Pro Pinball Timeshock really puts the simulation in pinball simulation.

Release Date

Pros

The game comes with two comprehensive manuals. One is a technical manual which explains technical stuff like options for the game. The second manual explains the rules of the table, what options there are for the table and also has a section on pinball techniques.

The game is built like a real pinball table simulation. There is even an operator’s menu where you can set all kinds of settings as well as test the table’s mechanisms. Most of the settings are initially locked and will unlock over time as the number of games played increases. All the settings unlock when Total Play Time has reached 24 hours.

The realism is amazing. You can actually trap a ball under the upper right flipper.

The excellent graphics also add to the realism. All the ball movement, bumpers, flippers and flashing lights look and move just like a real pinball table.

The music is excellent and I would also say, better than Pinball Fantasies!

There are four table views which are all non-scrolling including the top-down view.

Although slightly more difficult than Pinball Fantasies, the game is still well balanced. All ramps and targets can be reached, but it is not too easy.

The multiball is absolutely insane. I managed to get six balls on the table at one point. Very frantic but very good fun.

Cons

With only one table, variety is definitely not a strong point with Pro Pinball Timeshock.

Other Points

There is a credit system where you can use credits to buy-in extra balls to continue a game, but there is actually no way of adding credits like inserting coins. Credits must be won by playing the game.

There is an examine table feature where you can select a section of a table for a zoomed up view and a slide show feature that shows parts of the table from different angles. I do not think it has any impact on the actual game other than just showing off the table.

Biases

Reviewed version 1.07 from GOG.com.

I really like pinball in real life, although I have not touched a pinball table in over 20 years.

On computer I really liked Raster Blaster, Night Mission and Pinball Construction Set on the Apple II.

On the PC I liked Epic Pinball before Pinball Fantasies came along and blew me away.

I also really liked Space Cadet, the pinball game that came with Windows XP.

DRM

Pro Pinball Timeshock is DRM free from GOG.com.

Minimum Requirements (as stated on GOG.com)

• Windows XP or Windows Vista
• 1 GHz Processor (1.4GHz recommended)
• 256MB RAM (512 recommended)
• 3D graphics card compatible with DirectX 7 (compatible with DirectX 9 recommended)
• Mouse, Keyboard

Computer Played On

• Windows 7 64 bit.
• Intel Core i5 2.3GHz
• 4Gb RAM
• NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1Gb RAM
• Conexant SmartAudio with egg speakers or earphones. Or Logitech G35.
• Graphics settings are set to whatever I feel comfortable with playing on this PC. They are usually not set to the highest settings. All screenshots are taken with my settings.