Arcade guide
Space Pinball Tips: Flipper Keys Raised Our Score From 403 to 653
Key takeaways
- With no flipper keys pressed, three runs scored 520, 360 and 330 about 25 seconds after the launch (average 403).
- With the left and right arrow keys alternating, three runs scored 570, 620 and 770 (average 653).
- The ball launches when you hold the down arrow for about a second and a half and let go.
- Score lights on the right climb from 1K to 1M, and x5, x6 and x7 multipliers sit near the flippers.
The first space pinball tip is to work the flippers: in Nebulaflip three runs with the left and right arrow keys scored 570, 620 and 770 about 25 seconds after the launch (average 653), against 520, 360 and 330 without them (average 403). The ball scores by itself on the bumpers, but the flippers kept it in play longer.
How the game works
Nebulaflip is a space-themed pinball game on a tall table. After the play button and a short hint, you hold the down arrow to pull the plunger and let go to launch the ball. The left and right arrow keys work the flippers. Saucer-shaped bumpers, M-U-L-T-I lanes and rockets fill the playfield, score lights from 1K to 1M run down the right side and a counter with a star shows your score at the top left.
What we measured
We played in a test browser at 720 by 1000 pixels. In each run we reloaded the game, started it, held the down arrow for 1.6 seconds and let go, and then either pressed no flipper keys or alternated left and right several times a second. We read the score about 25 seconds after the launch. We made three runs for each input.
| Input | Run 1 | Run 2 | Run 3 | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No flipper keys | 520 | 360 | 330 | 403 |
| Left and right keys alternating | 570 | 620 | 770 | 653 |
Three runs per input in one test browser, so this shows what we saw, not a rule; every ball bounces differently. We did not count how many balls were left.
What is on the screen
The start screen shows the NEBULA FLIP logo with PINBALL letters that blink, and info, full screen and sound buttons at the top. On the table we saw saucer bumpers close together, the M-U-L-T-I lanes and, near the flippers, x5, x6 and x7 multiplier lights. Small ball icons under the score show how many balls remain.
4 tips that follow from the numbers
- Work the flippers. The average score was 653 with them and 403 without.
- Hold the plunger. We held the down arrow for 1.6 seconds before letting go.
- Do not panic if the ball drifts. It scored 330 to 520 on the bumpers with no flipper keys.
- Watch the multipliers. The x5, x6 and x7 lights sit next to the flippers.
Where to try it
Try it yourself in Nebulaflip. For another game where a ball does the work, Toybreak breaks bricks with a paddle.
Frequently asked questions
How do you launch the ball in Nebulaflip?
Hold the down arrow for about a second and a half, then let go.
What do the arrow keys do?
The left and right arrow keys work the flippers.
Does using the flippers help?
In our three runs per input the score averaged 653 with the flippers and 403 without.
Does the ball score on its own?
Yes. With no flipper keys the three runs still scored 520, 360 and 330.
What are the lights on the right?
Score lights from 1K to 1M that climb as you hit more targets.
Does Nebulaflip work on a phone?
It says you can tap the left or right side of the screen for the flippers, but we tested it with the keyboard.