Pinball FX3 Reviews
Pinball FX3 is an incredible platform for pinball tables, and while a lot of the focus is still on high score chasing, the variety of modes and options makes this deeper than the typical pinball game. The future of this game will depend on how much Zen Studios supports it with new tables, but with 30 out there to start (with one free forever and two free for the first week), the diversity is there on day one. If the craft of each table matches the presentation in the platform, this should be a regular staple of any pinball-enjoying Switch owner.
Pinball FX3 leaves some things to be desired on the technical side of things, which can only be hoped to see fixed in the near future through an update since it looks and performs rougher than even its predecessor on the Wii U and, at least in terms of performance in handheld mode, worse than on the 3DS. Nevertheless, Pinball FX3 is an excellent way to experience original virtual pinball tables in this day and age, if not the go-to and indispensable way of doing so. Fans of pinball and/or Zen Studios' previous efforts in that area should then definitely give this new hub game a flip, but bear in mind the current technical limitations that are hard to fathom and which are yet to be resolved.
The actual experience of playing the game is so much better. Pinball runs smoothly on the Switch, and it's even possible to flip the console to a vertical orientation so you can play the game with a form factor that more closely approximates the shape of actual pinball tables.
Pinball FX3 is a must for pinball fans, and the Universal Classics Pinball Pack is definitely worth the price of admission. Two of the tables are great, and maybe you will have more fun with the Jaws table than I did. The visuals of all three tables in the pack are great, with superb animations, voice acting and sound effects that lure you in. Being able to import most of your Zen Pinball 2 purchases into the new platform is a great way to handle things, so kudos to Zen Studios for the support.
I'm currently working on my review for the Universal Classics Pinball Pack, so be sure to stick around at PS4Blog.net to see if its three tables are a worthy addition to the Zen Studios legacy.
A fantastic pinball game that goes beyond what is allowed in real life. The tables are inventive and varied, the gameplay is tight, and the game is a lot of fun. Totally worth a try.
This isn’t “authentic” pinball, but it isn’t trying to be. Pinball FX3 embraces that it is video game pinball and is more enjoyable as a result. And isn’t pinball about getting high scores and having a good time anyway?
All in all, Pinball FX3 maintains its crown on delivering a stellar virtual arcade experience. While there are a few missing features and tables from previous versions, this title still remains as top dog. You can easily lose many hours just on one table, especially if you are planning to take advantage of the levelling up system and the extra challenges. With promises to iron out the early niggles found in Handheld mode, this great little title can only get better as it evolves.
Considering it is a free download, and comes with a feature-complete, fully-playable table that has no time or play limit, there shouldn’t be much holding you back from checking Pinball FX3 out. With a multitude of available tables to purchase that will appeal to a wide variety of tastes, both in terms of table style and theming (including many popular licenses), you’ll then be able to add to your collection as you choose. As a lifelong pinball fan who has played through the many generations of digital pinball games from the beginning it has been a fascinating evolution to watch. Zen has really hit its stride now both in terms of the quality of its engine and the diversity of the tables it offers to own the crown for the best overall digital pinball option out there on any platform.
Zen has done a fantastic job of replicating the Pinball experience from a player's console, and providing the closest possible encounter to the real thing.
Performance and controller nit-picks aside, Pinball FX3 is a solid pinball simulator with an impressive amount of content, only let down by the inclusion of overbearing progression systems and annoying UI design.
This is the best pinball game I have ever played the mix of realistic ball physics and unrealistic but awesome table features, it really is a hell of a lot of fun. Add in the competitive features and the fact that all major systems can compete together in the tournaments and you have an amazing game.
There are several reasons to be excited about the release of Pinball FX3, from improved visuals to retooled online options and a bevy of new modes. Having long been a fan of the Zen Pinball / Pinball FX games, I am pretty excited to see that Pinball FX3 is a considerable leap forward for the series.
Pinball FX3 is the best way to play Pinball in a game featuring a wide range of well crafted and high class tables.