Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

JanduSoft

Developer

Kaneda Games

Genre

Party, Other

Players

1-4

File Size (Minimum)

395 MB

Release Date (NA)

Nov 16, 2023

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Smoots Pinball is a pinball video game that allows up to four players to either play against each other or collaborate, but players may find themselves more frustrated than fun.

Play at Your Risk

For players who enjoy the pinball experience whether on a physical cabinet or a computer/console, Smoots Pinball may seem too simple with its layout for experienced players. The game offers multi-ball drops when certain requirements are met, allowing players to stack up points, but lacks the more advanced techniques and combo chains found in classic cabinets. The physics of the ball feels off as it bounces around the pinball layout, often resulting in cheap losses when the ball drops into the drain.

Moreover, if you “tilt” the machine too many times, the flippers stop working, forcing players to either restart the pinball match or let the ball fall to reset the turn. If this feature is intentional, it is puzzling why there isn’t a note or explanation provided regarding the broken flippers.

Pick Your Theme

There are five pinball themes for players to choose: baseball, summer games, tennis, golf, and zombie. Each design is unique but shares the same goal of achieving the highest score. Some themes play better than others, with tennis feeling smoother compared to the rest due to the closer and more readable view of the pinball layout. The movement of the ball in this theme feels slower, and the ball’s white glow effect makes it easier for players’ eyes to follow. The zombie theme, on the other hand, is darker, with a zoomed-out table layout. The elongated ghastly effect surrounding the pinball can make it difficult for players to track. The golf layout is the least favored, as unexpected obstacles can lead to cheap losses. While the graphics of each pinball theme may feel dated, the design for each theme is commendable, with interactions that match the theme. For example, the condiments in the baseball theme and the track runners in the summer games theme.

At times, the numbers that pop up when the ball hits a bumper or object can obstruct the view of the ball. Providing options for the appearance of the ball effect or resizing the score text size would enhance gameplay. The user interface (UI) is basic, but requiring players to return to the main menu to change a pinball theme seems unnecessary. Implementing a simple button to switch between tables would improve the player experience.

More Than One

Smoots Pinball offers multiplayer, providing a better experience when playing with more than one person. Up to four players can play together, sharing the balls. While playing, when a player loses their ball, the screen highlights the player’s name, but it indicates “player one,” causing confusion regarding who gets the turn next. Additionally, player names popping up in the middle of gameplay is odd. This isn’t an issue with competitive mode but even the user interface could indicate the next player’s turn instead of constantly looking at the menu’s ball count. Improvements are needed in the user interface to clarify who’s turn it is.

The game features high-score leaderboards where players and their co-op partners can be listed. Names on the list are not yours and are generated by the game. Unfortunately, the game lacks online modes and an online leaderboard.

The Final Ball

Smoots Pinball has the potential to be a fun pinball game, but its flaws and gameplay mechanics quirks prevent it from reaching that potential. It is best suited for multiplayer or family fun rather than serious pinball players.

A PlayStation 4 review code provided for this review and gameplay footage.