Pinball (1980 video game)

Pinball
PublisherAcorn Software Products
DesignerJohn Allen[1]
PlatformTRS-80
Release1980
GenrePinball

Pinball is a pinball simulation written by John Allen and published by Acorn Software Products in 1980 for the TRS-80.[1][2]

Gameplay

Pinball is a game which gives variable speed of the ball as well as variable power of the ball release.[3]

The game has five speed settings, and is played using five balls per game,[4] with up to four players.[5] The game can be controlled with two joysticks, and nudging is possible. Players can earn free balls by reaching certain score targets.[5]

The scores and high score of the current session are shown on the right of the display.[6]

The configuration of the board can be edited, and saved for future use.[5]

Development

Instructions are loaded directly into video memory so the "board" is drawn before the program completes loading.[6]

Reception

Jon Mishcon reviewed Pinball in The Space Gamer No. 36.[3] Mishcon commented that "As a program, a strong endorsement, as a game, a qualified yes."[3]

In another review, ball travel was found to be natural and the sound to be adequate.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Cover to Cover: Acorn Software Fall 1981 (p. 5)". Gaming After 40. March 13, 2011.
  2. ^ Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
  3. ^ a b c Mishcon, Jon (February 1981). "Capsule Reviews". The Space Gamer (36). Steve Jackson Games: 27.
  4. ^ Lubar, David (March 1981). "Soft centered". Creative Computing. Vol. 7, no. 3. p. 40.
  5. ^ a b c "Color Computer". TRS-80 Microcomputer News. Vol. 3, no. 2. February 1981. pp. 7, 12.
  6. ^ a b c Keen, Dan; Dischert, Dave (April 1981). "Reviews". 80 Microcomputing Magazine. No. 80. p. 38.