# Pinball Tristan > Retro 3D pinball game with authentic physics and two play modes. (iPhone/iPad app by LittleWing.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinball-tristan/id431632510 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [LittleWing](https://appshunter.io/developer/431632518) - Category: Games, Casual, Simulation - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 4.70/5 from 134 App Store ratings · 128 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 23 MB - Languages: American English, Japanese - Released: 2011-06-04 - Data updated: 2026-08-28 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinball-tristan/id431632510/reviews.md ## What is Pinball Tristan? Now you can enjoy the worldwide best selling, award winning Pinball Tristan in retro 3D! You'll love the precise, authentic ball movement and two challenging play modes. Suitable for all ages to play for hours and hours. Click "…More" to learn why you should download this App today! Selected as Staff Favorites in 10 countries. *** Best Simulation 1991 of Software Publishers Association (USA) *** *** Game Hall of Fame 1992 of MACWORLD (USA)  *** Five Stars Great pinball game! "I am quite pleased! Just got it today. I like the clean, simple look. Very easy to enjoy. Nice to have the "Rock-n-play" mode -- just fun! Very worthwhile app." - likes old time radio Five Starts Classic game, great to have it on iphone! "Classic pinball game, excellent graphics completely lifelike physics. Little Wing does great pinball games for PCs and Macs and it's nice to have them for iphones too now."  - Schmidticus Your kids have been playing Pinball Tristan in Rock'n'Play mode all evening, while you've been itching to get your hands on it for a crack at Arcade. You keep checking the clock, watching their bedtime inch closer. They look tired, maybe they should turn in early tonight. As soon as they're tucked in, it's your turn to have fun! Pinball Tristan is a worldwide best selling, award winning game, born for the Mac in 1991. You're going to have trouble putting this one down. It's cool 3D retro graphics, full-fledged pinball challenge, precise physical implementation of ball movement, is enough to make any diehard pinballer drool. This application has two faces. Pinball Tristan remains true to its classic roots, incorporating a toy-like cabinet with an old style mechanical score drum that will evoke memories of the authentic joy and excitement you felt from playing the original pinball machines. At the same time, this is a new type of pinball with two modes. Arcade Mode lets you experience real, challenging arcade pinball like it was meant to be played. This is the type of pinball game that you drooled over but couldn't afford when you were kid. Well, at only $1.99, you don't have that problem anymore. If you're just starting out, try the Rock'n'Play Mode. Freely adjust the board angle by tilting your device, roll the ball in the opposite direction by tipping the device away from your body. Practice flipper control with a shelving angle or try a quick combo play. It's all lights, sounds and action yet is easier to play than Arcade. This app can be all about technique, if you want it to be. Go ahead and experiment with the nudging function, the pass flip, reverse pass flip, return lane transfer, holding lift, dead flipper bounce, alley pass, slide and hit, live catch…do we need to go on, you get the idea. There are tons of different plays you can use to rock the pinball. While all that action is going on, why not listen to some great, motivating music? Pinball Tristan lets you play your favorite tunes by using your Apple iPod function. So, you've got pinball action and your favorite music – what could be better, except maybe ranking number one in the World Competition? Compare your game to others and track your ranking through the Game Center. See how your scores look. Check out the cool features you get in Pinball Tristan: * Best selling, award winning, most authentic pinball game * Suitable for all ages * Awesome 3D retro graphics * Precise ball movements * Accelerometer game control * Two modes of play – Arcade and Rock'n'Play * Easily adjust the board angle * Several play techniques to master * Game Center – World Competition Mode * Facebook and Twitter Connect * Guaranteed player satisfaction! What are you waiting for? Right now, you are just about the only person on the planet who is not playing this game app! Download Pinball Tristan now and get in on the action. ## Key features - Retro 3D graphics - Authentic ball movement - Two challenging play modes (Arcade & Rock'n'Play) - Tilt controls for flipper action - Advanced pinball techniques - Integrated iPod music playback ## What do users think of Pinball Tristan? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🎮 Excellent physics engine and realistic ball mechanics - 👍 Simple, clean, and intuitive gameplay - 🎯 Addictive and engaging pinball experience - ⏱️ Smooth performance and fast frame rates - 🎨 Retro aesthetic appeals to nostalgic players - 🏆 Best pinball simulation on iOS platform - 💾 Faithful port of classic DOS/Mac original - 🎪 Multiball mode and varied game modes - 🎵 Authentic retro sound effects - 📱 Works well on both iPhone and iPad - 💰 Excellent value for the price - 🎯 Challenging yet fair difficulty curve - 🔄 Real pinball techniques work (slap saves, love catches) **Cons** - 🐛 Audio/sound issues in some versions - 🎮 Large gap between flippers causes frequent center drains - 🎨 Minimal graphics compared to modern pinball games - 🎮 Limited to single table - 🎯 Nudge/shake feature inconsistent or non-functional - 🔧 No in-game quit option without restarting device - 🎮 Left flipper sometimes unresponsive - ⚠️ Pause feature too sensitive - 🎮 Ball seems too heavy/table too steep - 💥 Pop bumpers lack power - 🎮 Less control on touchscreen vs keyboard - 🔧 No tilt function available **Commonly reported bugs** - Sound and music not playing despite volume settings - No way to quit game without restarting device - Nudge/shake feature doesn't work reliably - Left flipper occasionally unresponsive or balky - Pause feature triggers too easily - Game loses progress when iPad is plugged in to charge - Music broken after certain updates - Incompatibility with future iOS versions (32-bit issue) - Game may become outdated for future iOS versions **Most requested features** - Release Loony Labyrinth for iOS - Port Crystal Caliburn to iOS - Add more pinball tables - Implement tilt function - Add additional game levels or variations - Port other classic Littlewing games (Angel Egg, Golden Logres, etc.) - Improve flipper length to reduce center drains - Add obstacle in center to reduce middle drains - Authentic sound effects option - Better nudge/shake mechanics - Save and resume game feature for Rock'n'Play mode - Reduce pause sensitivity - Increase bumper power ## Recent user reviews (10 of 128) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinball-tristan/id431632510/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Lots of classic pinball fun. *2026-04-18* Lost many hours playing this game. ### 5/5 — Excellent Pinball *2023-10-01* I love this, then forget how much I love it and rediscover it again. I like the simplicity of of the layout (I also love Littlewing’s Crystal Caliburn, which is not simple). If the developer is reading this, I would be thrilled if you released Loony Labyrinth for iPadOS, best pinball game I ever played. ### 3/5 — It’s probably me but I… *2020-12-07* Used to play this game way back and spent many hours at it. Terrific. Now I am old and was excited to see it but… Two things for an old fart: One. Why don’t I get any sound? The volume is turned up on where it says sound and also a music but……… Two. How do you quitWithout actually turning off and restarting my iPad pro 2020? Any help from you young whippersnappers would be great ### 4/5 — Lots of classic pinball fun. *2019-12-06, version 1.9* Lost many hours playing this game. ### 5/5 — Old and great *2019-12-04, version 1.9* Pinball the way it should be ### 5/5 — So much fun. And real technique works. *2019-10-30* Slap saves and love catches are all possible and it is a blast to play. Finally a table that’s easy to learn the rules of and difficult to master. Bravo! Played this decades ago and this portable reboot is great. Note to others shake the table to the left by jerking the iPhone or iPad left while hitting the right flipper (by tapping). And often this will save a ball that’s about to drain down the middle. Basic pinball technique actually. Cheers! ### 5/5 — Great pinball *2019-03-02* Very fun and simple pinball game with good physics. Only suggestion would be to add a “Tilt” function. Worth the price. ### 5/5 — Xanija is garbage *2018-12-17, version 1.9* This game is really fun. Cyberleader63 approved ### 4/5 — Audio ? *2018-06-01* Loved this game since playing it on an old 286. Is there a trick to get the music and audio on iPad Air 2? Tried everything. My iPad has no issues. ### 3/5 — Fun, but there’s one problem *2018-02-06* This game is fun, and has enough elements to keep me interested. But there’s one glaring problem, that many others have pointed out. I read the reviews and just thought these people were whiners, but now I see what they mean. The gap between the paddles is just too large, making it impossible to hit the ball way too often, thus killing the fun of having a good streak going. The ball tends to travel towards the middle of the screen most often and seems to find it’s way between the paddles so often, with no chance of hitting it, that it becomes frustrating and I turn the game off and play something else. I really recommend to the developers to fix this somehow, by either reducing the gap or making it less likely for the ball to drop down the middle so often by adding another obstacle to the middle. That’s my two cents. Good game, but kinda ruined at the same time... gonna go play some other pinball apps now... ## Frequently asked questions about Pinball Tristan ### What is Pinball Tristan? Pinball Tristan is a classic, award-winning pinball game brought to life in retro 3D. It offers precise, authentic ball movement and two distinct play modes designed for both casual fun and challenging gameplay. ### What are the play modes? The app features two modes: Arcade Mode for a challenging, authentic arcade pinball experience, and Rock'n'Play Mode, which is easier to play and allows for free adjustment of board angle and ball control, making it ideal for beginners. ### How much does Pinball Tristan cost? The app is available for a one-time purchase price of $1.99, offering a full pinball challenge without ongoing costs. ### What devices is Pinball Tristan compatible with? While the description mentions it was born for Mac and is available for iPhones, it implies compatibility with Apple devices. Specific iOS version requirements would typically be found on the app store listing. ### Can I play my own music while playing? Yes, the app allows you to play your favorite tunes by using your Apple iPod function, enhancing the gaming experience with your preferred soundtrack. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.9 — 2017-09-22 This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. Fixes minor glitches in localized UI ### 1.8 — 2017-09-19 Supports 64bit environments ### 1.7 — 2012-09-18 Optimized for iOS 6 Optimized for iPhone 5 4-inch Retina display What was new in previous versions: - Added high resolution images for new iPad (v1.6) - Added 'More Pinball' button on main menu (v1.6) - Slowness problem with iPad1 using iOS 5 fixed (v1.5) - Optimized for iOS 5 and improved performance (v.1.4) - iOS 5 Twitter Integration feature supported (v.1.3) - Three Leaderboards added to Game Center (v.1.2) - Slowness problem with iPhone 4 fixed (v.1.1) ### 1.6 — 2012-09-08 Added high resolution images for new iPad Added 'More Pinball' button on main menu (Tap it to check Pinball Crystal Caliburn II) Built with latest version of Xcode Developer Tools What was new in previous versions: - Slowness problem with iPad1 using iOS 5 fixed (v1.5) - Optimized for iOS 5 and improved performance (v.1.4) - iOS 5 Twitter Integration feature supported (v.1.3) - Three Leaderboards added to Game Center (v.1.2) - Slowness problem with iPhone 4 fixed (v.1.1) ### 1.5 — 2011-10-19 Slowness problem with iPad1 using iOS 5 fixed What was new in previous versions: - Optimized for iOS 5 and improved performance (v.1.4) - iOS 5 Twitter Integration feature supported (v.1.3) - Three Leaderboards added to Game Center (v.1.2) - Slowness problem with iPhone 4 fixed (v.1.1) ## Apps similar to Pinball Tristan | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [The Deep Pinball](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-deep-pinball/id317133458) | 4.6 (323) | $1.99 | Games | | [Dodge x Dodge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dodge-x-dodge/id1209829092) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Games | | [Halloween Pinball Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/halloween-pinball-pro/id1587760748) | — | Free | Games | | [Lunar Pinball](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lunar-pinball/id1492441372) | 4.8 (4) | Free | Games | | [Pinball Massacre Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinball-massacre-lite/id434832291) | 3.0 (7) | Free | Games | | [Rebound: Knife Throw Arcade](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rebound-knife-throw-arcade/id6758157929) | — | Free | Games | ## More apps by LittleWing - [Pinball Crystal Caliburn II](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinball-crystal-caliburn-ii/id533037359) All apps by LittleWing: https://appshunter.io/developer/431632518 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*