cheat code system. However, the game does mimic the same tilt sensor that came with actual physical tables. If you use this feature too much, then the game will tilt out your ball and you'll have to start over again with a fresh one. Players who brazenly do so when they only have a single ball left will get a game over.

A number of different bumpers and springs are strewn out across the surface of the table, which should give players plenty of opportunities to earn bonus points. Unlocking certain gates will add additional bonuses as will reaching certain point totals. This makes the Space Cadet app play much like a real pinball table would, which makes sense considering that it was meticulously designed based around a physical table that once stood in arcades.

Though it might have been around for decades at this point, Space Cadet 3D Pinball is a classic that should continue to attract new players who take an interest in the earlier Windows gaming scene.

Pros

  • Runs exactly like the nostalgic favorite from previous versions of Windows
  • Vintage look, music and sound effects
  • Players can configure their own controls
  • Takes up very little memory
  • Some cheats are built in

Cons

  • May be too simple for some gamers
  • Dated graphics
  • Struggles in full-screen mode on modern resolutions