Zen Pinball
Encyclopedia
Zen Pinball is a series of pinball machine video games for iOS
and the PlayStation 3
developed by Zen Studios
. The iOS releases are two separate applications, each containing one table; Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster, released July 7, 2008, and Zen Pinball: Inferno, released October 31, 2010. Zen Pinball for the PlayStation 3 was published by Sony Computer Entertainment
and features four tables, plus an additional six tables as downloadable content. It was released on the PlayStation Network on May 14, 2009. It is the PlayStation 3 counterpart to the Pinball FX
series on the Xbox 360
, and the first pinball game on the PlayStation 3. The game is coming to Android devices as Zen Pinball THD and the Nintendo 3DS Zen Pinball 3D via the Nintendo eShop
in fall 2011.
The game was well received by critics with an average score of 80.12% at GameRankings and 80/100 at Metacritic. It was the top selling PlayStation Network title in May 2009, was a top 10 seller in June 2009, and was the top selling title again in September 2010. Critics were impressed by the physics in the game, and also gave high marks in regards to the game's visuals. Some reviewers felt that four tables was too little for the game. Six additional tables were later released for Zen Pinball via downloadable content
.
machine, albeit in a virtual environment. As with a traditional pinball machine, the player fires a steel ball onto the playfield using a plunger. Once the ball is in play the player controls the flippers and can nudge the machine to influence the path of the ball. Each of the game's tables become more complex as the game advances, opening new paths and opportunities.
In addition to traditional attempts to reach a high score, the game has specific missions tasked to the player. Both local and online multiplayer are supported, along with leaderboards
and tournament competitions. Players will be able to activate a slow motion feature and can save game progress mid-game.
, bringing the total to ten. The first table, Street Fighter II Tribute, was released August 20, 2009, and features characters and sounds from the Street Fighter
franchise. The Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Tribute table was released on January 14, 2010, and features a setting based on Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
. The third table, Earth Defense, was released on March 25, 2010 and features a 1950s sci-fi theme. Excalibur, the fourth table, features a medieval theme focused around King Arthur
and his Knights of the Round Table. It was released on April 15, 2010. The fifth table, Mars, was released on July 21, 2010 in Europe and July 27, 2010 in the US. The sixth table, Paranormal was released October 19, 2010. The seventh table, Sorcerer's Lair, was released in April, 2011.
Downloadable content
platform. Each game contains one table related to its title. Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster was released on July 7, 2008, while Zen Pinball: Inferno was released on October 31, 2008. The PlayStation 3
version, known simply as Zen Pinball was announced on April 15, 2009. It was released one month later on May 14, 2009. It is the first pinball game on the PlayStation 3. The release is also available as a demo version with features the El Dorado table. Between August 4, 2010 and September 1, 2010, Zen Pinball was released as a free download to PlayStation Plus subscribers. The game was announced for Android devices, marketed as Zen Pinball THD and the Nintendo 3DS as Zen Pinball 3D via the Nintendo eShop
for release in fall 2011.
. It was the top selling PlayStation Network title in May 2009, as well as September 2010. It was also a top 10 seller for the month of June 2009. In a preview of the game, Kotaku
's Michael McWhertor noted that the game's predecessors may have had impact on the game. "Thanks to Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
, Zen Pinball looks very purchasable" he stated.
Critics generally gave high remarks to the game's physics system. Brett Todd of GameSpot
called the physics "superb" and "first-rate" and added "the ball rolls, spins, and bounces like it has real weight." Destructoid
's Brad Nicholson praised the game's "lifelike pinball physics and [...] multiplayer options." Daemon Hatfield of IGN
stated that although no virtual table could perfectly replicate gameplay on a real table, he stated that "Zen Pinball makes up for that with new features that you don't get with the real thing."
The graphics were also praised by reviewers. GameZone
's reviewer called the visuals "beautiful" and stated "the pinball machines are very sharp and crisp, and are the absolute closest you can get to playing pinball without actually being at a pinball machine." IGN's Daemon Hatfield agreed. He felt that the individual tables were well detailed and added praise for the dynamic camera angles show during gameplay. Brad Nicholson of Destructoid also gave high marks for table design and visuals. He stated Zen Pinball is "a sweet little title that captures the recognizable Pinball look."
The pinball tables in Zen Pinball received mixed commentary from critics. Some reviewers felt that four tables was too little to be shipped in the game. GamePro
s Sean Ely stated "just four tables might seem bare at first" but added that he had "much hope for some DLC in the near future." Destructoid's Brad Nicholson also agreed, stating "With only four tables, all of which can be accessed from the very beginning, Zen Pinball feels a little light on variety." Six additional tables were later released as downloadable content. Nicholson, however, went on to praise solid table design and functionality. Daemon Hatfield of IGN echoed these comments and said the game's tables "are all fun to play, look great, and are hiding all sorts of secrets you'll need to discover if you're going to rack up a high score."
IOS
iOS is an operating system for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.IOS may also refer to:-Companies and organisations:* Illinois Ornithological Society, American state-based bird club...
and the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
developed by Zen Studios
Zen Studios
Zen Studios is a software development company based in Budapest, Hungary. Primarily known for its pinball machine video games, the company worked with several franchises, including Marvel Comics, Ghostbusters, and Rocky and Bullwinkle.As of June 2011 Zen Studios is continuing to release...
. The iOS releases are two separate applications, each containing one table; Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster, released July 7, 2008, and Zen Pinball: Inferno, released October 31, 2010. Zen Pinball for the PlayStation 3 was published by Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
and features four tables, plus an additional six tables as downloadable content. It was released on the PlayStation Network on May 14, 2009. It is the PlayStation 3 counterpart to the Pinball FX
Pinball FX
Pinball FX is a pinball machine video game for the Xbox 360. It was developed by Zen Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released on April 25, 2007 via the Xbox Live Arcade service. The game features three tables, with six more available as downloadable content, leaderboards...
series on the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, and the first pinball game on the PlayStation 3. The game is coming to Android devices as Zen Pinball THD and the Nintendo 3DS Zen Pinball 3D via the Nintendo eShop
Nintendo eShop
The Nintendo eShop is an online service for the Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system. Launched on June 6, 2011 in North America and June 7, 2011 in Europe and Japan, the eShop was enabled by the release of a system update that added the functionality to the 3DS' Home Menu...
in fall 2011.
The game was well received by critics with an average score of 80.12% at GameRankings and 80/100 at Metacritic. It was the top selling PlayStation Network title in May 2009, was a top 10 seller in June 2009, and was the top selling title again in September 2010. Critics were impressed by the physics in the game, and also gave high marks in regards to the game's visuals. Some reviewers felt that four tables was too little for the game. Six additional tables were later released for Zen Pinball via downloadable content
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
.
Gameplay
Zen Pinball utilizes the same basic rules as a physical pinballPinball
Pinball is a type of arcade game, usually coin-operated, where a player attempts to score points by manipulating one or more metal balls on a playfield inside a glass-covered case called a pinball machine. The primary objective of the game is to score as many points as possible...
machine, albeit in a virtual environment. As with a traditional pinball machine, the player fires a steel ball onto the playfield using a plunger. Once the ball is in play the player controls the flippers and can nudge the machine to influence the path of the ball. Each of the game's tables become more complex as the game advances, opening new paths and opportunities.
In addition to traditional attempts to reach a high score, the game has specific missions tasked to the player. Both local and online multiplayer are supported, along with leaderboards
Game ladder
A ladder tournament is a form of tournament for games and sports. It is an extended tournament, which can potentially go on indefinitely. In a ladder tournament, players are listed as if on the rungs of a ladder. The objective for a player is to reach the highest rung of the ladder...
and tournament competitions. Players will be able to activate a slow motion feature and can save game progress mid-game.
Tables
At the time of release, the game featured four tables. Six more tables would later be released as downloadable contentDownloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
, bringing the total to ten. The first table, Street Fighter II Tribute, was released August 20, 2009, and features characters and sounds from the Street Fighter
Street Fighter
, commonly abbreviated as SF, is a series of Fighting Games developed in Japan in which the players pit the video games' competitive fighters from around the world, each with his or her own unique fighting style, against one another...
franchise. The Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Tribute table was released on January 14, 2010, and features a setting based on Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, also known as Ninja Gaiden Σ 2, is an action-adventure game developed by Team Ninja for the PlayStation 3. It is an enhanced port of Ninja Gaiden II.-Plot:...
. The third table, Earth Defense, was released on March 25, 2010 and features a 1950s sci-fi theme. Excalibur, the fourth table, features a medieval theme focused around King Arthur
King Arthur
King Arthur is a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, who, according to Medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and...
and his Knights of the Round Table. It was released on April 15, 2010. The fifth table, Mars, was released on July 21, 2010 in Europe and July 27, 2010 in the US. The sixth table, Paranormal was released October 19, 2010. The seventh table, Sorcerer's Lair, was released in April, 2011.
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Downloadable content
Development and marketing
Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster and Zen Pinball: Inferno were the first games of the Zen Pinball series, and were exclusive to the iOSIOS
iOS is an operating system for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.IOS may also refer to:-Companies and organisations:* Illinois Ornithological Society, American state-based bird club...
platform. Each game contains one table related to its title. Zen Pinball: Rollercoaster was released on July 7, 2008, while Zen Pinball: Inferno was released on October 31, 2008. The PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
version, known simply as Zen Pinball was announced on April 15, 2009. It was released one month later on May 14, 2009. It is the first pinball game on the PlayStation 3. The release is also available as a demo version with features the El Dorado table. Between August 4, 2010 and September 1, 2010, Zen Pinball was released as a free download to PlayStation Plus subscribers. The game was announced for Android devices, marketed as Zen Pinball THD and the Nintendo 3DS as Zen Pinball 3D via the Nintendo eShop
Nintendo eShop
The Nintendo eShop is an online service for the Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system. Launched on June 6, 2011 in North America and June 7, 2011 in Europe and Japan, the eShop was enabled by the release of a system update that added the functionality to the 3DS' Home Menu...
for release in fall 2011.
Reception
Zen Pinball was well received by critics. It currently averages 80.12% at GameRankings and 80/100 at MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
. It was the top selling PlayStation Network title in May 2009, as well as September 2010. It was also a top 10 seller for the month of June 2009. In a preview of the game, Kotaku
Kotaku
Kotaku is a video games-focused blog. It is part of Gawker Media's "Gawker" network of sites, which also includes Gizmodo, Deadspin, Lifehacker, io9 and Jezebel. Named to CNET News' Blog 100, Kotaku is consistently listed in the top 40 of Technorati's Top 100...
's Michael McWhertor noted that the game's predecessors may have had impact on the game. "Thanks to Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection is a video game title from Crave Entertainment for the Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360. and Nintendo 3DS. Players play on a variety of classic virtual pinball machines from Williams Electronics' history...
, Zen Pinball looks very purchasable" he stated.
Critics generally gave high remarks to the game's physics system. Brett Todd of GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
called the physics "superb" and "first-rate" and added "the ball rolls, spins, and bounces like it has real weight." Destructoid
Destructoid
Destructoid is an independent video game-focused blog based in San Francisco, California that was founded in March 2006. It has since grown into one of the most widely read video game sites on the Internet, reaching more than 3 million unique visitors per month...
's Brad Nicholson praised the game's "lifelike pinball physics and [...] multiplayer options." Daemon Hatfield of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
stated that although no virtual table could perfectly replicate gameplay on a real table, he stated that "Zen Pinball makes up for that with new features that you don't get with the real thing."
The graphics were also praised by reviewers. GameZone
GameZone
GameZone is an American multiplatform video game website. GameZone's daily coverage includes reviews, previews, news, hints & cheats, and editorials. Additionally, GameZone offers downloads, a child-targeted website and in association with GameStop, hosts GZGameShop, an online retailer...
's reviewer called the visuals "beautiful" and stated "the pinball machines are very sharp and crisp, and are the absolute closest you can get to playing pinball without actually being at a pinball machine." IGN's Daemon Hatfield agreed. He felt that the individual tables were well detailed and added praise for the dynamic camera angles show during gameplay. Brad Nicholson of Destructoid also gave high marks for table design and visuals. He stated Zen Pinball is "a sweet little title that captures the recognizable Pinball look."
The pinball tables in Zen Pinball received mixed commentary from critics. Some reviewers felt that four tables was too little to be shipped in the game. GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
s Sean Ely stated "just four tables might seem bare at first" but added that he had "much hope for some DLC in the near future." Destructoid's Brad Nicholson also agreed, stating "With only four tables, all of which can be accessed from the very beginning, Zen Pinball feels a little light on variety." Six additional tables were later released as downloadable content. Nicholson, however, went on to praise solid table design and functionality. Daemon Hatfield of IGN echoed these comments and said the game's tables "are all fun to play, look great, and are hiding all sorts of secrets you'll need to discover if you're going to rack up a high score."