Rock 'n' Ball (NES) Playthrough
3Playthrough of NTVIC's 1990 pinball game for the NES, Rock 'n' Ball.
0:00:00 – Classic Pinball
0:27:57 – Nineball (Arcade-style Pool)
0:43:42 – Battle Flipper: Bomber (Vs Mode with Bomb Traps)
0:51:00 – Battle Flipper: Thunder (Vs Mode with Thunder Panels)
0:57:02 – Battle Flipper: Attack (Vs Mode with Attack Features)
1:11:04 – Sports Pinball: Soccer (Pinball-Themed Soccer Match)
1:17:30 – Sports Pinball: Ice Hockey (Pinball-Themed Hockey Match)
Rock 'n' Ball for the NES is a pinball-inspired video game developed by Namco and released in North America by NTVIC. Unlike traditional pinball games that focus solely on single-table scoring, Rock 'n' Ball offers a mix of classic pinball gameplay and a variety of alternative modes that introduce competitive and thematic twists. It presents a colorful, upbeat take on pinball with a blend of solo and multiplayer experiences that were somewhat unique for the NES library.
The game includes several distinct modes. The standard pinball mode features vertical tables where players attempt to score points using flippers, bumpers, and other typical pinball mechanics. This mode resembles traditional pinball and serves as a foundation for the rest of the game. Other modes, like Nineball, resemble a simplified arcade-style version of pool, where the goal is to hit numbered balls in order, adding a different type of challenge with similar flipper-based controls. There are also versus modes like Battle Flipper, in which two players face off in real-time using gimmicks such as bomb traps or thunder panels to disrupt each other’s progress.
Two sports-themed modes, Soccer and Ice Hockey, reinterpret pinball as a competitive sport. These turn the table into a field or rink, with goals at each end and gameplay that feels like a mix of pinball and air hockey. Players use flippers to launch a ball toward their opponent's goal while defending their own. These modes introduce fast-paced, multiplayer-focused fun and allow for creative strategies, further expanding the variety of gameplay offered.
Rock 'n' Ball is notable for its colorful visuals, lighthearted tone, and catchy chiptune soundtrack. The game doesn’t aim for realism but embraces an arcade feel, using exaggerated elements and simple controls that make it accessible to a broad audience. It supports up to four players with a multitap accessory, making it a good party game for the NES era.
While not as deep or refined as dedicated pinball simulations or competitive sports games, Rock 'n' Ball stands out for its variety and creativity. It provides a mix of experiences that range from traditional pinball to quirky arcade challenges, making it a fun and often overlooked title in the NES library.