Play Pinball - Revenge of the 'Gator Online

Summary

Revenge of the 'Gator turns the Game Boy into a pocket‑sized pinball hall, complete with a mischievous alligator that will gobble your ball if you’re not quick on the flippers. You launch the ball from the Shooter Lane and use the two flippers to ricochet it through targets, lanes and bumpers, chasing high scores while keeping an eye on the snapping reptile at the bottom of the playfield.

The game offers two distinct play styles: Gator mode, a classic score‑attack where you alternate turns in a solo showdown, and Match Play, which lets two players link their Game Boys and literally try to knock each other’s ball over the opponent’s flippers. Both modes can be enjoyed solo, but the link‑cable option adds a surprisingly competitive edge for a handheld title.

Critics praised the title for its solid physics and addictive simplicity, earning scores in the low 90s from several magazines. It resurfaced on the 3DS Virtual Console in 2013 (with Match Play disabled) and even inspired a fan‑made “Gold” ROM hack in 2023 that adds color, removes slowdown and lets high scores persist across sessions.