Home

 › 

Articles

 › 

Zen Pinball Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Zen Pinball Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Pinball Wizard

Pinball is a simple mechanical game that saw its zenith in the 70s and 80s. When video games began to find their way into homes, the popularity and, subsequently, the manufacturing of these complex machines fell dramatically. The legend of the Pinball Wizard lived on in little more than song… until today.

Zen Pinball screenshot

Virtual pinball tables have begun to find their way onto every next-gen platform out there, including the PS3. Zen Pinball from Zen Studios, creators of Pinball FX for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, has created perhaps the most engaging virtual pinball experience yet. Costing a measly $9.99 and bringing with it four diverse and excellent tables, impressive controls, outstanding visuals, a number of customizing options, and the prospect of even more content with future DLC installments, Zen Pinball does a nice job of scratching the pinball itch.

Zen Pinball brings with it four excellent tables that are nicely varied in terms of theme, ramps, bumpers, and special events. V12 is a muscle car-infused table full of shiny chrome, pistons, timing belts, exhaust tubes, nitrous tanks, checkered flags, and hot babes! El Dorado takes a page out of the Indiana Jones, Alan Quartermain, Lara Croft, and Uncharted libraries. This Mesoamerican-themed table is loaded with golden artifacts and bumpers galore. The spirit of adventure exudes from every nook and cranny. I really liked the Quetzalcoatl ramp, mystic stone idol, and the transparent, suspended platform. Over on Shaman, players are treated to another primal theme. However, the table is marked by a jungle environment, tiki huts, leopard skins, and a number of wooden ramps. Target bumpers, multiple flippers, and an awesome bongo player set the tone. Finally, Tesla moves things forward into an almost sci-fi, steampunk atmosphere. As its name suggests, Nikola Tesla is the table’s inspiration. As such, you’ll have to wind through many copper wire ramps, deal with magnetic fields, brave a giant Tesla coil, and be treated to a host of flashing lights. Other than the dynamic presentation, the initial skee-ball-like ramp (which has you carefully adjusting the power with which you launch the ball to score max points) is a great touch.

Zen Pinball screenshot

All the tables are a joy to play because they stay true to their theme and provide something interesting and new. The developers did a great job of incorporating the theme into the layout and design of the table and keeping the visuals bright, colorful, and crisp. Quality production values also hold true for sound. Each table has its own BGM track that’s, again, theme-appropriate. Also, goofy, humorous, and interesting commentary as well as sterling sound effects are let out whenever you cause special events to occur. Overall, both the visual and sonic presentation are top-notch; nicely lending themselves to an excellent pinball experience.

Graciously, this isn’t just a pretty package, the game also controls really well. Players can adjust the controller in a number of ways to make it more comfortable for their hands. However, I found the default controls to be the ideal setup (I tried switching the flipper controls from R1/L1 to R2/L2, but the spongy triggers weren’t responsive enough). Likewise, several camera angles can be adjusted on the fly during play. This allows players to get a far depth of view for anticipating the ball’s movement, and you can also zoom in to find a bunch of hidden point dumps in order to master the boards. Interestingly, the nudge functionality is mapped to the left (or right) analog stick rather than the Sixaxis gyro. While this was a surprising choice, players will so frequently have to nudge the table in order to achieve truly high scores that it would have been a Wii-like shake-fest if it were so. As it stands, quickly touching the stick is the perfect setup.

Zen Pinball screenshot

Outside of standard controls, a slow motion option was thrown in to change things up. The ability to slow the ball down is very handy for casual players looking for a cushion. I found it particularly useful for investigating the board for better point dumps and special events. Thankfully, point totals accrued while the slow motion controls are used are not tallied on the global leaderboard – you’ll have to bring you’re A-game if you want to see your name in lights. Finally, players can pause (and even save) their game at anytime. I found the pause functionality to be very practical for answering phones, speaking to my wife, going to the bathroom, etc. Best of all, upon returning, players are given a three second countdown to help them prepare for the impending ball movement.

Zen Pinball screenshot

This brings us to the various multiplayer and community opportunities Zen Studios has built into the game. As previously mentioned, online leaderboards are a big part of the game. Rather than just ranking on top at home, the ability to submit your scores online really gives this title a lot of legs. Leaderboard stats are divided up into three facets: high score, one-minute score (points accrued during the first minute of play), and score speed (average points per second). Not only can you check these scores to find out who is who and what’s what, whilst connected to the Internet, players will constantly be fed up to the minute information about online competition at menus and while loading a table via a yellow bottom ticker.

There is also a local, four-player hot-seat mode that brings the arcade home. Switching the controller amongst friends (though often hot and sweaty) is a great way to casually enjoy the game and each other’s company. Additionally, players can join up with others online. Online multiplayer changes up the conventions by allowing unlimited balls, with the first one to reach the preset point total winning. Where’s the competition in that? Lose a ball and you’ll receive a stiff penalty. Finally, online tournaments will be held sporadically to bring the community together and to raise the level of competition.

All in all, Zen Pinball is an excellent arcade title that likely has a place in everyone’s home. The excellent tables, tight controls, fun multiplayer and community options, and potential for expansion via DLC in the future make this a great title. Unfortunately, I can’t give the title a must-buy rating as it is just pinball – many untrained players will find the game somewhat dull. Moreover, diehards and nostalgic players will notice, despite the wonderful presentation and design, virtual pinball simply isn’t as compelling as the real thing – there’s something about standing in front of machine that can’t be captured on a home theater. Nevertheless, this is a well-crafted game that exudes quality. At $9.99, only the most jaded players won’t find significant value.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.6 Graphics
The design of the boards is matched only by the crisp presentation. 4.4 Control
The controls are surprisingly tight, not to mention customizable. Of course, they’re not the real thing. 4.2 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The varied musical themes and solid commentary and sound effects make this game a pleasure to listen to. 4.0 Play Value
While this may only be a pinball game, it is extremely well done with lots of flash, quality tables, and multiplayer options. 4.2 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Includes four full-featured tables: V12, Tesla, Shaman, and El Dorado.
  • Multiplayer modes include local, online, and worldwide tournament competitions.
  • Realistic Operators Menu lets you change settings and view advanced play info.
  • Fun extras such as slow motion and the ability to save a game in progress.
  • Add on a variety of downloadable tables.

  • To top