Rating: 
Summary: As Real as it gets.
Review: Along with the Pro Pinball series, This may be the best pinball simulation available for the PC.However, where the Pro Pinball series of games only contain one table, and are typically modeled after 90's era machines. None of the Pro Pinball machines ever existed. Microsoft, however brings us 7 machines in Pinball Arcade that ACTUALLY existed. Now for those young folks to whom "Video Modes", Ramps, and complex scoring schemes, are blase' you may find that this collection isn't for you. However for those of us born in the 60's or earlier, or Electro-Magnetic Pinball junkies you won't find a more enjoyable collection. The sounds and action on each of the tables is shockingly realistic. In many cases, I forget I'm not playing an actual machine. From the 30's, Baffle ball is actually a precursor to pinball. Like the little pinball games of your childhood, the object is not to "keep" the ball in play, but by using proper force on the plunger and nudging, try to maximize your score for 10 balls. From the 40's, Humpty Dumpty, looks more traditional, but the object still is not to keep the ball in play, but rather use the "flippers to direct the ball to higher scoring regions. This game has most of the recognizable features of pinball but again emphesis is on positioning the ball, not keeping it in play. From the 50's Knockout is a cute machine with a neat boxing ring in the center. The object to knockdown your opponent as many times as you can. Here the flippers are in the traditional orientation, but there is a "bar" at the mammoth exit hole that gives you virtual invunerability for a time. Once a certain score is achieved for the ball, the bar drops, and your ability to keep the ball in play for an extended time is very limited. From the 60's Pinball now has most of the components many of us recognize. Thumper Bumpers, Rollovers, roll over buttons. Slick Chick does not have any side exits, but makes up for that with a farily wide center hole, and an insidious "gobble hole" in the center of the playing field. From the 70's, Spirit of 76 is the archtypical 70's era pinball machine. The flippers have grown to be larger and more powerful. A trio of Thumper Bumpers in the center really can accelerate the ball. 8 Knockdown targets and multiple rollovers exist. The sound effects on this table are spot on, and is easily my favorite. From the 80's Haunted House. In reality, this table was extra wide sporting two pairs of flippers at the bottom. The table was the first to incorporate a 3 level design with an "upstairs", Main Floor, and "Basement" beneath the main table seen through clear plexiglass on the main table. It was also one of the first machines to use LED's for scoring. This game is fun, but the need to have an unobstructed view of the "basement" makes the table feel bare, as all the scoring opportunities are on the perimeter of the table From the 90's, Cue Ball Wizard is the typical chatterbox Pinball machine with ramps, elevated ball "tubes" and very complex scoring modes, designed to force the player to aim his shots. Unlike earlier tables, it's not just keeping the ball in play, but getting through all the modes that get's the Big Points. As this game was developed in 1998, there should be no problem getting the game to run smothly on a current machine. All these tables are rather challenging and can lead to rather short games. It's a shame that you don't have configuration menu that allows you to set number of balls per game, and replay scores, as you would be able to do owning a REAL pinball machine. However, it seems here that Microsoft here is attempting to simulate how it is to play these machines in an Arcade, even down to the point of having you insert money into the machines to play. Real Pinball machines can cost thousands of dollars, and especially older machines, often have worn out components that are hard to find or replace. Microsoft Pinball gives you 7 accurate pinball machines in your PC, and you never have to worry about replacing a light bulb, or Flipper relay.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable pinball game
Review: Although not all enjoy this game, I do. I'm not a pinball enthusiast, but this game is still fun. There could be more tables, but the ones included have great variety. Some are easier than others. Graphics and sound are good. Another good feature is that you can install the whole program (only 100 MB) and never have to use the CD - therefore it's really good for laptops. No errors yet either, the program has performed flawlessly. A good program at a good price here made by a well-known company, Microsoft.
Rating: 
Summary: Save Your Money
Review: Boring! Not worth the price of the CD it is on. Only a nostalgic pin-ball junkie might appreciate this.
Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: Boring! Not worth the price of the CD it is on. Only a nostalgic pin-ball junkie might appreciate this.
Rating:
Summary: Ex
Review: Cool game. 7 fun "machines". Great price. Yay!
Rating: 
Summary: 5 outta 7 aint bad
Review: First off understand this, if you are looking for flash which most of the people who wrote negative reviews here were, skip this. However, if you want a really good trip into retro pinball land then this package is a sure winner and a great value. Lets face it, I can't go down to my corner drugstore and play Knockout or Slick Chick or any of the other oldies. What is wonderful about this package is I can sit home in my underwear in front of my PC and experience pinball the way 2 generations before me did. On my first few plays on Humpty Dumpty I was like, "this is dumb", the ball just drains, no flippers at the bottom. But spend some real time with this game and you see why Microsoft choose to include it in the package. My thoughts are that the 1st five games are totally retro and I enjoyed them immensely, however, the last 2, Haunted House and Cue Ball could of been left out and I wouldn't of cared, hence the 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Save Your Money
Review: Honestly, the only real interesting game on it is "Haunted House", but it's hard to really enjoy it because the field of view is SO LOW! Also, the Ball is VERY Bouncy, making shooting VERY Difficult. It's really a shame because the game had So Much Potential... if only Microsoft had done it right, but they blew it. :(
Rating:
Summary: MS Pinball Arcade
Review: I agree with David Wolf about the animation and ball control. However,as one who was a leg-kicking, glass-pounding wizard wanna-be, I must say that all the little design quirks you loved to hate on the original machines are built into these also. I especially love to hate Slick Chick and Spirit Of '76. (That dates me). All in all, Arcade ain't bad but its a shame it isn't a lot better.
Rating:
Summary: Boring pinball game
Review: I am really surprised how boring this game is. The older pinball games are extremely boring. I played it once and it hasn't been played since. No one in my family liked this game and I would urge caution before buying this game. If you are looking for an exciting edge of your seat pinball game, I wouldn't recommend this one. I only wish I hadn't wasted my money, and that I could return it. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: I am very disappointed in this pinball collection. The games have a very 'clunky', awkward feel to them and are totally lacking in excitement. There appears to be very little need for any amount of skill on the players part. The "Space Cadet" pinball found on almost all new Hewlett Packard PC's beats this game easily. Why is it so hard to find a decent PC Pinball game?
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