Devil's Crush

Pinball in a video game that is better than most real pinball tables? It sounds like blasphemy, but Devil's Crush by the studio Naxat Soft did precisely that, and to this day is considered by many the very best video game pinball ever created. It came out in 1990 on the PC Engine and became a title that will win over even people who otherwise wouldn't touch pinball.

The magic lies in the fact that Devil's Crush is not a mere simulation of a physical table — it is a full-blooded video game built around pinball mechanics. The large table with a demonic, occult motif is packed with hidden objectives, bonus rooms and above all bosses, which you have to gradually smash with a series of well-aimed shots. Suddenly it's not just about keeping the ball in play, but about completing tasks, unlocking new zones and progressing strategically toward the highest possible score.

Visually the table draws superbly on a dark fantasy aesthetic — skulls, demons and Gothic motifs give the game an unmistakable atmosphere, underscored by an excellent, faintly sinister soundtrack. Everything fits together so well that you feel as though you're fighting your way through a little adventure, not just knocking a ball around.

The game's strongest weapon, however, is its addictiveness. The chase for a high score, the effort to unlock all the bonus zones and defeat the hidden bosses will keep you at the screen far longer than you'd expect. It's that classic „one more try" syndrome that defines the best arcade experiences.

Devil's Crush built up a cult status and saw spiritual successors and ports, thanks to which its reputation survived decades. For the PC Engine it was proof that even a seemingly simple concept can, with brilliant execution, exceed all expectations.

Why play: Perhaps the best video game pinball ever — addictive, atmospheric and full of hidden objectives and bosses, one that draws in even opponents of the genre.