Lula Flipper by CDV Software/Independent Arts (Win95)
|
|
Reviewed: 03/2000 |
Tables:
Pleasure World, Lula Lover, Space Bordello, Photo Shooting German release with four tables promising to be the "most erotic pinball s(t)imulation that ever existed"
as we accompany, seduce or photograph a sexy cartoon model named "Lula" by shooting our silver balls.
Pleasure World is touted as a bonus table themed after the cult comic "Playbär" by Felix of which I know
nothing further but it looks just like any of the other tables, a marketing gimmick rather than a special treat.
640x480 or 800x600 resolution, 256 colors or high color, 60 or 75Hz frequency - which it somehow verifies at table
startup - normal or XXL detail and 2D plan view as full screen, scrolling or automatic (meaning non-scrolling
only during multiball play). These options are not permanently saved and revert to their defaults with each table selection.
Views are similar to Balls Of Steel: Scrolling permits a closer view at the graphics
at the expense of predicting ball paths and non-scrolling occupies roughly the left half of the screen with a cartoonish
poster drawing and the dotmatrix display on the bottom right (an occasional distraction when anims or messages run while
the ball is in full swing also).
Three balls per play for up to four players with top ten highscores saved for each table. Non-configurable, preset keys:
shift-left and -right for flippers, return for plunger and space, alt-left and -right for nudges.
Extra balls awared by lucky number draw (10% chance) when game ends. Special mode pop-up targets, animated table
features and superimposed surprise subtables. Annoying techno soundtrack and repetitive voice effects (note: the
instructions, menus and most speech are in German but the table features are labelled in English).
Graphics are hand-drawn in a decent comic style reminiscent of Leisure Suit Larry. Ball physics are
unrealistic but not all that bad.
There appear to be two kinds of tables: Pleasure World and Photo Shooting are fast paced while Lula Lover and Space Bordello
are slow to the extent of testing your patience. Regardless of speed - but so much more annoying on the slow tables -
there is a major problem with ball control: The flippers don't seem to care when and at what angle you fire the ball,
they just arbitrarily send it at what appears to be a preset path. Realistically, how can it be possible to hit the same
center-table target shooting from the tip and the base of the flipper at the same incoming angle and speed? How can I
possibly keep missing ramps even though the relation of speed, angle and "flip point" are co-ordinated?
The biggest pain with this game is that too often the only targets to score on the entire table are the ones
lit for 30 seconds in a special mode and there just is no way to properly aim your shot (or get the ball to the flippers
fast enough to try several times). As easily as the physics allow
a ramp shot, as impossible they make it when the angle isn't exactly right and the ball gets stuck and rebounds halfway
into the target. The majority of targets are ramps and drop-down or roll-over banks with letter sequences such as
"KISS", "FEEL", "TURN" and "SEX". Targets include crème jars,
vibrators, bananas, whips, dwarfs with cameras, lingerie deliveries etc. Basically fun stuff!
Where Found: Media Markt, Switzerland, 12/1999 Released/Copyright: 1999, CDV Software GmbH |