Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Pinball: Behind the Mask delivers classic pinball action tailored for the SNES controller, combining simple flipper controls with an intuitive nudging system that uses all buttons on the pad. Whether you’re a pinball veteran or a newcomer, the tactile feedback from precise button presses to nudge the table gives you a genuine sense of influencing the ball’s trajectory. This mechanic is crucial for keeping the ball in play and chasing those high-score bonuses.

The game offers three distinct modes of play to keep things fresh. In single-player mode, you can choose to hone your skills on any of the three tables. Hotseat multiplayer allows up to four players to take turns in Competition mode, where you vie for the top score in a free-form tournament, or in Conquest mode, where you must clear each table by surpassing 100 million points before moving on. Conquest mode, in particular, adds a layer of long-term challenge as you strategize which table to tackle next and how to maximize your bonus multipliers.

Each table is uniquely designed around its theme, but the core gameplay remains consistent: hit ramps, trigger spinners, activate bumpers, and rack up combos. The responsiveness of the flippers and the predictable ball physics make skillful shots feel rewarding. The inclusion of marquee messages and giant on-screen overlays for bonuses helps you track progress and upcoming objectives without losing sight of the action.

Graphics

Graphically, Behind the Mask takes an inventive approach by displaying all three tables in a tilted 3D view, fitting the entire playfield on a single screen. This eliminates scrolling delays and keeps the focus squarely on the ball’s movement. Backgrounds are richly colored, allowing each theme to stand out: the bright reds and yellows of “Jolly Joker,” the weathered wood and sea-green accents of “Blackbeard and Ironmen,” and the deep purples and glowing runes of “Wizard.”

The game makes good use of the SNES’s Mode 7-like perspective to create a pseudo-3D effect. While not true polygonal graphics, the angled view gives a convincing illusion of depth. Detailed sprite work on the bumpers, ramps, and themed targets—like cannonballs for the pirate table or crystal orbs for the wizard table—adds character and keeps each table visually distinct.

Overlay animations for marquee text and bonus announcements are large and colorful, ensuring you never miss a Super Jack­pot or Multiball activation. These pop-up graphics integrate seamlessly into gameplay, enhancing excitement without obstructing key areas of the table. The overall frame rate remains stable, even when multiple on-screen elements are active.

Story

While pinball games rarely have a narrative in the traditional sense, Behind the Mask weaves each table’s theme into its objectives. On “Jolly Joker,” you’re invited into a carnival of chaos where triggering the clown’s laughter and lighting up hidden targets feels like playing through a twisted midway attraction. The colorful, slightly sinister imagery of the Joker’s mask hints at an underlying storyline of mischief and mayhem.

“Blackbeard and Ironmen” channels classic pirate lore, tasking you with uncovering buried treasure and battling spectral sea captains. Each ramp and target is named to evoke the bravado of open seas—hit the “Cannon Blast” bumper enough times to summon ghostly galleons or unlock the “Ironmen’s Curse” for a lucrative point bounty. The result is a table that feels like a condensed adventure, with each bank of targets representing a new chapter in the hunt for Blackbeard’s booty.

The “Wizard” table leans into fantasy tropes, sending you on a quest to collect magical artifacts and defeat a malevolent sorcerer. Mystic runes light up to reveal hidden pathways, and chaining together orbs activates arcane spells that either reward you with multipliers or open up secret lanes. Although minimal in dialogue or cutscenes, the themed objectives and clever table layouts impart a sense of progression that mirrors a simple RPG dungeon crawl.

Overall Experience

Super Pinball: Behind the Mask stands out as one of the most engaging pinball simulations on the SNES. Its three diverse table themes ensure that no two games feel alike, and the combination of intuitive controls, stable frame rate, and dynamic table designs makes each session satisfying. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or competing with friends in hotseat mode, the game offers plenty of replay value.

The inclusion of both Competition and Conquest modes broadens its appeal. Casual players can jump in for quick matches, while completionists will find plenty of challenge in conquering every table with a 100 million-point threshold. The directional nudging tied to button inputs, rather than the shoulder or D-pad alone, provides an extra layer of strategy that seasoned pinball fans will appreciate.

Overall, Behind the Mask is a polished pinball package that balances accessibility with depth. Its vivid table designs, smooth gameplay mechanics, and creative use of the SNES hardware make it a must-have for fans of digital pinball or anyone looking to experience the thrill of the arcade from the comfort of their living room.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10