Difference between revisions of "Virtual Pinball"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=VirtualPinball Title.png
 
| bobscreen=VirtualPinball Title.png
−
| screenwidth=
 
−
| title=
 
 
| publisher=[[Electronic Arts]]
 
| publisher=[[Electronic Arts]]
−
| developer=[[BudgeCo]], [[Nu Romantic Productions]] (sound)
+
| developer=[[BudgeCo]]
 +
| support={{company|[[E.J. Sarraille Design Group]]|role=package design}}, {{company|[[Nu Romantic Productions]]|role=sound}}
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Electronic Arts Australasia]]|region=AU}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
−
| romsize=1MB
 
 
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
 
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1-4
 
| players=1-4
 
| genre=Action
 
| genre=Action
−
| releases={{releases
+
| releases={{releasesMD
−
| md_date_us=1993
+
| md_date_us=1993-11{{magref|gamepro|53|71}}{{magref|videogamesus|59|61}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=54.95{{magref|gamepro|53|71}}{{magref|gameplayers|0704|77}}
 
| md_code_us=720601
 
| md_code_us=720601
−
| md_date_eu=1993-12-10
+
| md_rating_us=ga
 +
| md_date_eu=199x
 
| md_code_eu=E261SMXI
 
| md_code_eu=E261SMXI
 +
| md_date_uk=1994-01{{magref|mega|16|107}}
 +
| md_code_uk=E261SMXI
 +
| md_rrp_uk=44.99{{magref|cvg|145|72}}{{magref|megatech|24|82}}
 +
| md_date_au=1993
 +
| md_date_sa=199x
 
}}
 
}}
−
| vrc=ga
+
| savetype={{SaveType
 +
|MD|battery
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''Virtual Pinball''''' is a pinball game developed by [[BudgeCo]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]]. It acts as a spiritual sequel to the 1983 computer program ''Pinball Construction Set'', being designed and programmed by the same man, Bill Budge.
+
}}
 +
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a pinball game developed by [[BudgeCo]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]]. It acts as a spiritual sequel to the 1983 computer program ''Pinball Construction Set'', being designed and programmed by the same man, Bill Budge.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
Gameplay allows up to four players (taking turns) to play on either one of the game's included tables or a custom table (the MEMORY items) with a variety of other options. {{Left}} flips the left flipper, {{C}} flips the right flipper, {{A}} charges the spring that launches a ball (on some tables), and {{A}}+{{B}}+{{C}} tilts.
+
{{ScreenThumb|Virtual Pinball MD, Main Menu.png|align=left|width=200|Main menu}}
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Virtual Pinball MD, Gameplay.png|align=left|width=200|Gameplay}}
 +
''Virtual Pinball'' is a pinball table construction toolkit, allowing players to create pinball tables from a set of objects, choose graphics and audio, and adjust speed settings. The table can then be tested by up to four players, tournament-style, saved or recalled into memory, or adjusted further. The "Skill" setting adjusts the game speed (Easy, Fast, and Super Fast), and the "Action" setting changes the ball physics (Normal, Manic, or Psychotic).
 +
 
 +
During gameplay, {{A}} plunges the ball, the D-Pad activates any left flippers, while {{C}} activates any right flippers (although tables can be constructed without plungers or flippers). {{B}} nudges the table in a random direction (which is required if the ball gets stuck), though it is not possible to tilt. If the ball drops below the playfield, this is registered as having drained. Players start each table with four balls.
 +
 
 +
''Virtual Pinball'' contains 22 pre-made tables and slots for saving 10 player-made tables (which are retained on the cartridge with a [[battery backup]], along with high scores). Tables are saved with names up to 12 characters long. One of the pre-made tables was designed by the editors of ''[[GamePro (US)|GamePro]]'' magazine.
 +
 
 +
Additional tables can be loaded by selecting "Enter Code" and entering the name of a hidden table. These codes are revealed by playing three special tables (Compulsion, Your Break, and Flip In), which start progression games that unlock additional tables after achieving high scores or solving puzzles.
  
 
===Workshop===
 
===Workshop===
−
In the workshop, it is possible to either alter a preincluded table or make a new one. Use the directional pad to move, {{A}} to select a part type from the list, {{B}} to cycle between parts of a particular type, and {{C}} to place the part. With the Blaster selected, press {{C}} to delete an item on the table. With the Grabber selected, press {{C}} to pick up an item (to move it). Press {{start}} to bring up a menu where the table can be saved in one of ten possible save slots.
+
{{ScreenThumb2|Virtual Pinball MD, Workshop.png|Virtual Pinball MD, Parts Menu.png|width=200|Workshop}}
 +
Selecting "Workshop" on the main menu opens the editor for constructing tables. It is possible to either alter an existing table in the game or make a new one. The D-Pad moves the cursor, {{A}} selects a part type from the list, {{B}} cycles between parts of a particular type, and {{C}} places the part. With the "Blaster" selected, press {{C}} to delete an item on the table, while with the "Grabber" selected, press {{C}} to pick up an item (to move it). Press {{start}} to bring up a menu where the table can be saved in one of ten possible save slots.
 +
 
 +
Tables are 512x512 pixels in size (although only 511x511 of the map is rendered on-screen), and each table can consist of no more than 256 "parts". Score values for hitting parts also cannot be changed, and there are no elaborate gameplay modes as was common in real pinball machines of the era.
 +
 
 +
There are six part themes, twelve board backgrounds, and eight music selections (including "no music").
 +
 
 +
===Parts===
 +
{| class="prettytable"
 +
! Part !! Point value
 +
|-
 +
| Small bumper || 100
 +
|-
 +
| Large bumper || 200
 +
|-
 +
| Sling shots || 100
 +
|-
 +
| Kick walls || 100
 +
|-
 +
| Drop targets || 5,000
 +
|-
 +
| Moving targets || 5,000
 +
|-
 +
| Pegs || 5,000
 +
|-
 +
| Rollovers || 100
 +
|-
 +
| Tracks || 5,000 on entry
 +
|-
 +
| Springs || 100 top surface
 +
|-
 +
| Ghost ball || 1,000 on release
 +
|-
 +
| Kick hole || 10,000 on entry
 +
|-
 +
| Spinner || 1,000 for each revolution
 +
|-
 +
| Worm hole || 5,000 on entry
 +
|-
 +
| One-way gate || 100 top surface
 +
|-
 +
| Jackpot || 1,000,000 when active
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==Production credits==
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Concept and Program:''' Bill Budge
 +
*'''Graphics:''' Nick Corea
 +
*'''Music and Sound:''' [[Nu Romantic Productions|Nu Romantic]]
 +
*'''Producer:''' Nick Simmons
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Virtual Pinball MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 +
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Game Design:''' Bill Budge, Nick Corea, Jim Simmons
 +
*'''Producer:''' Jim Simmons
 +
*'''Assistant Producer:''' Jeff Glazier
 +
*'''Technical Director:''' Tim Brengle
 +
*'''Product Manager:''' David Sze
 +
*'''Package Design:''' [[E. J. Sarraille Design Group]]
 +
*'''Illustration:''' Jean-Francois Podevin
 +
*'''Art Direction:''' Nancy Waisanen
 +
*'''Documentation:''' Valerie Hanscom
 +
*'''Documentation Layout, Illustration:''' Tom Peters
 +
*'''Testing Manager:''' Randy Delucchi
 +
*'''Product Testing:''' Tony Iuppa, Yun Shin, Mike Lopez
 +
*'''Quality Assurance:''' Bill Scheppler
 +
*'''Public Relations:''' Fiona Murphy
 +
*'''Original Game Concept:''' Bill Budge
 +
*'''Board Design:''' Bill Budge, Mike Lopez, Tony Iuppa, Jordan Maynard, Bryan Beckstrand and the incredible mystery pinball guru genius.
 +
| source=US manual
 +
| pdf=Virtual Pinball MD US Manual.pdf
 +
| pdfpage=9
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
==Production Credits==
+
==Magazine articles==
−
From the title screen roll:
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
−
* Concept and Program: Bill Budge
 
−
* Graphics: Nick Corea
 
−
* Music and Sound: [[Nu Romantic]]
 
−
* Producer: Nick Simmons
 
  
−
==Physical Scans==
+
==Physical scans==
 
{{ratings
 
{{ratings
 
| icon=MD
 
| icon=MD
 
| consolesplus=80
 
| consolesplus=80
−
| cvg=70
 
−
| cvg_source={{num|145|page=72}}
 
 
| gamesmaster=52
 
| gamesmaster=52
−
| gamesmaster_source={{num|12|page=99}}
+
| gamesmaster_source={{magref|gamesmaster|12|99}}
−
| joypad=82
 
−
| joypad_source={{num|25|page=118/119}}
 
−
| mdag=72
 
−
| mdag_source={{num|17|page=30/31}}
 
−
| mega=72
 
−
| mega_source={{num|15|page=46}}
 
−
| megaaction=84
 
−
| megaaction_source={{num|8|page=18/19}}
 
−
| megamachines=46
 
−
| megamachines_source={{num|2|page=28/29}}
 
−
| mms=57
 
−
| mms_source={{num|14|page=116/117}}
 
−
| playerone=74
 
−
| playerone_source={{num|36|page=138}}
 
−
| segapower=68
 
−
| segapower_source={{num|49|page=74/75}}
 
−
| segapro=74
 
−
| segapro_source={{num|27|page=40/41}}
 
−
| stc=80
 
−
| stc_source={{num|24|page=11}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
Line 69: Line 136:
 
| cover=VirtualPinball MD US Box.jpg
 
| cover=VirtualPinball MD US Box.jpg
 
| cart=Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
 
| cart=Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
 +
| manual=Virtual Pinball MD US Manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=EU
+
| region=EU (4 Language Manual)
 
| cover=VirtualPinball MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=VirtualPinball MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
 
| cart=Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
 +
| manual=Virtual Pinball MD EU 4Lang Manual.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=EU (5 Language Manual)
 +
| cover=Virtual Pinball MD EU 5langmanualSID Cover.jpg
 +
| cart=Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
 +
| manual=Virtual Pinball MD EU 5langmanualSID.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=GCC
 +
| cover=Virtual Pinball MD GCC Box.jpg
 +
| cart=Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
 +
| manual=Notavailable.svg
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 +
{{VirtualPinballOmni}}

Latest revision as of 07:12, 26 September 2024

n/a

VirtualPinball Title.png

Virtual Pinball
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer:
Supporting companies:
Distributor: Electronic Arts Australasia (AU)
Sound driver: GEMS
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1-4
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$54.9554.95[1][3] 720601
Videogame Rating Council: GA
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		E261SMXI
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£44.9944.99[5][6] E261SMXI
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Sega Mega Drive
SA

Virtual Pinball is a pinball game developed by BudgeCo and published by Electronic Arts. It acts as a spiritual sequel to the 1983 computer program Pinball Construction Set, being designed and programmed by the same man, Bill Budge.

Gameplay

Virtual Pinball MD, Main Menu.png

Main menu

Virtual Pinball MD, Gameplay.png

Gameplay

Virtual Pinball is a pinball table construction toolkit, allowing players to create pinball tables from a set of objects, choose graphics and audio, and adjust speed settings. The table can then be tested by up to four players, tournament-style, saved or recalled into memory, or adjusted further. The "Skill" setting adjusts the game speed (Easy, Fast, and Super Fast), and the "Action" setting changes the ball physics (Normal, Manic, or Psychotic).

During gameplay, A plunges the ball, the D-Pad activates any left flippers, while C activates any right flippers (although tables can be constructed without plungers or flippers). B nudges the table in a random direction (which is required if the ball gets stuck), though it is not possible to tilt. If the ball drops below the playfield, this is registered as having drained. Players start each table with four balls.

Virtual Pinball contains 22 pre-made tables and slots for saving 10 player-made tables (which are retained on the cartridge with a battery backup, along with high scores). Tables are saved with names up to 12 characters long. One of the pre-made tables was designed by the editors of GamePro magazine.

Additional tables can be loaded by selecting "Enter Code" and entering the name of a hidden table. These codes are revealed by playing three special tables (Compulsion, Your Break, and Flip In), which start progression games that unlock additional tables after achieving high scores or solving puzzles.

Workshop

Virtual Pinball MD, Workshop.png

Virtual Pinball MD, Parts Menu.png

Workshop

Selecting "Workshop" on the main menu opens the editor for constructing tables. It is possible to either alter an existing table in the game or make a new one. The D-Pad moves the cursor, A selects a part type from the list, B cycles between parts of a particular type, and C places the part. With the "Blaster" selected, press C to delete an item on the table, while with the "Grabber" selected, press C to pick up an item (to move it). Press  START  to bring up a menu where the table can be saved in one of ten possible save slots.

Tables are 512x512 pixels in size (although only 511x511 of the map is rendered on-screen), and each table can consist of no more than 256 "parts". Score values for hitting parts also cannot be changed, and there are no elaborate gameplay modes as was common in real pinball machines of the era.

There are six part themes, twelve board backgrounds, and eight music selections (including "no music").

Parts

Part Point value
Small bumper 100
Large bumper 200
Sling shots 100
Kick walls 100
Drop targets 5,000
Moving targets 5,000
Pegs 5,000
Rollovers 100
Tracks 5,000 on entry
Springs 100 top surface
Ghost ball 1,000 on release
Kick hole 10,000 on entry
Spinner 1,000 for each revolution
Worm hole 5,000 on entry
One-way gate 100 top surface
Jackpot 1,000,000 when active

Production credits

  • Concept and Program: Bill Budge
  • Graphics: Nick Corea
  • Music and Sound: Nu Romantic
  • Producer: Nick Simmons
Source:
In-game credits
Virtual Pinball MD credits.pdf
[7]
  • Game Design: Bill Budge, Nick Corea, Jim Simmons
  • Producer: Jim Simmons
  • Assistant Producer: Jeff Glazier
  • Technical Director: Tim Brengle
  • Product Manager: David Sze
  • Package Design: E. J. Sarraille Design Group
  • Illustration: Jean-Francois Podevin
  • Art Direction: Nancy Waisanen
  • Documentation: Valerie Hanscom
  • Documentation Layout, Illustration: Tom Peters
  • Testing Manager: Randy Delucchi
  • Product Testing: Tony Iuppa, Yun Shin, Mike Lopez
  • Quality Assurance: Bill Scheppler
  • Public Relations: Fiona Murphy
  • Original Game Concept: Bill Budge
  • Board Design: Bill Budge, Mike Lopez, Tony Iuppa, Jordan Maynard, Bryan Beckstrand and the incredible mystery pinball guru genius.
Source:
US manual
Virtual Pinball MD US Manual.pdf
[8]

Magazine articles

Main article: Virtual Pinball/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
80
52 [9]
Sega Mega Drive
 66
Based on
2 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[10]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
75
[11]
Console Mania (IT) NTSC-U
80
[12]
Computer & Video Games (UK) PAL
70
[5]
Digitiser (UK) PAL
59
[13]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
44
[3]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
85
[1]
Gamers (DE)
40
[14]
Joypad (FR) PAL
82
[15]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
72
[16]
Mega (UK) PAL
72
[17]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
84
[18]
Mega Force (FR)
75
[19]
Mega Machines (UK) PAL
46
[20]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
62
[6]
Magazina Igrushek (RU)
50
[21]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
57
[22]
Player One (FR)
74
[23]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
68
[24]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
74
[25]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
79
[26]
SuperGamePower (BR)
80
[27]
Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
80
[28]
Todo Sega (ES) PAL
78
[29]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
58
[30]
Video Games (DE) PAL
74
[31]
VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
50
[32]
Sega Mega Drive
 67
Based on
27 reviews

Virtual Pinball

Mega Drive, US
VirtualPinball MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
Cart
Virtual Pinball MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU (4 Language Manual)
VirtualPinball MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
Cart
Virtual Pinball MD EU 4Lang Manual.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, EU (5 Language Manual)
Virtual Pinball MD EU 5langmanualSID Cover.jpg
Cover
Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
Cart
Virtual Pinball MD EU 5langmanualSID.jpg
Manual
Mega Drive, GCC
Virtual Pinball MD GCC Box.jpg
Cover
Virtual-pinball-cart-US.jpg
Cart
Notavailable.svg
Manual

Technical information

Main article: Virtual Pinball/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 GamePro, "December 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 71
  2. ↑ VideoGames, "December 1993" (US; 1993-1x-xx), page 61
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 4 April 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 77
  4. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 107
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Computer & Video Games, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-15), page 72
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 MegaTech, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-20), page 82
  7. ↑ File:Virtual Pinball MD credits.pdf
  8. ↑ File:Virtual Pinball MD US Manual.pdf, page 9
  9. ↑ GamesMaster, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 99
  10. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 331
  11. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Januar 1994" (DE; 1993-12-06), page 63
  12. ↑ Console Mania, "Febbraio 1994" (IT; 1994-0x-xx), page 131
  13. ↑ Digitiser (UK) (1994-01-28)
  14. ↑ Gamers, "März/April 1994" (DE; 1994-03-04), page 55
  15. ↑ Joypad, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 118
  16. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-1x-xx), page 30
  17. ↑ Mega, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 46
  18. ↑ Mega Action, "Christmas 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 18
  19. ↑ Mega Force, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-11-10), page 96
  20. ↑ Mega Machines, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-09), page 28
  21. ↑ Magazina Igrushek, "4/1995" (RU; 1995-xx-xx), page 61
  22. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-10-xx), page 116
  23. ↑ Player One, "Novembre 1993" (FR; 1993-1x-xx), page 138
  24. ↑ Sega Power, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-xx), page 74
  25. ↑ Sega Pro, "Xmas Special 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 40
  26. ↑ Sega Zone, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-25), page 84
  27. ↑ SuperGamePower, "Abril 1994" (BR; 1994-0x-xx), page 33
  28. ↑ Sonic the Comic, "April 29th 1994" (UK; 1994-04-16), page 11
  29. ↑ Todo Sega, "Diciembre 1993" (ES; 1993-1x-xx), page 70
  30. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 220
  31. ↑ Video Games, "2/94" (DE; 1994-01-26), page 82
  32. ↑ VideoGames, "January 1994" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 87


Virtual Pinball

VirtualPinball Title.png

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