Pinball FX2 (VR) Reviews
Now I genuinely do not feel the need to own a physical pinball table, which was something I had been contemplating before. That’s how good this is.
Playing pinball in VR almost feels real. It’s such a simple way to show off the capabilities of VR, and while everyone will have their own table preferences – not all are that amazing, to be fair – there’s such an immersive quality to Pinball FX2 VR.
With only three pinball machines available in the base game, you’ll want to purchase additional tables on the PlayStation Store. The Season One expansion adds CastleStorm, Wild West Rampage, Paranormal, BioLab, and Earth Defense. Like the original three, none of these tables are new. Each of these tables provides a satisfying challenge. Wild West, for example, has a wide open middle section to the pinball cabinet, harking back to the days of open country and towns tucked away in the middle of nowhere. BioLab, on the other hand, is full of twisting tubes, and pathways for you to use to your advantage, covering most of the play area with various types of bumpers.
Pinball FX 2 VR is a perfect example of how virtual reality can take an already excellent experience and make it even more fun. I have been a huge fan of the different Zen Studios pinball games in the past, having played them on a variety of differing platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Vita... you get the idea. Essentially, the tables are pretty much the same regardless of platform. Here on the Oculus however, we have something different and even more engaging.
Pinball FX2 VR has completely morphed my perception of what VR is capable of as a platform. It helps that the folks over at Zen Studios went above and beyond to make the experience trans formative. As both a gamer and a pinball fanatic, I cannot recommend this release highly enough. The scary part is that it can only get better from here. I will see you on the leaderboards.
I was surprised at just how much I enjoyed the additional immersion of Pinball FX2 VR. It’s completely nausea free, and it looks fantastic to boot. While the neck angle required to work the table is a little uncomfortable, Pinball FX2 VR is a great new way to experience the amazing work of Zen Studios and their pinball tables.
While PlayStation VR owners should already be used to the premium entry fee many titles charge, your initial reaction to the cost of Pinball FX2 VR is unlikely to be positive – especially if you've already invested in the same tables for Zen Pinball 2. Despite all this, though, if you've ever found enjoyment at the apron of a virtual pinball machine this really is the definitive experience, and while the occasionally distracting presentation – a hallmark of Zen Studios – has been heightened in VR, you'll still find yourself flipping out over the just how easily you'll lose yourself chasing that elusive high score.
Pinball is fun no matter which way you play it.
It took a few rounds, but I almost felt like a kid again in the arcade.
Pinball FX2 VR tries to make the player's experience more fun using the virtual reality: playing Pinball has never been so immersive.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Zen Studios are masters of what they do, and if you enjoy digital pinball then Pinball FX2 in VR is revelatory. One of the best VR experiences available, this the closest you’ll get to playing pinball without standing in front of a real table.
Marvel’s Women of Power brings two fun new beginner-friendly tables to Zen Pinball 2 and Pinball FX2. Focusing on the female-side of the Marvel Universe makes a nice change although the lack of meaningful interactions with the A-Force and Champions characters seems like wasted potential.
Overall, Pinball FX2 VR does exactly what is advertised, and it does so adequately.