3D Pinball: Space Cadet
The Windows pinball game bundled with Windows 95-XP, playable in your browser.
Best on Desktop
Requires keyboard (Z, /, Space).
Or connect a Bluetooth keyboard
Controls
About 3D Pinball: Space Cadet
3D Pinball: Space Cadet came bundled with Microsoft Windows from Windows 95 (Plus! pack) through Windows XP. Developed by Cinematronics, published by Maxis. Based on the "Space Cadet" table from Full Tilt! Pinball (1995).
Military space theme with rank progression. Nine ranks from Cadet to Fleet Admiral, earned by completing missions.
Microsoft dropped it from Vista onward due to a 64-bit porting bug. In 2021, k4zmu2a decompiled the original and released an open-source version.
Tips & Strategy
- ✓ 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
- ✓ Type "hidden test" during gameplay to enable debug mode
- ✓ Type "1max" to get an extra ball (cheat)
Related Guides
How to Play Space Cadet Pinball on Windows 11
Miss the classic Windows pinball game? Here's how to get Space Cadet Pinball running on Windows 11 - including browser play, native installation, and more.
How to Install Visual Pinball X - Complete Beginner Guide
Visual Pinball X is free software that lets you play thousands of recreated pinball tables. This guide walks through setup from scratch.