Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo DS) Playthrough

Playthrough of Metroid Prime Pinball, Nintendo's 2005 pinball game for the Nintendo DS.

The video contains two complete runs of Multi Mission mode. Clearing the mode once unlocks Expert difficulty, which begins with minigames set to level two.

Metroid Prime Pinball is a 2005 Nintendo DS adaptation of the Metroid Prime universe into a pinball format. Developed by Fuse Games, it reimagines Samus Aran’s Morph Ball mechanics as the core of a fast-paced pinball experience while incorporating enemies, locations, and visual themes from the original GameCube title. The game offers both traditional score-based play and a structured progression mode in which players travel between multiple themed tables to collect twelve artifacts, eventually unlocking the path to the final battles at the Artifact Temple and Impact Crater. This gives the game a sense of advancement that goes beyond the typical high-score focus of most pinball titles.

Gameplay blends classic pinball physics with elements familiar to Metroid players, such as using bombs, engaging enemies directly on the table, and taking part in short, action-oriented minigame segments. Each table is based on a different area from Metroid Prime and contains a variety of missions, ranging from defeating waves of creatures to navigating vertical shafts and collecting phazon. The tables are arranged so that the action moves quickly, and players rarely linger on one area long enough for repetition to set in. The Nintendo DS hardware is used creatively: the dual screens allow for tall, multi-section tables, while the touchscreen enables a tilt mechanic that simulates nudging an actual pinball machine. Learning to manage the dead zone between screens and mastering the tilt system takes some getting used to, but once learned, the controls feel responsive and intuitive.

The presentation does much to anchor the game within the Metroid franchise. The environments draw heavily from the visual identity of Metroid Prime, and the rendered tables include many recognizable details and enemy types. Smooth FMV sequences create transitions between tables and boss encounters, adding a cinematic quality uncommon for handheld pinball games. The soundtrack blends atmospheric electronic themes with more energetic pinball-style tracks, maintaining the tone of the Prime series while supporting the pace of the gameplay. Several musical cues, including a rock-styled remix of classic Metroid music, stand out as memorable highlights.

While the game succeeds in merging action elements with pinball, it also carries the inherent limitations of the genre. The number of tables is modest, and once players complete the main mission path and obtain all artifacts, the surprise factor diminishes. Because success still relies largely on ball physics and timing, some outcomes can feel unpredictable, especially for players expecting the tight control of a traditional Metroid action-adventure. Additionally, the experience focuses on arcade-style play rather than exploration, which may leave fans of the main series wanting more depth.

Overall, Metroid Prime Pinball is an inventive and polished spin-off that delivers an engaging blend of pinball and Metroid themes. It captures the atmosphere of the Prime series through its presentation and incorporates enough mechanical variety to stay lively throughout its main mode. Although it cannot replicate the exploratory depth of a typical Metroid title and is constrained by the scale of its format, it stands as a well-executed and enjoyable entry for players who appreciate video game pinball or who enjoy seeing the Metroid universe interpreted in a new way.