Fantastically represents one of the most underappreciated video game experiences of our time.
But Fuse Games needn't have bothered with all of this superfluous audiovisual technology to please serious fans of the genre. The core pinball mechanics are executed so well they fantastically represent one of the most underappreciated video game experiences of our time: the frantic joviality of playing with a brand new pinball machine.
Indeed, for all that it is only available on the DSi, Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon is as immersive and entertaining as the best of pinball machines -- after all, it was designed to imitate them. In that, it succeeds. The physics are incredibly realistic, the machine layout is great and there are enough hooks to engage virtually everyone that gets a chance to play it.
While there are the standard Jackpot!, bonus and multiplier locales, there are also quests to accept (but not to deny) in certain areas of the level. Quests merely challenge the player to aim for specific locales scattered throughout, but the surprisingly good voice acting and 3D cutscenes that encompass a box on the top screen make quests a welcome addition to the game. The constant string of bold text, scores and cutscenes on that box make this experience a bit more frantic than it would be otherwise.
Quests are a major source of points, so mastering the physics and discovering all nicks and crannies of the machine are encouraged. The game keeps track of local high scores, but there is no online component to be found -- a drastic step backwards from developers pushing DSiWare and its online potential (Intelligent Systems' Dragon Quest Wars).
Slamming pinballs across the Greek-inspired machine is a lot of fun, and while it is easy to understand why Fuse Games only included one level, as a result the game's longevity is on the low end of $5 DSiWare games. It will take most people a few minutes before their first three pinballs are swallowed by the bottom of the touch screen, and while it is a game that can be played many times, that means it can be mastered in an hour or less.
So then yes, while Fuse Games could be accused of offering a game lacking in content, they can also be held responsible for designing one of the most entertaining pinball games on a system lacking them. With its high quality audiovisual merits and fantastic representation of pinballing at its prime, any early DSi adopter with an extra 500 DSiWare points should take an interest in Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon.
Visuals - Ancient Greek mythology juxtaposes with modern, flashy pinball machines surprisingly well. Colorful lights flare constantly to keep the background dynamic and interesting. Beautiful.
Gameplay - Accurate physics, a great machine layout and frantic pinball action make this a highly entertaining download.
Production - Not much here in terms of features.
Sound - Quality voice acting and an epic trumpet-focused soundtrack keep the blood pumping.
Longevity - Packing a mere two identical game modes and one level, this little download can be mastered in short order. Not a great deal even considering the meager asking price.