3D Pinball: Space Cadet

About 3D Pinball: Space Cadet

3D Pinball: Space Cadet is the iconic pinball game that came bundled with Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 (as part of the Plus! pack) through Windows XP. Originally developed by Cinematronics and published by Maxis, the game was based on the "Space Cadet" table from Full Tilt! Pinball (1995).

Why was Space Cadet removed from Windows?

Microsoft removed 3D Pinball from Windows Vista and later versions due to a collision detection bug that appeared when porting the code to 64-bit systems. Rather than fix the complex physics code, Microsoft chose to remove the game entirely.

In 2021, a reverse engineer known as k4zmu2a successfully decompiled the original game from the Windows XP executable, creating an open-source version that runs on modern systems. This browser version is based on that decompilation, compiled to WebAssembly using Emscripten.

Space Cadet Missions

The game features a military space theme with a rank progression system. Players advance through nine ranks by completing missions:

• Cadet - Starting rank
• Ensign - Complete basic training
• Lieutenant - Launch training missions
• Captain - Re-entry training
• Lieutenant Commander - Survival training
• Commander - Target practice
• Commodore - Advanced missions
• Admiral - Fleet training
• Fleet Admiral - Final rank

Hidden Features & Cheats

Space Cadet includes several hidden features from its Full Tilt! Pinball origins:

• Type hidden test during gameplay to enable debug mode
• Type 1max to get an extra ball
• Type bmax to enable the ball/gravity editor
• Type gmax to increase gravity
• Type rmax to increase rank

Tips for High Scores

• Focus on completing missions rather than random targets - mission completion gives the biggest point bonuses
• Light up all three fuel lights to activate the hyperspace bonus
• The skill shot on launch can give you bonus points - aim carefully!
• Avoid tilting - nudge sparingly and strategically