NAXAT

14 SEPTEMBER 1988

It's probably safe to say that this is the first truly great console pinball game. After choosing to do a pinball game, it would have been easy for the designers to copy what was already seen in the arcades, but here they have gone one step further and provided something that real pinball machines could never supply.

The table is two screens high and is decorated with beautifully drawn graphics (obviously very Giger inspired) with extensive use of colour-cycling, which gives it a lot more 'life'. While the usual pinball elements are here, albeit in an alien style, there are also targets that float around the play area and a selection of single screen mini-games to split up the action. These mini-games are pretty simple and can get a little tedious, but they do add another element to the gameplay.

As well as a fast/slow mode to choose from, there are also two tunes available from the title screen. One tune is great, the other inoffensive and considering that you may be playing a table for a long period, it's nice to be able to change between games. In all, it's hard to fault Alien Crush. The only niggle I have is that the table is flick screen, and this can become a tad annoying on occasion, but it's a minor flaw and doesn't really matter when a game is as addictive as this. If it wasn't for the sequel, this game would be the top it's league.