Posted May 01, 2009
Fantastic Journey is the fourth game in the Pro Pinball series, which, in my mind, are the best pinball simulations available to date. Despite its age, the graphics still look top-notch, and the pinball physics, like its predecessor, Big Race USA, are about the best you can get in a simulation.
One important thing to note about this series is that it is a simulation in the true sense, in that you can configure it just like you would an actual table. There are a huge number of options in the operator menu, that allow you to choose the exact table rules that you want to use during gameplay. In addition, you can also set the table slope and maintenance level for a fully customized game.
Also, like most of the games in the series, Fantastic Journey isn't just a standard pinball table, in that it features a huge array of gameplay and multiball modes to keep things interesting, in the service of an overarching (if thin) storyline. What this means is that, unlike a more basic table, there is enough to do to keep things interesting. Plus, if you're a fan of huge scores, Fantastic Journey gives you plenty of opportunity to rack up an amazing amount of points (and, unlike some of the earlier games, it's not all done via video mode).
Admittedly, I have a few quibbles with this version, mostly compared to its predecessor. First, there is no challenge mode (sort of a co-op mode for pinball, where you play with a friend in order to complete the game objectives, while still competing on score), which was a fun addition to previous games in the series. Also, compared to BRUSA, the total number of modes seems a bit lacking, considering the immense variety in that game. Finally, there is less music in Fantastic Journey, and the main table loop is too short (and doesn't really loop, for that matter), so it gets repetitive faster than it should.
All that being said, though, Pro Pinball: Fantastic Voyage is another excellent entry in this series, and while it doesn't quite measure up to Big Race USA (I'd put it more on par, in terms of features and plot, with Timeshock), it's still an incredibly fun pinball game, and absolutely worth the price if you are a fan of this genre.
Oh, and one final note: in my opinion, this table seems to be "faster" than its predecessors by default, so you might consider taking the table slope down a bit if you're having a harder time at first.
One important thing to note about this series is that it is a simulation in the true sense, in that you can configure it just like you would an actual table. There are a huge number of options in the operator menu, that allow you to choose the exact table rules that you want to use during gameplay. In addition, you can also set the table slope and maintenance level for a fully customized game.
Also, like most of the games in the series, Fantastic Journey isn't just a standard pinball table, in that it features a huge array of gameplay and multiball modes to keep things interesting, in the service of an overarching (if thin) storyline. What this means is that, unlike a more basic table, there is enough to do to keep things interesting. Plus, if you're a fan of huge scores, Fantastic Journey gives you plenty of opportunity to rack up an amazing amount of points (and, unlike some of the earlier games, it's not all done via video mode).
Admittedly, I have a few quibbles with this version, mostly compared to its predecessor. First, there is no challenge mode (sort of a co-op mode for pinball, where you play with a friend in order to complete the game objectives, while still competing on score), which was a fun addition to previous games in the series. Also, compared to BRUSA, the total number of modes seems a bit lacking, considering the immense variety in that game. Finally, there is less music in Fantastic Journey, and the main table loop is too short (and doesn't really loop, for that matter), so it gets repetitive faster than it should.
All that being said, though, Pro Pinball: Fantastic Voyage is another excellent entry in this series, and while it doesn't quite measure up to Big Race USA (I'd put it more on par, in terms of features and plot, with Timeshock), it's still an incredibly fun pinball game, and absolutely worth the price if you are a fan of this genre.
Oh, and one final note: in my opinion, this table seems to be "faster" than its predecessors by default, so you might consider taking the table slope down a bit if you're having a harder time at first.