3D Pinball for Windows: Space Cadet

3D Pinball for Windows – Space Cadet is a version of the Space Cadet table bundled with Microsoft Windows.

The look and feel of Full Tilt! Pinball and 3D Pinball are similar, with a few exceptions: The latter contains only the Space Cadet table and only supports 640×480 resolution, while the former supports three different resolutions up to 1024×768. The image on the side is a two-dimensional image as opposed to pre-rendered 3D. The words Maxis and Cinematronics have been changed from the yellow to a dark red, making them harder to see. It sports a splash screen that merely says 3D Pinball and shows a small pinball graphic with faded edges. Music is not enabled by default in 3D Pinball. It has fewer soundtracks that are inspired by the original game.

There are only a few minor differences between the gameplay of the two versions. The completion of a mission in the Maxis version results in a replay (actually a ball save rather than a special) being awarded. In addition, hitting a wormhole that has the same color light activates the multi-ball round. This is not the case in 3D Pinball: Completing a mission merely awards bonus points and hitting a wormhole in the above circumstances awards a replay. Another difference is about the three yellow lights above the bumpers (both in the launch ramp and in the upper table zone): In 3D Pinball these are turned back off if the ball passes on them while they are on. This is not the case in the original game, where they just remain activated. Finally, in the Windows version, the fuel lasts longer.