Flippers Critters Nintendo Ds

Flipper Critters is a novel twist on the pinball theme. Unfortunately it's a mess when it could have been good. There's colourful 3D graphics spread over both screens, novel rotating tables with three sets of flippers in the middle, and the ball physics is pretty good. Sadly, the rest of the game is half-baked. The main problem with the game is that most of the time you don't know what to do. The in-game instructions are vague and you lose most of your balls before you randomly stumble upon the next task. The bright graphics work against the gameplay - it's difficult to tell the difference between scenery and targets. A lot of time is wasted pointlessly flipping the ball about scoring nothing. Critters doesn't have any really major faults, but there are so many irritating niggles - far too many to list them all - that playing the game is more of an ordeal than a pleasure. Metroid Prime Pinball is a much better game. Buy that instead.

Flipper Critters makes the best use of each of the features of the DS all rolled into one exciting pinball game. Each level has plenty to do - you need to move the flippers, tap the screen and use the arrow keys. There are usually three pinball tables in each area/level and built-in arcade type mini games which aren't impossible to win! You get plenty of lives and there are lots of opportunites to gain new lives. This is a fun and addictive game and I'd say fun for all ages. I'm in my 40's and I'd strongly recommend you buy it for your kids - then play it yourself when they're asleep! In fact, the sooner more people are playing it the more tricks and tips will be available!

If you are a serious pinball fan or what we are also called, a pinhead, I don't recommend this game for the Pinball Wizards. The storylines take up too much time and the player has to sit & wait before playing any serious pinball! It's a good game for the ages of 8-12yrs. old. I endedup giving this game to my mother because she's a casual pinball player. That's another thing I wanted to recommend this game for, the casual pinball players. Fans of the old school tables like the ones on The Williams Collection & Gotleib collections, you will be disappointed purchasing Flipper Critters. I orginally purchased this game to get my pinball fix,though this product didn't keep me occupied, I'm glad it made a great gift for my mother.

I recommend to see a selection of videos to see if you like it - search google for videos of this game. What I like: 1 - hypnotic music 2 - unusual things happen - the ball gets carried away by a bird... 3 - the ball rolls from one table to another to another with different sceneries - and even more tables to unlock. My personal judgement: Not for playing hours and hours each day - but a few minutes once a week - yes - fun for me - the best DS game I have tried so far.

From the picture and other reviews I mistakenly thought this would be good for a young child. The story line may be engaging but it is a bit more complicated than it appears and actual pinball playing is very limited. Unless an adult wants to go through it step by step each time and assist a child i don't think it is good for kids too young and older kids may find it too juvenile. I should have done my homework on this one. may be right for some folks but be sure you know what you are getting so you don't end up disappointed.