The menu options are also somewhat limited: you can change the camera views and swings, as well as where the gameplay happens (top or bottom screen). You can play classic or mission mode: the first one is plain old pinball, and the second one will challenge you to obtain goals like a 10x multiplier, an extra ball, multiball, super combo, etc. You can also play against up to three other people around you who have the game and challenge them to attain the high score or beat you in time trials. Other than that, you can select the game difficulty before starting a game, and that's it.

The best part about Dream Pinball 3D is the music and sound effects, as they suit the different themes perfectly and actually help them become much more alive than the graphics could ever do. When you pass by certain areas or hit combos, etc., you'll hear sounds like bubbling water, women screaming, dinosaur growls, sword fighting, and a lot more. The background music also fits each of the themes nicely. However, when it comes to a video game, you need much more than nice sounds and music to have fun.

Dream Pinball 3D is truly not a dream; it's just a decent pinball title to keep you busy during boring times. It's not very entertaining or addictive, which makes it indeed a very forgettable game. If you're looking for pinball fun on the DS, just grab a copy of Metroid Prime Pinball. I doubt any other pinball games will ever beat that on the DS, unless Nintendo and Fuse Games go back to the drawing board and redesign an even cooler version of Mario Pinball Land. Truth be told, the small DS screen and 3D graphics don't quite go together. In spite of a few really nice 3D titles out there for the DS, we all know this piece of hardware can go much further with cool and innovative 2D graphics and drawings or sleek and colorful cell-shaded visuals.

By Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director