Alien Crush Returns
{{Infobox video game
|title=Alien Crush Returns
|image=Alien Crush Returns.jpg
|caption=
|developer= Tamsoft
|publisher= Hudson Soft
|director= Adrian Ludley
|designer= Yoshiyuki Urushibara
|series = Crush Pinball
|released= {{vgrelease|JP|August 26, 2008|NA|November 3, 2008|PAL|November 7, 2008}}
|genre=Pinball
|modes=Single-player, multiplayer
|platforms=WiiWare
}}
Alien Crush Returns is a WiiWare pinball video game developed by Tamsoft and published by Hudson Soft. It is a sequel/remake to 1988's Alien Crush, and is the fourth installment in the Crush Pinball series. It was released in Japan on August 26, 2008, in North America on November 3{{cite web|url=http://www.wiiware-world.com/news/2008/11/usa_wiiware_update_alien_crush_returns_and_home_sweet_home |title=USA WiiWare Update: Alien Crush Returns and Home Sweet Home |publisher=Wiiware-world.com |date=2008-11-03 |accessdate=2010-05-21}} and in Europe on November 7.{{cite web|url=http://www.wiiware-world.com/news/2008/11/eu_wiiware_update_alien_crush_returns_brain_challenge_and_space_invaders_get_even |title=EU WiiWare Update: Alien Crush Returns, Brain Challenge and Space Invaders Get Even |publisher=Wiiware-world.com |date=2008-11-06 |accessdate=2010-05-21}}
Overview
In comparison to the original game, Alien Crush Returns features 3D graphics and controls using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk that allow functions such as tilting the table using motion sensing. In addition, the game introduces "Action Balls", pinballs with special attributes that can be used repeatedly during gameplay. Downloadable content in the form of extra stages and additional Action Balls could be available as well.{{cite web|author= Spencer|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/08/04/tilt-the-table-in-alien-crush-returns/ |title=Tilt the table in Alien Crush Returns |publisher=Siliconera.com|date= 2008-08-04 |accessdate=2010-05-21}}
The game features a high score-based arcade mode where players can select from three tables, a six-stage story mode with gameplay goals and boss battles,{{cite web|url=http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/08/impressions-ali.html |title=Impressions: Alien Crush Returns, Hooray |publisher= Blog.wired.com |date=2008-08-26 |accessdate=2010-05-21}} as well as online versus multiplayer and leaderboards.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
}}
Alien Crush Returns received mixed reviews from critics upon release. On Metacritic, the game holds a score of 64/100 based on 5 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/alien-crush-returns/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Alien Crush Returns for Wii Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |accessdate=18 December 2017}}
IGN gave the game a 7.8/10, calling the visual presentation impressive but noting some slight ball physics issues and that overall the game was short, with only three tables out of the box.{{cite web |last=Bozon |first=Mark |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/926/926638p1.html |title=IGN Alien Crush Returns Review |publisher=IGN |date=2008-11-03 |accessdate=2010-05-21 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428225955/http://wii.ign.com/articles/926/926638p1.html |archivedate=28 April 2010 |url-status=dead }} Nintendo Life gave the game a score of 8 out of 10 stars, praising the game for being similar to the original game while feeling new at the same time, but also cites the game's short length.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/11/alien_crush_returns |title=Alien Crush Returns Review - WiiWare |publisher=Nintendo Life |last=Dillard |first=Corbie |date=4 November 2008 |accessdate=18 December 2017}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080915211240/http://www.hudson.co.jp/ww/aliencrush/jpn/j/ Japanese site]
{{Crush Pinball video games}}
Category:Video games developed in Japan
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games