OVERALL IMPRESSION (Reviewed on iOS):
Pinball Wizard combines the unlikely elements of pinball mechanics into a dungeon crawler experience with some RPG like progression systems. This is an elegantly designed, simple and cozy game for those that enjoy a casual gaming experience. The premise is simple: kill mobs, get a key and unlock the door to exit the current level. Repeat until you reach the top of the tower. Along the way you’ll level up and gain new skills. Although deceptively simple, later stages can pose quite the challenge. This is a fun and casual gaming experience for those that like something to play while on the go or during short play sessions.
GAMEPLAY & DESIGN:
The gameplay and design in Pinball Wizard is simple and straightforward. You play as a wizard. You also happen to be able to move like a ball around a map in pinball like dungeon levels. The goal is to kill enemies to find a key in any given stage and repeat this process as you climb to the top of a tower. Stages are also relatively simple in their design. However, when combined with an array of enemy types each with their own strengths and quirks and with the added chaos and randomness of moving around like a ball and you get an experience that is different each time with varying levels of difficulty. Some maps or attempts will be quick and easy while others can be exceedingly challenging. It all depends on your ability to kill mobs, utilize skills and move where you want.
As you complete stages, you’ll be able to level up and unlock new skills. There are a variety of abilities from being able to throw a magic orb (that also acts as a pinball) or the ability to dash in a given direction selected by the player. These skills can greatly impact your success in a level and some of these abilities cost energy. Hence managing your energy and deciding what abilities to use at any given moment is often the key to completing more difficult dungeons. Overall, the skills are simple to understand with a good range that allows you to have more control in how you move around and kill enemies.
The art style also matches the game design philosophy with a simple impressionistic painterly style. Your character, the environment and enemies are colorful, with a hand painted aesthetic emphasizing shapes and form rather than specific details. This matches well with the game design and the genre of cozy and casual.
CHALLENGES:
Similar to other pinball games there is a lot of randomness that can occur. Enemies are constantly moving along with your character so timing and the ability to control your movement is vital for success. Although there are skills that can help with this, many attempts at a challenging stage still seem to be subject to a lot of randomness. It’s not all bad, in that this does make certain levels challenging and enjoyable to overcome said challenge. However, it can be frustrating to keep repeating a stage and trying to time everything perfectly. In addition, there is no quick restart feature to easily re-attempt a level. Lastly, once you understand the basic mechanics, the game can feel repetitive. Generally these types of games are meant to be played at a casual level in short bursts of time and in that context it does deliver.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Pinball Wizard is a fun take on the pinball genre with its combination of dungeon crawler and RPG progression like skill system. It fits perfectly in the cozy and casual genre with short but challenging stages that are meant to be played in quick bursts. The chaos and randomness of any pinball game is also apparent here. Some stages you’ll breeze through while others will take multiple attempts. Every run can feel quite different. If you enjoy a casual and cozy game especially in the pinball genre, you may want to check this out.
GAME DETAILS
PLATFORMS: Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch
RELEASE: 2022
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER: Frosty Pop
GENRE/TAGS: Pinball, Dungeon Crawler, Cozy, Casual, Free to Play
TARGET AUDIENCE: Casual and cozy gamers that enjoy a unique experience
COVER IMAGE CREDIT: Frosty Pop
THANKS:
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