'Enter launches the ball and Ctrl and Shift works the flippers. Simple as that.'

Pinball is based on the 18th century game bagatelle. The first pinball game was patented in 1871, and it’s got louder and faster ever since then. Try your hand at ten online games of pinball.

Small but important print: All games are free downloads or free to view online, and need the minimum of equipment. Some games require your browser to have a 'plug in' for Shockwave, Flash or Java.

To play a game, simply click on its name. If you are a parent, we advise you to try the game and the site it's on first before letting your kids play them, to make sure you're happy.When downloading games from the Internet, don't forget to keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date.

• Plain Pinball

Let’s start with something easy. Enter launches the ball and Ctrl and Shift works the flippers. Simple as that.

• Mr Men Pinball

Play Mr Men pinball with Mr Bump, Mr Tickle and friends. Use the down arrow to launch the ball, and then the left and right arrows to work the flippers. Tickling gets you triple points!

• Cereal Factory Pinball

This is one for up to four people – press 1, 2, 3 or 4, or click ‘new game’ one to four times. Holding down the space bar and then letting go launches the ball, and Ctrl and Shift work the left and right flippers. Hit all the letter targets to get an extra ball. The space bar will nudge the table, but hitting it too often will tilt it and you will lose your ball.

• Garmin Pinball Britain

This pinball game takes you around Britain – hitting the highway activates the missions. Keep an eye out for ice creams for hidden bonuses and type British destinations into the Garmin device to unlock some extra features. The down arrow launches and the left and right work the flippers. The space bar nudges the table. Oh… and ignore the adverts!

• Pinball Blizzard

The sun is shining outside, but in Pinball Blizzard world, it’s still snowing. Arrow down to launch, use the left and right arrows to work the flippers, and a and h nudge the table left and right. The p key pauses.

• Tiki Quest Pinball

Hitting flashing targets gets you extra points and extra time, and might even open up the Great Volcano. The down arrow launches and the left and right work the flippers. The space bar nudges the table.

• Short Circuit Pinball

Play pinball round a circuit board. It’s straightforward – enter to launch, and use the left and right arrows to work the flippers. Use s to restart.

• 4 Level Pinball

Clear 4 levels to get to the end by hitting targets. The down arrow launches and the left and right work the flippers. Annoying music but somewhat addictive!

• Hansen's Eyeball Pinball

I know it’s a bit late for the World Cup, but use Hansen’s eyebrows as flippers (control using q and p) and kick off using the space bar. See if you can score a few goals!

• Tim Ball Pinball

It’s also a bit late for Wimbledon, but try this tennis-themed pinball game. The space bar launches the ball, and the left and right arrows control the racquets. The sound effects are fun.

Suzanne Elvidge is a freelance writer and Surefish Ethical Living Editor

Links

• Other games
• surefish.co.uk culture section index