Pinball FX3: Universal Table Pack Breakdown
From the silver screen to video pinball
Written by A.J. Maciejewski for Features on
Zen Studios sure have been busy recently with the release of their latest Pinball game. Pinball FX3 allows you to port all of your previous tables but it also has 3 brand new ones based on classic Universal films so grab some popcorn and let's go to the movies.
Back to the Future
Marty McFly and Doc Brown may have already had an actual pinball table modeled after their crazy adventure but now they have one crafted specifically for the virtual realm. I must say right off the bat; this is my favourite table here. It looks stunning and has loads of features and modes that make playing it constantly feel exciting. I especially enjoy the multifaceted approach to multiball as you can either lock three balls into the Flux Capacitor or shoot balls at a skateboard. Usually events involving a skateboard and balls don't end well but this is clearly an exception. Anyway, one thing I found annoying about this table is the voice acting. They don't sound anything like the characters from the movie and repeat themselves way too often. That being said, it's still a great table.
For more Back to the Future, check out Mary's Lego Dimensions: Back to the Future Level Pack Review.
Jaws
Next up, we have a pinball version of Steven Spielberg's thriller Jaws. This table disappointed me a bit due to it being far more lifeless than the impressive Back to the Future one. Basically, the only personality comes in the form of Quint who I could only understand about half of his lines as the voice actor seems to mumble everything. The table itself is kind of frustrating because you can lose your ball quite easily via lanes on the side that the ball tends to head straight towards rather often. On the plus side, trying to hit the shark with the ball from time to time for extra points is pretty fun. There's also a good vs. evil dynamic in that you can choose to side with the Great White or Quint. The question is; who wouldn't want to knock over that grumbling fisherman when he's standing on the wonky dock?
E.T.
E.T. and video games haven't always been the best combination. Thankfully, this pinball table based on the film is fantastic. First of all, I love the fact that the missions follow the plot of the movie. For example, you have to first collect the letters of the word "phone" as well as parts for a communication device in order to phone home and enter wizard mode. Another noteworthy aspect is a little mini-game where you have to move carefully around a cornfield by tilting a rectangular compartment within the table. Also, the egg-shaped UFO is pretty cool-looking when it activates and it allows you to select missions by shooting a ball to the hole underneath it.
There you have it; a brand new game from the masters of virtual pinball as well as 3 fresh and exciting tables based on Universal Classics. Have you played these tables yet? What do you think of them and the new hub? Let's chat in the comments below!
Comments for Pinball FX3: Universal Classics Table Pack Breakdown