Dream Pinball 3D
- September 19, 2012
- ASK Homework
Zen Pinball 3D is a well made game that continues the eShop's streak of great content at great prices.
Get on SteamDream Pinball 3D is a 3D pinball game that transforms your PC or console into a virtual pinball machine with 6 unique themes, such as Knight Tournament and Underwater World. The game features balls made of different materials, each with unique ballistic properties, and various camera positions for a more immersive experience. The multiball feature with up to 3 balls adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Nintendo Ds
Wii
Reviews
- The game features a variety of well-designed tables, each with unique themes and soundtracks.
- It offers solid gameplay mechanics and the ability to change ball types, adding depth to the experience.
- For a low price, it can provide nostalgic fun for pinball enthusiasts, especially if they enjoy retro-style games.
- The registration process is cumbersome and requires excessive personal information, which many players find intrusive.
- The game suffers from outdated graphics and resolution options, making it unappealing on modern displays.
- Many users report technical issues, including crashes and poor physics, which detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- graphics59 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 34 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that while they may have been acceptable for a title released in 2008, they now appear outdated and lack the quality expected from more recent games. Some players found the visuals charming and immersive, likening them to an underwater experience, while others criticized the graphics as poor, with limited resolution options and subpar artwork. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the graphics may not detract significantly from gameplay, they fall short of modern standards.
“For a game released in 2008, the graphics look pretty good.”
“You feel like you're in a mixture of Finding Nemo meets visiting an aquarium, but you're one of the fishes in the sea and it's all about racking up those points as charming visuals, a relaxed voiceover, and cute in-game sounds immerse you practically underwater.”
“This is a classic pinball game that gives a retro feeling with modern graphics.”
“The physics are horrible, the graphics are poor, and the soundtrack has much to be desired.”
“Graphics are horrible, can't even figure out how to change resolution, menu lacks a save or apply button, menus overall are yukky and uncomfortable.. took me 2 minutes to lower the volume of the mediocre music.”
“Even ignoring the registration issues, the game lacks many basic graphics options, so you can forget 1080p.”
- music48 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising standout tracks like "Amber Moon" by Harold Faltermeyer for their quality and thematic relevance, while others criticize the overall soundtrack as generic and unexciting. Many players find the music to be a blend of various styles, such as techno jazz and rock, but note that it often feels out of place or forgettable. Overall, the music is seen as a significant aspect of the game's atmosphere, but its execution varies widely, leading to dissatisfaction among some users.
“My favorite is Amber Moon, also known as Two Worlds (that's what it's called in the CD and demo versions - it promoted the game of the same title). It features excellent music by Harold Faltermeyer.”
“I especially like the Amber Moon table; it has a great, outstanding soundtrack.”
“My favorite parts of this table are its art, vibes, and music (a nice metal/rock hybrid track with some supernatural vibes).”
“As a result they are unpolished, sometimes buggy, the themes are boring and generic, and the music/sound effects are basic and unexciting.”
“While table sounds are okay, if a bit teensy in their clickiness and identical from table to table, the music featured on the tables ranges from forgettable to completely absent.”
“I really think I should have my money back, the music is bad and I never made it into a game.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally considered solid, but it suffers from a lack of modern high-resolution support and controller compatibility, which detracts from the experience for many players. Critics note that the mechanics can feel dull and slow, with some describing the physics as sloppy and the overall gameplay lacking excitement compared to newer pinball titles. Additionally, the game's dated resolution options and poor sound design contribute to a less engaging experience.
“The basic gameplay is still solid.”
“Gameplay is solid.”
“If there is one glaring gameplay shortcoming, it's the lack of controller support, since I very much prefer to use a joypad when playing pinball games. The controls the game uses by default are remappable on the keyboard and are quite similar to those featured in many other PC pinball titles.”
“Unfortunately, the slide back mechanic is ruthless, and the ball will roll down a ramp at high speeds if they really don't want you up there.”
“The resolution options are dated, and the gameplay is pretty lacking. I'm glad it was cheaper than a dollar, but I doubt I'll ever even launch it a second time.”
- stability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with users reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and freezing, leading to an overall unpolished experience. Many players found the game unplayable at times, with problems such as tables failing to load and the need for registration to access content. Overall, the stability concerns detract heavily from the enjoyment of the game.
“Extremely buggy.”
“Tables do not load, game just freezes.”
“Have to register to play all the stages and had a few glitches on the only stage I could play... I wouldn't play this game for more than the time I did play it.”
- story8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is less about intricate narratives and more focused on thematic elements, art design, and visual appeal, which are highlighted as the main attractions. While there are missions and modes available, they are considered secondary to the overall aesthetic experience. Comparatively, the game does not reach the narrative depth or thematic richness found in other pinball titles like Pinball FX2.
“The appeal of the game is more focused on the themes, art, designs, playfields of the tables, music, and visual flair rather than just a bunch of missions or tons of different modes.”
“While there are modes and missions available, the true attraction lies in the overall experience and aesthetic of the game.”
“The game excels in its thematic elements and visual presentation, creating an engaging atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience.”
“The physics aren't really comparable to Pinball Arcade, and the theming and missions aren't even in the same league as Pinball FX2, two outstanding pinball games which can be downloaded on Steam for free with a single free table each.”
“What I mean by that is the appeal to them was more focused on the themes of the games, the art, designs/play-fields of the tables, music, and visual flair rather than a bunch of missions or tons of different modes.”
“Don't get me wrong, there are modes and missions to do, and they are decently designed for the most part, but as I mentioned, the reasons mentioned beforehand are what makes these games attractive.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is reminiscent of classic pinball experiences, enhanced by emergency sirens and assertive dialogue that create a focused and engaging environment. Overall, players appreciate the nostalgic and immersive qualities that contribute to the game's ambiance.
“You can feel the atmosphere of good old pinball machines.”
“The emergency sirens and assertive, focused vibes from the dialogue of the table create a captivating atmosphere.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Users emphasize the importance of adjusting settings, specifically turning off auto performance and setting the pixel shader to 1.1, to enhance gameplay experience. Despite the variety of pinball games available, many feel that the performance remains largely consistent across them, suggesting a lack of significant optimization differences.
“Don't forget to set auto performance off and pixel shader 1.1.”
“First off, there are several pinball games, but they seem so much like the same game, with altered themes, yet the performance is so similar.”
“First off, there are several pinball 'games', but they seem so much like the same game, with altered 'themes', but the performance is so similar.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highly praised, with users expressing that it consistently elicits laughter and enjoyment.
“I can't stop laughing.”
“I can't stop laughing.”
