3-D Ultra Pinball (video game)
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | 3-D Ultra Pinball (publisher) |
3-D Ultra Pinball is a pinball-themed video game released in 1995 for personal computers, marking the inaugural entry in the 3-D Ultra Pinball franchise. It was published by Sierra On-Line.
Gameplay
The title, launched in 1995, draws inspiration from the space simulation game Outpost. Players can choose from three distinct tables—"Colony," "Command Post," and "Mine"—each offering five unique challenges. Additionally, the game incorporates smaller "mini-tables" equipped with their own flippers. The main goal is to construct and successfully launch a starship by completing all stages.
Development
A version intended for the Sega Saturn console was ultimately cancelled, though the reasons for this decision were not publicly disclosed.
Reception
Reviews of the Macintosh edition were varied: Next Generation commended its creative graphics and realistic physics that enhanced classic pinball mechanics but assigned it a two-star rating out of five. MacUser awarded it a score of 3.5 out of 5, while PC Gamer rated it at 86%. Meanwhile, CNET emphasized its attractiveness to pinball fans looking for a contemporary update.
From a commercial standpoint, 3-D Ultra Pinball was the 18th top-selling computer game in the United States during 1996 according to PC Data. By March 1996, Sierra On-Line reported that sales had surpassed 250,000 units.