PokeMon Pinball

Introduction: Pokémon Pinball is an official Nintendo and HAL Laboratory spin-off title released for the Game Boy Color in 1999. It is not a ROM hack or bootleg. The game does not have a traditional story or region; instead, it presents two themed pinball tables: the Red Table, based on the Kanto region from Pokémon Red and Blue, and the Blue Table, based on the Johto region from Pokémon Gold and Silver. The visual style is vibrant and detailed for the GBC, with large, colorful sprites for Pokémon and dynamic table layouts.

Gameplay & Mechanics: The core gameplay is pinball, with the objective of catching and evolving Pokémon. You do not choose a starter; instead, you launch a Poké Ball onto a table to begin. "Catching" is achieved by hitting Pokémon with the ball multiple times to fill a catch meter, then directing the ball into a specific hole. Evolution is triggered by meeting specific conditions, like hitting certain bumpers a set number of times after a catch. The difficulty is arcade-style, based on high-score chasing and table mastery, not RPG progression. Key mechanics include the Pikachu Save, where Pikachu can block the ball from draining, and a Map Mode that tracks which Pokémon you have caught on each table.

Key Features:

• Two Distinct Tables: The Red Table focuses on the original 151 Kanto Pokémon, while the Blue Table adds 100 new Pokémon from the Johto dex, for a total of 251 to collect.
• Rumble Feature: The game cartridge included a built-in rumble motor, activated by hitting certain targets, which was a novel hardware feature for the Game Boy Color.
• Dex Completion and Bonus Stages: Catching Pokémon fills a digital Pokédex. Completing sets unlocks special mini-game stages, like the Gengar or Meowth stages, which offer large point bonuses and rare evolution opportunities.

The game stands as a unique and polished arcade-style interpretation of the Pokémon collecting concept.