Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire is basically what happens when you take the addictive chaos of pinball and slap a coat of Pokémon paint on it. You’ve got two tables—Ruby and Sapphire—each with their own quirks, like the way Sapphire’s bumpers feel just a little more forgiving when you’re desperately trying to hit that Pikachu multiplier. The real hook? Catching Pokémon by nailing those shot sequences, which starts simple (just hit the flashing lights) but gets wild fast when you’re juggling evolution chains and bonus rounds.

It’s got that classic GBA charm—bright colors, chunky sprites, and that satisfying *clack* sound when you drain the ball (followed by immediate regret). The Pokédex gimmick adds this weirdly compelling completionist itch, even if you’re not usually into that stuff. Just don’t blame me when you lose an hour to the bonus stage where you whack a Spoink’s springy tail.

Still holds up if you’re into pinball games that don’t take themselves too seriously.