Alien Crush Returns
A WiiWare pinball sequel with 3D graphics and Action Balls.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Alien Crush Returns is a pinball game for WiiWare, developed by Tamsoft and published by Hudson Soft. It is both a sequel and a remake of the 1988 title Alien Crush, and it marks the fourth game in the Crush Pinball series. The release dates were August 26, 2008, in Japan, November 3 in North America, and November 7 in Europe.
The game uses 3D graphics, a step up from the original, and controls via the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. These allow for motion-based table tilting. A new feature is the "Action Ball," a pinball with special abilities that can be reused during play. Downloadable content, including extra stages and more Action Balls, was also planned. Players can choose from three tables in a high-score-focused arcade mode, or play a six-stage story mode with specific goals and boss fights. Online multiplayer and leaderboards are also included.
Critical reception was mixed. On Metacritic, the game has a score of 64 out of 100 from five reviews, indicating average reviews. IGN rated it 7.8 out of 10, praising the visuals but noting minor ball physics problems and a short experience with only three tables. Nintendo Life gave it an 8 out of 10, appreciating how it felt both familiar and fresh compared to the original, while also pointing out its brevity.
- Developer
- Tamsoft
- Publisher
- Hudson Soft
- Release Date (Japan)
- August 26, 2008
- Release Date (North America)
- November 3, 2008
- Release Date (Europe)
- November 7, 2008
- Platform
- WiiWare
- Genre
- Pinball video game
Lore & Background
Alien Crush Returns updates the original 1988 Alien Crush with 3D graphics and controls using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, including motion-sensing table tilting. The game introduces 'Action Balls,' pinballs with special attributes that can be used repeatedly. Downloadable content in the form of extra stages and additional Action Balls could be available as well.
Reader's Guide
The game features a high score-based arcade mode with three selectable tables, a six-stage story mode with gameplay goals and boss battles, and online versus multiplayer and leaderboards. Upon release, Alien Crush Returns received mixed reviews from critics, holding a score of 64/100 on Metacritic based on five reviews. IGN gave the game a 7.8/10, praising the visual presentation but noting slight ball physics issues and a short length with only three tables. Nintendo Life gave it an 8 out of 10, commending its similarity to the original while feeling new, but also citing its short length. The game's significance lies in its continuation of the Crush Pinball series on the WiiWare platform, blending classic pinball with modern controls and online features.
Did You Know?
- Alien Crush Returns is the fourth installment in the Crush Pinball series.
- The game introduces 'Action Balls,' pinballs with special attributes that can be used repeatedly.
- It was released in Japan on August 26, 2008, in North America on November 3, and in Europe on November 7.
- The game holds a Metacritic score of 64/100 based on five reviews, indicating mixed or average reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alien Crush Returns?
Alien Crush Returns is a WiiWare pinball title that serves as both a remake and a direct sequel to the 1988 arcade classic Alien Crush. It is the fourth entry in the Crush Pinball series, developed by Tamsoft and published by Hudson Soft.
What platform is Alien Crush Returns available on?
The game was released exclusively through Nintendo's WiiWare digital storefront in 2008, with regional launch dates spanning from August in Japan to November in North America and Europe.
How does Alien Crush Returns differ from the original 1988 game?
The remake upgrades the presentation to full 3D graphics and introduces motion-based table tilting via the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. It also adds the 'Action Ball' mechanic, a special pinball with reusable abilities that the original never featured.
What are Action Balls in Alien Crush Returns?
Action Balls are special pinballs that carry unique abilities players can activate and reuse during a single round of play. They represent one of the headline new features distinguishing this entry from earlier Crush Pinball titles.
Who developed and published Alien Crush Returns?
Tamsoft handled the development while Hudson Soft served as the publisher for the WiiWare release. The title launched in Japan on August 26, 2008, with North American and European follow-ups later that same year.
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