Space Cadet Pinball, officially known as “3D Pinball for Windows – Space Cadet,” is a classic computer game that was bundled with certain versions of Windows, starting with Windows 95’s Microsoft Plus! pack and becoming widely known with Windows 98.
Origin and Development
The game was originally developed by a company called Cinematronics (later acquired by Maxis) and was part of a larger game called “Full Tilt! Pinball,” released in 1995.
Full Tilt! Pinball included three tables: Space Cadet, Skulduggery, and Dragon’s Keep.
Integration with Windows
Microsoft included the Space Cadet table as a standalone game with the Microsoft Plus! pack for Windows 95, and it later became a standard inclusion in Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows ME.
The game became very popular because it was pre-installed and easily accessible on millions of computers world wide.
Gameplay and Features
The Space Cadet table is set in a sci-fi theme, where players assume the role of a space cadet on various missions, earning promotions and points. The game was praised for its 3D graphics and physics, which were impressive at the time.
Legacy and Removal
Space Cadet Pinball remained a beloved feature of Windows until it was removed from Windows Vista and future versions. The removal was primarily due to technical issues related to the game not being compatible with the newer 64-bit operating systems.
Cultural Impact
Despite its relatively simple gameplay, Space Cadet Pinball left a lasting impact on many users who grew up with Windows 98. It became a nostalgic piece of software, often remembered fondly as a part of the early personal computer experience.
Space Cadet Pinball’s inclusion in Windows helped it achieve widespread recognition, making it a memorable part of the gaming landscape for many users during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
A Second Game?
A second pinball game, Full Tilt! 2 Pinball, was also released by Maxis 31st of October 1996 and offered more complex and chaotic gameplay compared to the simpler Space Cadet game included with Microsoft Windows 95. Full Tilt! 2 featured three unique tables; Alien Daze, Captain Hero, and Mad Scientist, with multiple balls and additional flippers, making it much more intense.
Unlike Space Cadet, Full Tilt! 2 was not free ($30), it came on a CD, and required around 20 MB of hard drive space for a full installation. It was also available for both Windows 95, 3.1, but they also released a version for Macintosh.