Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Getaway: High Speed II reinvents the classic Williams pinball experience by placing you behind a racing-themed table on a handheld device. At its core, you’re still flinging steel balls across bumpers, ramps, and targets, but the layout cleverly mimics roads, on-ramps, and freeway exits. Hitting specific sequences of targets not only ramps up your score but can also unlock the electrified “pursuit mode,” where the tension rises as you try to outwit virtual police cruisers.

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One standout feature is the integrated mini-game. Trigger the special ramp, and you’re transported into a pseudo-3D driving segment akin to OutRun. Here, you dodge traffic columns, weave through construction zones, and rack up bonus points—all under a tight time limit. Succeed in reaching the hideout, and you’re rewarded with multiball chaos back on the pinball board, where every extra ball is a tool to confuse the pursuing cops.

Controls are intuitive, even on a compact handheld. The flipper buttons have a satisfying click, and tilt sensitivity is finely balanced—enough to save a stray ball but not so much that you’re constantly triggering warnings. Difficulty ramps up at a steady pace: early targets light up easily to help you learn the board, while later stages require precise timing and strategy, especially if you hope to master the driving mini-game and sustain multiball for maximum carnage.

Graphics

Given its handheld roots, The Getaway: High Speed II surprises with crisp, colorful visuals. The pinball table is intricately drawn, with road markings, freeway signs, and miniature police vehicles that animate as you hit certain bumpers. The playfield lights flash in vivid hues, guiding your shots and adding a layer of spectacle that feels true to the Williams arcade original.

The driving mini-game shifts perspectives to a pseudo-3D roadway. While not as detailed as console racers of its era, it conveys speed effectively: roadside objects zip past, other cars smoothly transition between lanes, and the horizon pulls toward you as your timer ticks down. The limited color palette doesn’t detract from the action; in fact, it reinforces the retro charm and keeps performance silky-smooth.

Transitions between pinball and driving modes are seamless. There’s no loading delay—pull the ramp, and you’re instantly in the driver’s seat. Sound effects and jingles accompany each mode change, reinforcing the excitement. Overall, the presentation maximizes the handheld’s capabilities, delivering a visually engaging package that belies its compact form factor.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven titles, The Getaway: High Speed II weaves its plot directly into its gameplay mechanics. You’re cast as a getaway driver, flinging balls to simulate gear shifts and lane changes, then literally driving for your life in the mini-game. The goal—reach the hideout before the cops—provides a unifying thread that keeps each play session focused and adrenaline-charged.

There are no cutscenes or extensive dialogue trees; instead, the story unfolds through visual cues and score milestones. Hitting certain targets can trigger a “police siren” light sequence, while completing the driving stage activates a row of flashing “safe house” lights. This minimal storytelling approach works in the game’s favor, letting players jump straight into the action without wading through menus or text.

Subtext is key here: every multiball frenzy, every traffic-dodging spree, reinforces the sense of high-stakes pursuit. Fans of the Williams pinball legacy will appreciate how the game retains the spirit of the original table—complete with law enforcement motifs and breakneck pacing—while adding just enough narrative context to give each ball launch real purpose.

Overall Experience

The Getaway: High Speed II is a surprising gem for handheld pinball enthusiasts and retro racing fans alike. It manages to blend two distinct genres—pinball and driving—into a cohesive package that never feels gimmicky. The ramp-to-mini-game mechanic adds depth, keeping each session fresh as you chase high scores and perfect runs.

Replay value is high. With multiple strategies for ramp building, variable difficulty in the driving stages, and the thrill of chaining multiball sequences, there’s always something new to master. Whether you’re aiming for the maximum score or simply enjoying the fast-paced rhythm of table and road, the game rewards both casual play and serious pursuit of pinball prowess.

All told, The Getaway: High Speed II captures the nostalgic spirit of Williams’ arcade heritage while offering a portable twist that stands on its own merits. It’s an engaging, well-polished experience that will appeal to anyone looking for bite-sized excitement wrapped in classic pinball flair—and the occasional high-speed chase.

Retro Replay Score

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