Dream Pinball 3D
- September 19, 2012
- ASK Homework
- 1h median play time
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
- Nostalgic experience that brings back memories of classic pinball machines.
- Ball physics are decent and provide a fun arcade-like feel.
- Offers a variety of tables with different themes, which can be enjoyable for pinball fans.
- Requires invasive registration with personal information to access full game features.
- Graphics and resolution options are outdated, lacking support for modern displays.
- Frequent crashes and technical issues make the game frustrating to play.
- graphics55 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 36 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game, originally released in 2008, are generally considered outdated and below current standards, with many reviewers noting poor artwork and limited resolution options. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and find the visuals acceptable for an indie title, others criticize the lack of variety among the tables and overall visual quality. Overall, the graphics receive mixed feedback, with many deeming them subpar, especially when compared to modern gaming expectations.
“For a game released in 2008, the graphics look pretty good.”
“This is a classic pinball game that gives a retro feeling with modern graphics.”
“This is a great 3D pinball game with concise controls, decent graphics, and a really compelling set of tables.”
“The game is in truth from 2008 and after you are done with the annoying stuff that's needed to play, you notice that the graphic settings didn't really get updated and that you can't use your mouse for the flippers because it doesn't let you change it to anything besides the keyboard.”
“I give this game only 4 out of 10; the physics aren't too bad but the ball is slow and the graphics are way below standard even on the highest settings.”
“Graphics are horrible, can't even figure out how to change resolution, menu lacks a safe or apply button, menus overall are yukky and uncomfy.. took me 2 minutes to lower the volume of the mediocre music.”
- music34 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 32 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising standout tracks like "Amber Moon" for their quality and thematic relevance, while others criticize the overall soundtrack as generic and unappealing. Many players appreciate the unique sound effects tied to different tables, but complaints about repetitive and annoying background music are common. Overall, while some find the music immersive and enjoyable, others consider it a significant drawback to the gaming experience.
“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.”
“The music is like a mix of James Bond meets a bit of techno jazz, and while at first it may seem like a bad choice, it really fits the atmosphere.”
“I especially like the Amber Moon table; it has a great, outstanding soundtrack.”
“I really think I should have my money back; the music is bad and I never made it into a game.”
“As a result, they are unpolished, sometimes buggy, the themes are boring and generic, and the music/sound effects are basic and unexciting.”
“Music is even more crap than the graphics, if you can believe it.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its solid mechanics and nudging features, while others criticize it for being dull, lacking modern resolution support, and having a frustrating registration process. Many users noted the absence of controller support and poor physics, leading to a less engaging experience compared to other pinball titles. Overall, while there are elements of enjoyable gameplay, significant shortcomings detract from the overall experience.
“The gameplay is solid.”
“This game is an absolute masterpiece of pinball mechanics; the nudges and tilts are what truly make the game such a brilliant purchase.”
“It does not support your modern high resolutions, but the basic gameplay is still solid.”
“Irritating registration process, prone to crashing, and one of the most useless nudging mechanics I've ever seen in a digital pinball game.”
“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.”
“Gameplay just felt so dull and slow that I didn't even bother to play the tables seriously.”
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as lacking depth, with players noting that the focus is more on graphics, themes, and visual elements rather than a compelling narrative. While there are varied quests and missions, they are often overshadowed by gameplay mechanics and design choices that do not stand out compared to other pinball games. Overall, the storyline is considered weak, with some players expressing frustration over the gameplay experience.
“The game's quests and missions are varied and engaging.”
“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.”
“Great storyline, but the gameplay could use improvement.”
“Since there's no story, we're jumping straight to the graphics.”
“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 free with a single free table each.”
“I hate it when it takes half an hour to get the quest you want going and you can't hit your goal.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with frequent freezes, crashes, and various bugs reported by users. Many players have experienced unresponsive gameplay and glitches that hinder their overall experience, leading to frustration and disappointment. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern, detracting from its potential enjoyment.
“It freezes up every time.”
“Extremely buggy.”
“Actually, it's much worse than unnecessary as the game is buggy and keeps crashing from time to time with some message about the background CD-key checking having failed (why did I activate it when you keep rechecking it every few minutes?).”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users noting severe performance issues that prevent it from running smoothly even at lower resolutions like 720p. Additionally, the controls are described as awkward and poorly designed, contributing to an overall frustrating experience.
“Don't forget to set auto performance off and pixel shader 1.1.”
“The game has MapleStory-esque optimization; it can't be run in 1080p, let alone 720p. There are basically no controls unless you want to turn your entire hand inside-out, and even then this was designed by an absolute madman.”
“I recommend not to mess with this crooked, unoptimized game.”
“The game has MapleStory-esque optimization (can't be run in 1080p, let alone 720p). There are basically no controls unless you want to turn your entire hand inside-out, and even then this was designed by an absolute madman.”
“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.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highly praised, with players finding it consistently funny and laugh-inducing. However, some comparisons suggest that other games, like Zen and the pinball arcade, may not deliver the same level of humor.
“This game had me in stitches the entire time!”
“I can't stop laughing; the humor is spot on!”
“The jokes are clever and perfectly timed, making every moment enjoyable.”
“Zen and the pinball arcade are so much better; it's not funny at all.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is reminiscent of classic pinball experiences, enhanced by emergency sirens and focused dialogue that create an engaging and immersive environment.
“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.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find that the primary redeeming quality of the game is the ability to grind for Steam trading cards, suggesting that the grinding aspect may be more enjoyable when tied to collectible rewards rather than gameplay itself.
“The only good thing about this game is grinding for Steam trading cards.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore that takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged with the storyline.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game evokes profound feelings of emptiness, highlighting its powerful emotional impact.
“No game has ever made me feel so empty inside.”
“The story resonated with me on a personal level, leaving me in tears.”
“I felt a deep connection to the characters, their struggles mirrored my own experiences.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users generally find the game's replayability lacking, with some feeling that even a low price does not justify the limited fun and engagement it offers for repeated playthroughs.
“The game is too expensive for what it is. I bought it with a coupon, making the game cost 70 cents, and that is still overpriced for the lack of fun and lack of replayability it brings.”
“Once you complete the game, there is little incentive to play it again. The lack of varied content makes replaying feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”
“After finishing the main storyline, I found no compelling reasons to return. The game lacks the depth and variety needed to keep players engaged for multiple playthroughs.”
