Game Info
Zen Pinball 3D
3DS Download | Zen Studios | 1-4 Players (local multiplayer) | Out Now | $6.99 /
£4.50
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Review
12th January 2012; By Patrick
In this version of the game, there are four tables on which to play: Excalibur, Eldorado, Shaman, and Earth Defense! All four are as varied as physical pinball tables, with each containing the expected amount of different traps to catch you off guard and make you lose a ball. Tables also contain unique tricks and techniques with events such as Jousting Challenges maximizing your point gaining.
Each of the four tables are vastly different from each other, so I am very grateful that Zen Studios included an optional Table Guide that can be viewed from the Pause Menu to detail various traps in the table, as well as how to best earn points. Of course, with pinball, you can only vaguely control the ball with the flippers, meaning that to target some of the biggest point bonuses, you cannot do too much more than hope.
Some tables will come more naturally to some than others, and that will be reflected in the scores. For instance, I have no problem racking up at least 10 million points on the Excalibur table, while in Shaman I am lucky if I can manage 5 million. The game features several types of leaderboards for comparing your scores as well. You can look at local scores (marked by a three character set of initials), or compare your scores online. You can search worldwide, by country, or simply by friends in your roster. The scores actually show up in-game on the bottom screen, telling you that you only need "XYZ" amount of points until you beat "ABC"'s high score. This is very compelling and creates a definite "one more time" feel.
Not only is the table design top-notch, but the title excels in all graphical areas. The lighting effects are wonderful, illuminating the entire board perfectly on every table. There is a camera system in place, whereby the X button allows you to look around the table. Most impressively of all, however, is the game's use of anti-aliasing. The game manages to pull off this enhanced graphical technique in both 2D and 3D while retaining a smooth framerate throughout both modes.
The biggest complaint with this game is that for $7, you are only receiving four tables. If your biggest complaint is that there's not enough, however, then the content present must be highly enjoyable. There is plenty of replay value to the title, with extra challenges unique to each table in addition to high-score seeking. Developer Zen Studios has also announced plans for extra tables as DLC later on. Other versions of Zen Pinball have a full ten tables, so there is certainly much to look forward to.
Zen Pinball 3D is a fantastic package. For the low price of $7, you are receiving four fantastically-crafted, unique pinball tables, a beautiful-looking and beautiful-sounding game, and hours upon hours of fun. Plus, the prospect of extra tables is something that will remedy the small selection of tables and extend the game's life. Download it now. You won't regret it!
28/30 - Excellent
Gameplay 10/10 - Pinball gameplay translated fantastically, tables have very distinct themes that help engage, optional guide to learn the tricks
Presentation 10/10 - Fantastic soundtrack, great sound effects, anti-aliasing, 2D and 3D superb with solid framerates, lighting great
Enjoyment 5/5 - Great for pinball fans or novices, high scores give "one more try" feeling, four boards unique from each other and feel new each time
Extra Content 3/5 - Challenges and high scores extend longevity, only four tables, extra DLC planned for the future
Equivalent to a score of 93% (percentage score is approximate and based solely on the previously stated rating) - Our Rating System
