Fans of pinball sims have long known there is only one series to look to for amazing visuals and gameplay: The Pro Pinball series from Empire Interactive. In a surprise move that has received zero press, their newest title Pro Pinball: Fantastic Journey does indeed seem to be Mac-compatible, although there is no mention of this on the web site or on the game box itself. This title has been available for quite some time, and has in fact passed into the bargain bin on the PC side; apparently this is the first time anyone has thought to check if the game was Mac-compatible.

All three previous Pro Pinball titles -- The Web, Timeshock and Big Race USA -- have been Mac/PC hybrid releases, but when we last spoke to Empire Interactive at E3, they seemed uncertain about future Mac support. However IMG reader 'Howie Everstar' has informed us that Fantastic Journey is indeed a hybrid CD, and the game runs quite well on his Mac.

What does this fourth title in the series have to offer? Well, it seems to have all the hallmarks of the previous titles (astounding ball physics, great speed, sparkling visuals) plus an all-new setting with a mad scientist theme. Here is a description and list of features from the web site:

Journey back in time to the world of eccentric Professor Steam and his extraordinary piston-powered
inventions in the latest simulation from the award-winning Pro Pinball team. Use your flipper skills to drill to the
center of the Earth, fly to the highest Mountains, and build a submarine to sink to the bottom of the Ocean in
a frantic race to prevent the evil General Yagov becoming ruler of the world. Are your reactions up to the
ultimate Pinball challenge ?

• Full 3D table, with real ball physics and gravity
  
• Amazing steam-powered contraptions: Drill, Boat,
  Submarine and Airship
  
• Three different viewing angles
  
• Full colour dot matrix display, including unique
  mini-game
  
• Five difficulty settings
  
• Fantastic frenzy! Control several balls on the table at
  one time
  
• Customise your table by altering its age, flipper power
  and more!

Currently this title is value-priced at $19.95 from several online software retailers. System requirements for the Mac version aren't given, but they should be similar to Big Race USA, which runs quite well on even the slowest G3 machine. We'll bring you more information about and screen shots of this title as soon as our copy arrives. [Ed note: We have learned that the hybird version of this game may only have shipped in Europe. You may want to hold off on any purchases until we can confirm that the US version is also hybrid.]

Pro Pinball: Big Race USA Review

Empire Interactive

Empire Interactive Pro Pinball Series

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