Review by Nathaniel Hutchinson
My family acquired Stargate Pinball when we were looking for something to put in the game room. It was an instant hit for all of us. It is based on the movie, with various rounds and features based on various movie moments. And, believe it or not, if it weren't for this pinball machine I may have never checked out the franchise.
At first, to the inexperienced player, the game plays like any other pinball: try to hit targets and don't let the ball fall down the middle. But gradually, as you play the game, it gets much more fun. There are plenty of bonus rounds and specials to be discovered, and soon one can rack up loads of points.
Eventually, the main bonus-round objective becomes clear: shoot the ball into the "pyramid door" at the top of the board, and one of six bonus rounds begin. These include:
Save Sari (meaning Sha'uri): Shoot the ball at the "sarcophagus" hole to earn a point value that decreases over time.
Ra's Temple: Destroy Ra's power bracelet and then shoot at the pyramid for 50 million points per hit.
Rebellion: Aim for the mastidge bumpers for 5 million each.
Glidercraft: If you have not unlocked it by Ball 3, this bonus round begins, in which you aim at targets at the top of the board (next to the pyramid) for varying point values. This serves as a great opportunity to rack up points on your last ball.
If you successfully complete all six bonus rounds, a seventh super-bonus round, called The Eye of Ra, is unlocked. This round offers much opportunity for racking up points. Afterward, the bonus rounds reset, and the progression starts over.
Other in-game bonuses include a "spell Stargate" feature accomplished by driving the ball up a specific ramp, a "transporter" award that is rarely achieved, and "quartz trade," in which you trade the "quartz" (i.e. naquadah) you have collected for various bonuses.
Overall, the game is full of features and is well worth repeated plays. From my potentially biased position as an owner, I definitely recommend anyone give the game a try if you run into it at an arcade. It will be well worth your time. - N. Hutchinson
Rating: * * * 1/2
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