Jump to content

Pinball FX (2023 video game)

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pinball FX
Developer(s)Zen Studios
Publisher(s)Zen Studios
SeriesPinball FX
EngineUnreal 4
Platform(s)Steam, PS4, PS5, XBox One, XBox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, Epic Games
ReleaseFebruary 16, 2023
Genre(s)Pinball
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Pinball FX is the newest installment in the long-running pinball game series from Zen Studios, succeeding the original Pinball FX (2007), Pinball FX2 (2010), and Pinball FX3 (2017).

Pinball FX features a growing collection of tables that includes recreations of classic Williams/Bally tables from the 1980s and 1990s, original designs with licenses from Marvel, Star Wars, Universal, other popular sources, and entirely unique unlicensed creations. Many tables from previous titles have been remastered and included.

Development

[edit]

The new Pinball FX platform was released on the Epic Games Store in early access on March 31, 2022..[1][2] Development continued for the next year until its full release on February 16, 2023, on Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5, and the Epic Games Store[3]. The platform was released later on Steam on April 13, 2023[4], and on the Nintendo Switch on July 6, 2023[5], albeit with a limited roster. The Nintendo Switch version also has a hybrid of physics simulations and separate leaderboards.

Zen Studios' earlier pinball games were coded using their in-house PinFX engine. With Pinball FX, development was moved to Unreal Engine 4. The game features support for HDR, ray tracing, and upscaling, delivering enhanced visual fidelity compared to prior games. On all versions of Pinball FX, players can enable portrait mode, allowing the game to be displayed vertically rotated for a more authentic pinball machine experience.

The game includes a cabinet mode designed for players with custom-built physical pinball cabinets featuring two or three video screens. On desktop PCs, this mode also allows users to display a custom backglass image on a second monitor.

Individual tables typically require about nine months to develop following the initial licensing agreements, which can take several years to finalise. For recreations of Williams/Bally tables, the originals are often sourced from the Budapest pinball museum. As a result, a percentage of sales from the Charity Pack is donated to the museum, with the remainder supporting Project Pinball[6].

Marketing

[edit]

During development and early access, The Pinball Show was hosted monthly on YouTube by Bobby Marsh and Rose Camara, beginning in January 2021[7]. The show often featured questions and answers with COO Mel Kirk and a "Let’s Ask Akos" segment with Marketing Manager Akos Györkei. Future table hints were often embedded in background details, and the final episode featured a preview of The Addams Family table.

After the release of Pinball FX, The Pinball Show was transitioned to Pinball Bites, a series of shorter announcement videos, hosted by Akos and Linne (Zen’s Community Manager). Following Akos’s departure in 2024, Linne, now Marketing Manager, was joined by co-host and Community Manager Balti[8]. Linne also regularly streams new tables on the official Twitch channel[9].

Mel Kirk has also given annual interviews on the BlahCade pinball podcast[10], providing recaps of the year and insights into Zen Studios' plans for Pinball FX and related projects going forward.

Purchasing

[edit]

The base game is free and includes three fully playable tables, with time-limited trials for sampling others. Additional tables are sold individually, in packs, or in larger bundles/collections as DLC. On Steam, a legacy bundle system offers discounts for players who purchased tables in Pinball FX3 on Steam and are repurchasing the same titles in Pinball FX. Pinball FX3 remains available for purchase on all platforms except the Epic Games Store.

As of December 2024, Zen began offering remastered tables on Nintendo Switch at no cost to players who previously owned the FX3 versions. Similar approaches may be considered on other platforms, subject to platform holder approval.

During early access, tables were purchased using a ticket system involving in-game currency[11], which was intended to allow for cross-platform access. However, due to platform limitations and fan feedback[12], this was abandoned before full release in favour of platform-specific DLC, with free table transfers offered to early access buyers. A subscription model, Pinball Pass, allowed access to many tables for a monthly or yearly fee[12] but was discontinued in 2024 due to limited popularity and lack of cross-platform functionality.

Gameplay

[edit]

In addition to standard 3-ball games, 1-ball and time challenges return from Pinball FX3, with flips and distance challenges new to Pinball FX.

The Nintendo Switch version has its own leaderboards, but leaderboards on all other platforms are unified, a change from Pinball FX3.

All tables feature "realistic" physics, while tables released after December 7, 2023, also include a more forgiving "normal" physics option.

Like in Pinball FX3, Williams/Bally tables can be played in two visual modes: a classic mode that replicates the realistic appearance of the original pinball machines and an enhanced mode that adds animated elements and effects. Players can toggle between these modes during gameplay.

Tournaments

[edit]

Zen tournaments, called Events, award season points that unlock collectibles. Each season lasts three months.

Player-created tournaments are listed under the Tournaments section and can be filtered using various criteria. An assigned 4-character alphanumeric code can also be shared and typed in for direct access to a specific tournament. Some third-party tournaments are regularly announced on the official Discord server and subreddit.

Pinhall

[edit]

The pinhall is a customizable space where collectibles can be displayed. Items include small objects for shelves, large statues, carpets, posters, and trophies earned in Grand Tournament events. These collectibles can be obtained from playing the tables, or from questlines - each a series of 10 challenges across 3 tables.

The pinhall is also used as the environment to show tables before they are played, showing off the cabinet art.

Table List

[edit]

As of December 2024, Pinball FX features 130 tables on Steam and 132 on PlayStation, Xbox, and Epic Games Store. The discrepancy arises because System Shock and Camp Bloodbrook are currently exclusive to Pinball M on Steam. The Nintendo Switch has a smaller library, as some older tables have not been ported to the platform; however, all tables not carried forward from FX3 have been released on it.

Note: EAL indicates table was released at launch of early access, and EA indicated it was launched within early access

Table License/Category Pack Pinball FX release date Table first released in
Fish Tales Williams free table April 13, 2023 Pinball FX3
Medieval Madness Williams Volume 1EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
The Getaway: High Speed II Williams Volume 1EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Junk Yard Williams Volume 1EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Attack from Mars Williams Volume 2EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
The Party Zone Williams Volume 2EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Black Rose Williams Volume 2EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Theatre of Magic Williams Volume 3EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
The Champion Pub Williams Volume 3EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Safe Cracker Williams Volume 3EAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
White Water Williams Volume 4EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX3
Red and Ted's Road Show Williams Volume 4EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX3
Hurricane Williams Volume 4EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX3
Tales of the Arabian Nights Williams Volume 5EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX3
Cirqus Voltaire Williams Volume 5EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX3
No Good Gofers Williams Volume 5EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX3
Funhouse Williams Volume 6EA June 30, 2022 Pinball FX3
Space Station Williams Volume 6EA June 30, 2022 Pinball FX3
Dr. Dude and His Excellent Ray Williams Volume 6EA June 30, 2022 Pinball FX3
Swords of Fury Williams Volume 7EA May 26, 2022 Pinball FX
The Machine: Bride of Pin-Bot Williams Volume 7EA June 30, 2022 Pinball FX
Whirlwind Williams Volume 7 June 8, 2023 Pinball FX
Black Knight 2000 Williams Volume 8 December 12, 2024 Pinball FX
Banzai Run Williams Volume 8 December 12, 2024 Pinball FX
Earthshaker Williams Volume 8 December 12, 2024 Pinball FX
Monster Bash Williams Universal MonstersEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Creature from the Black Lagoon Williams Universal MonstersEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure Williams single tableEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX/FX3
World Cup Soccer Williams single tableEA October 20, 2022 Pinball FX
The Addams Family Williams single table February 16, 2023 Pinball FX
Twilight Zone Williams single table April 13, 2023 Pinball FX
Star Trek: The Next Generation Williams single table August 24, 2023 Pinball FX
Sorcerer's Lair Zen Originals free table April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Wild West Rampage Zen Originals free tableEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Castlestorm Zen Originals single tableEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Adventure Land Zen Originals Carnivals & LegendsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Son of Zeus Zen Originals Carnivals & LegendsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Rome Zen Originals Core CollectionEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Biolab Zen Originals Core CollectionEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Pasha Zen Originals Core CollectionEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Secrets of the Deep Zen Originals Core CollectionEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Epic Quest Zen Originals Charity Pack December 7, 2023 Pinball FX2
Excalibur Zen Originals Charity Pack December 7, 2023 Pinball FX1
Curse of the Mummy Zen Originals Secrets & ShadowsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX
Pinball Noir Zen Originals Secrets & ShadowsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX
Sky Pirates Zen Originals Secrets & ShadowsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX
Grimm Tales Zen Originals single tableEA July 21, 2022 Pinball FX
Wrath of the Elder Gods Zen Originals single tableEA November 17, 2022 Pinball FX
A Samurai’s Vengeance Zen Originals Honor and Legacy June 8, 2023 Pinball FX
Verne’s Mysterious Island Zen Originals Honor and Legacy June 8, 2023 Pinball FX
Super League Football Zen Originals single table May 16, 2024 Pinball FX2
Camp Bloodbrook Zen Originals single table October 24, 2024 Pinball M/FX
Star Wars™: Episode IV: A New Hope Star Wars Heroes WithinEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Han Solo Star Wars Heroes WithinEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Droids Star Wars Heroes WithinEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™ Pinball: Masters of the Force Star Wars Heroes WithinEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back Star Wars Star Wars PinballEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™: The Clone Wars Star Wars Star Wars PinballEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Boba Fett Star Wars Star Wars PinballEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi Star Wars Balance of the ForceEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™: Starfighter Assault Star Wars Balance of the ForceEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Darth Vader Star Wars Balance of the ForceEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™ Pinball: The Force Awakens Star Wars The Force AwakensEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™ Pinball: Might of the First Order Star Wars The Force AwakensEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One Star Wars Unsung HeroesEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™ Pinball: Star Wars Rebels Star Wars Unsung HeroesEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX2
Star Wars™ Pinball: The Last Jedi Star Wars The Last JediEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX3
Star Wars™ Pinball: Ahch-To Island Star Wars The Last JediEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX3
Star Wars™ Pinball: Solo Star Wars SoloEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX3
Star Wars™ Pinball: Calrissian Chronicles Star Wars SoloEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX3
Star Wars™ Pinball: Battle of Mimban Star Wars SoloEA September 22, 2022 Pinball FX3
The Mandalorian Star Wars Thrill of the HuntEAL March 31, 2022 Star Wars Pinball VR
Classic Collectibles Star Wars Thrill of the HuntEAL March 31, 2022 Star Wars Pinball VR
Spider-Man Marvel Marvel Pinball Original February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Wolverine Marvel Marvel Pinball Original February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Iron Man Marvel Marvel Pinball Original February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Blade Marvel Marvel Pinball Original February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Captain America Marvel Marvel Legends February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Doctor Strange Marvel Marvel Legends February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Fantastic Four Marvel Marvel Legends February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Ghost Rider Marvel Vengeance and Virtue February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Moon Knight Marvel Vengeance and Virtue February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Thor Marvel Vengeance and Virtue February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
X-Men Marvel Vengeance and Virtue February 16, 2023 Pinball FX2
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Cinematic April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron Marvel Cinematic April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Ant-Man Marvel Cinematic April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Civil War Marvel Heavy Hitters April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Venom Marvel Heavy Hitters April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Deadpool Marvel Heavy Hitters April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Marvel’s The Avengers Marvel Avengers Chronicles April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Fear Itself Marvel Avengers Chronicles April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
The Infinity Gauntlet Marvel Avengers Chronicles April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
World War Hulk Marvel Avengers Chronicles April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Marvel’s Women of Power: A-Force Marvel Women of Power April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Marvel’s Women of Power: Champions Marvel Women of Power April 13, 2023 Pinball FX2
Jurassic Park Universal Jurassic WorldEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Jurassic Park Pinball Mayhem Universal Jurassic WorldEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Jurassic World Universal Jurassic WorldEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Back to the Future Universal Universal ClassicsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
Jaws Universal Universal ClassicsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
E.T. Universal Universal ClassicsEAL March 31, 2022 Pinball FX3
World War Z Paramount single tableEA April 21, 2022 Pinball FX
Garfield Nickelodeon single table February 16, 2023 Zen Pinball Party
My Little Pony Hasbro single tableEA September 22, 2022 Zen Pinball Party
Trolls DreamWorks DreamWorksEA December 15, 2022 Zen Pinball Party
Kung Fu Panda DreamWorks DreamWorksEA December 15, 2022 Zen Pinball Party
How to Train Your Dragon DreamWorks DreamWorksEA December 15, 2022 Zen Pinball Party
Homeworld: Journey to Hiigara Gearbox Gearbox or single table EA August 25, 2022 Pinball FX
Borderlands: Vault Hunter Pinball Gearbox Gearbox or single table February 16, 2023 Pinball FX
Brothers in Arms: Win the War Gearbox Gearbox or single table February 16, 2023 Pinball FX
Peanuts Snoopy Peanuts single tableEA December 15, 2022 Pinball FX
A Charlie Brown Christmas Peanuts single table December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
Crypt of the Necrodancer Brace Yourself Games single table April 13, 2023 Pinball FX
Godzilla Legendary Godzilla vs. Kong April 13, 2023 Pinball FX
Kong Legendary Godzilla vs. Kong April 13, 2023 Pinball FX
Godzilla vs. Kong Legendary Godzilla vs. Kong April 13, 2023 Pinball FX
Super Sweet Pinball South Park South Park October 12, 2023 Pinball FX2
Butters Very Own Pinball Game South Park South Park October 12, 2023 Pinball FX2
Star Trek™ Pinball: Kelvin Timeline Star Trek Star Trek Pinball December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
Star Trek™ Pinball: Discovery Star Trek Star Trek Pinball December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
Star Trek™ Pinball: Deep Space Nine Star Trek Star Trek Pinball December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
Terraforming Mars Game Night Pinball Game Night Pinball volume 1 December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
Gloomhaven Game Night Pinball Game Night Pinball volume 1 December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
Exploding Kittens Game Night Pinball Game Night Pinball volume 1 December 7, 2023 Pinball FX
System Shock Wild Cards single table February 15, 2024 Pinball M/FX
Pacific Rim Legendary single table May 16, 2024 Pinball FX
Knight Rider Universal Universal Pinball: TV Classics May 16, 2024 Pinball FX
Battlestar Galactica Universal Universal Pinball: TV Classics May 16, 2024 Pinball FX
Xena: Warrior Princess Universal Universal Pinball: TV Classics May 16, 2024 Pinball FX
Goat Simulator Wild Cards single table August 29, 2024 Pinball FX
The Princess Bride Wild Cards single table August 29, 2024 Pinball FX

"Pack" refers to the table pack on Steam; some remastered tables are included in larger collections on other platforms. Zen Originals are tables created by Zen Studios without third-party IP. Williams tables are digital recreations of physical tables by Williams/Bally, some of which include additional third-party licenses. Wild Cards are standalone tables based on individual IPs, grouped into a general category.

Reception

[edit]

Early feedback during the Pinball FX early access period was mixed, with criticism focusing on performance issues and certain design choices[13] However, subsequent updates addressed many of these concerns. Notably, a patch on May 5, 2022, improved performance and upgraded lighting, while the addition of numerous remastered and new tables throughout 2022 and into 2023 - including the highly regarded The Addams Family helped bolster its appeal.

By the time of its full release on February 16, 2023, the removal of the unpopular ticket system further improved public perception.

Critical reception following the full release was more favorable. Gaming Nexus awarded the game an 8/10, praising its extensive table library and gameplay improvements.[14] Meanwhile, Game Critics gave it a more reserved score of 6.5/10, reflecting ongoing debates about pricing models and content value[15] , and Push Square took issue with the high price of the (later removed) pinball pass[16] while appreciating the improvement in remastered tables leading to a score of 6/10. Other reviews included softpedia[17] and PS Universe[18] who both gave the game 8.5/10, and Gaming Age[19] who gave it a "grade A". Overall the game has a Metacritic score of 74%[20], and 69% average rating on Open Critic[21]. A YouTube video titled "Pinball FX | Is It Way Too Expensive OR The Best Value in Gaming?" highlighted the pricing debate but ultimately concluded that the game offers excellent value, particularly during sales.[22]

On Steam, initial user reviews were mixed but have steadily improved over time as new tables and features have been added. The game's evolving reception underscores its ability to address community feedback effectively.[23]

For in-depth analysis of individual tables, The Pinball Chick provides detailed reviews and ratings from her pinball-playing family, offering valuable insights for enthusiasts.[24]

[edit]

Pinball M is Zen's pinball platform for tables not suitable for the PEGI 12 (T for Teen) rating of Pinball FX. A few Pinball M tables have had the gore reduced for a less bloody version and released in Pinball FX too (with cross-buy between the 2 platforms on consoles and Epic).

Zen Pinball World (released December 12, 2024)[25] is the new mobile platform featuring many tables released in Pinball FX. Additional releases for mobile include Zen Pinball Party (released September 3, 2021)[26] on Apple Arcade and Pinball Masters as a part of Netflix games.

ATGames has partnered with Zen Studios to release many Pinball FX tables on the range of Legends 4K pinball machines.[27] These are full-sized physical pinball machines with a playfield monitor, backglass monitor, and DMD. The ATGames platform also includes recreations of Gottlieb games as featured in The Pinball Arcade, tables from Magic Pixel's Zaccaria Pinball, and ATGames original tables made by Magic Pixel.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Pinball FX comes March to PC Early Access". Home of the Best Pinball Games. 2021-10-19. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  2. ^ Zen Studios (2022-03-29). The Pinball Show - Season 2 Episode 2 - Pinball FX Release Date, Features and Pricing. Retrieved 2024-12-21 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ "Pinball FX Arrives February 16 on PlayStation, Xbox and leaves Early Access on Epic Games Store". Home of the Best Pinball Games. 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  4. ^ "Pinball FX is now available on Steam!". Home of the Best Pinball Games. 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  5. ^ "Pinball FX is now available on Nintendo Switch!". Home of the Best Pinball Games. 2023-07-06. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  6. ^ Zen Studios (2023-11-23). Pinball Bites - The most packed episode ever!. Retrieved 2025-01-02 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ Zen Studios (2021-01-27). The Pinball Show - Pinball FX reveal, Pinball Royale, The Mandalorian. Retrieved 2024-12-21 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ Zen Studios (2024-09-20). Pinball Bites - New Williams and Pinball M Tables are Revealed!. Retrieved 2024-12-21 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "Twitch". Twitch. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  10. ^ "BlahCade Interviews". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  11. ^ Good, Owen S. (2022-04-01). "Pinball FX makers answer blowback to new DLC scheme". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  12. ^ a b "Pinball FX fans criticise plans for $150 of microtransactions and $15 monthly sub". VGC. 2022-03-30. Retrieved 2025-01-02.
  13. ^ "Pinball FX Players Criticize The Game's Expensive Microtransactions And New Pricing Model". GameSpot. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  14. ^ "Pinball FX (2023)". Gaming Nexus. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  15. ^ "Pinball FX (2023) Review". Game Critics. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  16. ^ Square, Push (2023-03-03). "Review: Pinball FX (PS5) - Messy Monetisation Overshadows Enormous Pinball Package". Push Square. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  17. ^ Dumitrescu, Andrei (2023-02-21). "Pinball FX Review (PC)". softpedia. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  18. ^ "Pinball FX (PS4) Review - The Tables Have Turned". PlayStation Universe. 2023-03-03. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  19. ^ Chadwell, Dustin (2023-03-09). "Pinball FX review for Xbox Series X, PS5, PC". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  20. ^ "Pinball FX Reviews". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  21. ^ "Pinball FX Reviews". OpenCritic. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
  22. ^ The Many Talented Mr. Jefferson (2024-02-14). Pinball FX | Is It Way Too Expensive OR The Best Value in Gaming?. Retrieved 2024-12-22 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ "Pinball FX on Steam". Steam. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  24. ^ "The Pinball Chick". The Pinball Chick. 2024-10-23. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  25. ^ "Step into the future of mobile pinball with Zen Pinball World!". Home of the Best Pinball Games. 2024-12-05. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  26. ^ "Play brand new tables on Apple Arcade - Zen Pinball Party Out Now!". Home of the Best Pinball Games. 2021-09-03. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  27. ^ "Zen Studios & AtGames – The ultimate pinball experience". Zen Studios. September 15, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=Pinball_FX_(2023_video_game)&oldid=1267271409"