Space Cadet Pinball
3D Pinball - Space Cadet is similar to other PC pinball games like Pinball Arcade. However, what sets it apart is its connection to the classic Full Tilt! Pinball series, originally created by Cinematronics. The game is specifically based on the Space Cadet table theme. I loved playing this game when I was very young, waiting for my mom to finish her work at the office. I would like to turn it into a simple physical game that allows people to interact.
Game on Windows
Physical game
Design and Dimension
Pinball Machine Frame: Reuse lightweight wood to create a mini pinball table, using a frame from a previous project.
Flippers: Reuse electric ink cylindrical containers for handles and attach them to the flippers for easier control. Use a bamboo stick as the core of the flippers, connected to the black foam board laid on the wooden frame.
Obstacle Fence: Use a foam board attached to the wooden frame to create challenges for players.
Ball: Use a lightweight foam ball from Blick Art.
Goal at the End of the Board: Shape the foam board into a basket-like goal, where players will score points.
Flippers
Because the main interaction is with the flippers, I decided to reuse the electric ink cylindrical containers as handles, attaching them to the white foam board flippers for easier control. A bamboo stick serves as the core of the flippers, connected to the black foam board laid on the wooden frame.
I chose the cylindrical shape because it reminds users of a knob that can be rotated for control. Initially, I planned to use only white foam board, but it didn’t feel intuitive. Then I found the electric paint container, tested it, and found it made controlling the flippers easier.
Use SketchUp to do 3d modeling
Isometric View
Top View
Front View
Right View
Attached the flippers to the board
I used hot glue to attach everything together. It’s very sturdy and easy to assemble with other materials. I also reused the wooden frame from my previous projects, as shown in the image below.
Add Target goal and obstacle
I simplified the game to make it easier and more intuitive. I placed the board on one side of the wooden frame to create a slope, allowing the ball to roll down by gravity toward the flippers, where the fun of pinball happens. I added obstacles to slow down the ball, making the game more exciting and challenging for the players. For the target goal, when a player shoots the ball into the goal, they score points.
Video
Reflection
Throughout this project, I learned that simplifying the design for ease of use is just as important as staying true to the original game. It’s not just about replicating the digital experience but about making the physical interaction enjoyable and intuitive. I experimented with various materials and realized that affordances and signifiers are key to guiding the player. For example, adding clear symbols for the target goal and fail zone could enhance the gameplay experience.
Building the game taught me how to iterate, test, and refine based on feedback, and it also showed me the importance of balancing fun with functionality. In the end, I’m proud of how the game turned out. It’s both enjoyable and easy to play, which was my goal from the start. The process of reusing materials, like the cylindrical handles and bamboo sticks, also gave me a fresh perspective on sustainable design.