Many players around the world have played the game of pinball. Everyone has their favorite themed table they enjoy. There is just something about trying to aim the ball and score as many points as possible without the ball trying to go past your flippers. We have all played a game where you can tell there was homage played to the pinball game. But what if you could get to be within the game itself? Do you think you would have the highest score, or would it be game over before you knew it? It’s always interesting when you think about it. But does the developer, Velan Studios, show us a new way to play the game? Let’s find out with Bounce Arcade for the Quest Quest 3.
Bounce Arcade is pinball blasted into the future! Enter the machine and play pinball like you’ve never seen before! With multiple thrilling-themed tables full of challenges, players must strive to survive, unlock mini-games, and chase high scores in next-level action gameplay. Bounce Arcade mixes pinball classics like multi-ball with new ball control mechanics like “attract” and “guide.” Bounce Arcade enhances the pinball experience with mini-games, which is only possible in VR. Get ready to enter the zone and keep the ball alive!
So before you go in and try to rack up as many points as you can, there are a few things that you should know. First, make sure you have some arm-length to play. You never know when you may receive that multi-ball action where the balls can come at you, so you might as well make sure you don’t hit anything or anyone while doing so. Second, make sure those Touch controllers and your headset are all charged, as you don’t want to have one of them go out as you are about to hit the high score, now do you? And finally, have some fun. With all that said, let’s continue…
When you first start the game, you have a few choices to select from. You can go into settings, which will give you the options from the controls, extend paddles, tracking origin, and sound. Once you have the settings the way you like them, it’s time to jump into the tutorial. Your view will be more level than usual when playing and overlooking the table. And instead of pulling back the plunger, you start with the ball attached to your paddle. So aim and pull the trigger on the controller, and this will shoot the ball out. This being training, you are aiming for targets. The other thing you will find is that, instead of flippers, you have paddles you will use to hit the ball when it comes your way. You will want to be on the lookout for green energy orbs, as these will help power your paddles, which you can then activate and use the Attract Mode. This mode will allow you to pull the ball closer to you, sling it, and redirect it. Keep in mind that this mode only lasts for 15 seconds, so use it wisely.
Once you get used to everything that training has to offer, it’s time to move onto the tables. Each table has its own difficulty rating and objectives.
Gunpowder Gulch: This table is no rest for the wicked, which means you. Fill the gold meter as you rob the town blind. And if the law comes a-knocking, just remember—don’t shoot the civilians. With this table, you want to try to test your aim and wits through safe-cracking, barrages of flying barrels, and shootouts where your paddles transform into pistols to fend off deputies.
I liked the feel here, as it felt like a shooting gallery of sorts with the mixing of the Old West with neon lights is a nice touch. Being able to aim the ball and hit the clock gave me some added points to my score.
Asteroid Outpost: This table has you harvesting asteroids, and damage has been inflicted upon your deep space mining vessel. You will need to power up the generator, make repairs, and break up asteroids to uncover Arcadium ore.
With this one, things will start to pick up when you can power the generator and have to start breaking up the asteroids. I did enjoy the sci-fi sounds as the ball was hitting everything it could.
Pirate’s Plunder: Ahoy Captain. The Seven Seas have never seen a privateer like you. You will need to pillage ships as well as treasure to plunder as you prepare to raid the high seas. Aim the ball to set the sail and ready your broadside cannons.
Pirate’s Plunder gave me some smiles as this one is a little more challenging with the amount of objects you can try and hit. It’s fantastically themed as being on a neon themed pirate ship in the middle of the ocean.
Monster Manor: Well, congratulations must be in order, as you now have your own mysterious mansion. There are some things you should know before you move into your inheritance: you are not alone. Why not add some light to see what’s a fright?
Monster Manor is also a great table. Trying to get to the next level of what is inside the manor while seeing the full moon added this simple concept, and I watched it come to life as the ball was hitting the upper level as well as going through the fireplace.
Let’s talk about the graphics and sound. Each table has its own theme, which is something that is welcomed here. Depending on the table, the lighting has this spotlight that compliments it and brings enjoyment while playing. With the sound, just as each table has its own theme, so does the sound. From the creeks and bumps of Monster Manor to pirate-sounding Pirate’s Plunder, it became more interesting as I was playing to listen to different sounds come into play.
I really like Arcade Bounce, and there’s only one thing I would love to see added. No, it’s not an improvement to the tracking, which is spot on, or the look of each area, or even the updated leaderboards, which I love. The one thing I wish is that more areas will come to this game. I can see a Christmas table or maybe even a Fourth of July one. Who knows, there could be ones that are based off movies that would be truly amazing.
Bounce Arcade delivers a unique and captivating pinball experience by immersing players directly into the machine. Rather than overwhelming with flashy gimmicks, it offers an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience that appeals to all ages. This is something Velan Studios can truly take pride in.
Bounce Arcade is out now for the Quest 2, 3, 3s, & Pro on the Meta Store. A review code was pvoided.
To learn more about Velan Studios, please visit their site, like them on Facebook, follow them on X, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I have some leaderboards to climb.
