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At first I was skeptical about how well a pinball game would be on a small platform like the GBA. I figured either the screen would have to scroll continually to follow the ball around and/or everything would be too small to see. Well I was pleasantly surprised to see that neither fear came true. The developers did a good job of making sure that enough of the playing field was shown on the screen to keep the scrolling to a minimum. The targets, arrows, and light up features were plainly visible. The only fault I had with the graphics is that with the playing field being dark, sometimes I found myself moving the GBA around to find the correct angle for the lighting condition. This I feel is more due to the shortcoming of no backlighting on the GBA itself.

The overall gameplay is good. Like a typical pinball machine, you are able to start playing and learn as you go. The ball comes off of the flippers in a consistent manner which allows you to use timing and angles to send the ball right where you need to. Other than being able to use body english and throw my weight into the machine, I was able to use all of the other pinball skills I have learned over the years. You are able to shake the machine by hitting certain buttons, but it just isn't quite the same as moving the actual machine around. The only complaint I had regarding gameplay is the fact that once you are done, the game forces you back through the entire intro. It would be nice if it took you straight back to the mode selection screen so you could start playing the game quicker.

The longevity is definitely there for pinball fans. I found myself getting pissed when I allowed the ball to drain and wanting to play again to show the machine who is boss. I wish you could win credits instead of just getting your name on the leaderboard. On actual machines, I get pissed at myself if I was not able to win at least one game starting within two credits. Unfortunately for me, just getting my name on the leaderboard does not give me the same sense of accomplishment. You do get a good sense of accomplishment though by killing the dead which are roaming around the playing field throughout the game.

I found that the controls were very easy to use. There are a couple of options available for each flipper so you are able to find the most comfortable combination for your hand dexterity. The body english buttons are easy to get to which allows you to nudge the machine once in a while. Again, it just isn't the same as hearing the machine shift on the flooring and the backglass rattle.

Overall I found The Pinball of the Dead a very enjoyable game that keeps me coming back for more. I definitely recommend this game for pinball enthusiasts whether it is PC pinball games or the actual pinball machines. If you aren't much of a pinball enthusiast, I would recommend renting this game and giving it a try for it does have more to offer than just hitting the pinball around. Now if only they could add the sound effect of the steel ball hitting the glass once in a while, the game would be complete. The Pinball of the Dead has set a new standard for pinball games on the GBA.