Before PC gaming became the powerhouse that most gamers now know, PCs were just tools that made work and organization easier. Even still, people still wanted to have ways to pass the time while waiting for an email or a phone call. This is where the game immediately appeared, but rather than a quick match of Halo or time spent on a beloved indie title, players then had other, more simplistic options – Lonely, Minesweeperand 3D Space Cadet Pinball Machine.
At the time, these games helped define a generation and showed that although there was no real pinball machine in the area, a simulated experience could be had via software. PC owners could search for mines or enjoy a quick game of Lonely. However, as software evolved, most of these titles became useless and were eventually removed from Windows entirely. The only app to survive is Lonely, but now it has become ad-supported. That said, could players take a trip down memory lane and replay Space Cadet Pinball Machine Where Minesweeper?
Perhaps the most popular game of this era of Microsoft Windows, Space Cadet Pinball Machine offered an enjoyable pinball experience with players constantly working to beat their high scores. It also allowed for simple mechanics like shaking the machine, which could help move the ball but also cause tilt. Space Cadet Pinball Machine was easily one of the most entertaining simulations long before it hit mainstream. However, it’s a little harder to get into the game these days. Although there is an option to play the game online, it can be stopped or interrupted at any time. However, there is a version of the game available on the Microsoft store for $2.49.
Minesweeper was yet another exciting addition to the Windows family of games as it used similarly simplistic game mechanics to create a suspenseful experience in which players had to find mines by uncovering numbered tiles that specified how many mines were adjacent to said roof tiles. The goal was to clear the board of all tiles except those above the mines. Unfortunately, unlike Space Cadet Pinball Machine, there is no free link for players. There is a free version on the Microsoft Store, but it has been monetized with in-app purchases.
There is no denying the impact of these games on people. They delivered fun and addictive gameplay and visuals that were etched in the minds of millions who knew exactly what it was like to hear the sounds of the pinball machine starting up. Unfortunately, because of this, the current state of these games has become a hard pill to swallow.
While today’s alternatives aren’t ideal, it’s good to see that others have tried to bring back the nostalgia in some way. Ads and in-app purchases might not be the way to go for many who just want a simple game to spend a few minutes, but for now there are few other options. Nonetheless, there’s still hope that Microsoft can see the lasting appeal of 3D Space Cadet Pinball Machine and Minesweeper and find a way to repackage them in a new software update.
