Pinball FX (2023 Video Game)

''Pinball FX'' is the newest main release 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.

Tables unsuitable for the age rating of ''Pinball FX'' are released in '' Pinball M''.

There is a separate release for VR and mixed reality using Quest headsets, called '' Pinball FX VR''.

Many tables from ''Pinball FX'' have been released on AtGames Legends Pinball 4KP cabinets, physical cabinets running digital pinball tables.

The primary mobile release is '' Zen Pinball World''.

Development

The new ''Pinball FX'' platform was released on the Epic Games Store in early access on March 31, 2022. Development continued until its full release on February 16, 2023, on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and the Epic Games Store. The platform was released later on Steam on April 13, 2023, and on the Nintendo Switch on July 6, 2023, 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 programmed using an in-house engine called PinFX. ''Pinball FX'' was developed using the Unreal Engine 4 game engine. The game features support for HDR, ray tracing, and upscaling, delivering enhanced visual fidelity compared to prior games in the series. 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. For recreations of Williams/Bally tables, the originals are often sourced from the Budapest pinball museum, with sales from the Charity pack donated to the museum, and Project Pinball.

Remastered and Williams tables use a dot matrix display (DMD) with monochrome animations; most newer tables use a LCD type display which on some tables incorporate video clips.

Marketing

During development and early access, ''The Pinball Show'' was hosted monthly on YouTube by Bobby Marsh and Rose Camara, beginning in January 2021. 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. Linne also streams new tables on the official Twitch channel.

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

Purchasing

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 ''Pinball 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, which was intended to allow for cross-platform access. However, due to platform limitations and fan feedback, 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 but was discontinued in 2024 due to limited popularity and lack of cross-platform functionality.

Gameplay

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 some also include a more forgiving "normal" physics option. All tables released after December 7, 2023 include this "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.

Tournaments

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 alphanumeric code can be shared for direct access to a specific tournament. Some third-party tournaments are regularly announced on the official Discord server and subreddit.

PinHall

The PinHall is a customizable space where collectibles can be displayed, a concept which was first used a year earlier in ''Star Wars Pinball VR''. 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.

Pinball FX tables

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.

Reception

Early feedback during the ''Pinball FX'' early access period was mixed, with criticism focusing on performance issues and certain design choices.

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. Meanwhile, ''Game Critics'' gave it a more reserved score of 6.5/10, reflecting ongoing debates about pricing models and content value, and ''Push Square'' took issue with the high price of the (later removed) pinball pass while appreciating the improvement in remastered tables leading to a score of 6/10. Other reviews included ''softpedia'' and ''PS Universe'' who both gave the game 8.5/10, and ''Gaming Age'' who gave it a "grade A". Overall the game has a Metacritic score of 74%, and 69% average rating on Open Critic. 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. In an overview of digital pinball, ''Pixel Addict'' described it as "a perfect blend of pinball simulation and arcade video game".

On Steam, initial user reviews were mixed but have steadily improved over time as new tables and features have been added.

Pinball M

''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 simultaneously released in ''Pinball FX'' (with cross-buy between the 2 platforms on consoles and Epic).

It was released on November 30, 2023 for Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and the Epic Games Store; with the Nintendo Switch version following on December 28, 2023. ''Wrath of the Elder Gods: Director's Cut'' released as a free table for ''Pinball M'', all other tables are bought as single table DLC, with an optional bundle for 4 of the tables.

In addition to 3-ball games and the 4 challenge modes in ''Pinball FX'', there are 5 further challenge modes, including one with limited lighting, and another to reach ever increasing score targets within a time limit.

Each table has its own play corner with cosmetics that can be unlocked by playing campaign challenges. Tokens are obtained by playing the game which can be used to unlock further cosmetics including alternate table cabinet designs, flippers, ball skins, sounds, and lights. Each table has 3 achievements.

The game features 3 daily limited-attempt challenges; in addition there are player created tournaments similar to those in ''Pinball FX''.

Pinball M table list

Pinball M reception

''Push Square'' rated the game at 7/10 rating all 5 of the launch tables as excellent. ''Gaming Nexus'' rated it more highly at 8.5/10 enjoying the levelling up and cosmetic system. ''Eurogamer'' appreciated the improved physics, but preferred some of the classic Williams tables such as '' Attack from Mars''. Overall it has a metacritic score of 78% based on 10 reviews.

Pinball FX VR

''Pinball FX VR'' was announced on February 20, 2025, and released on April 3, 2025. 3 tables are included with the initial purchase of the base game, with other tables available as DLC. It is the third VR pinball game released by Zen Studios, after ''Pinball FX2 VR'' (released November 29, 2016, and renamed to ''Pinball VR Classic'' on some platforms) and ''Star Wars Pinball VR'' (released April 29, 2021).

It is the first digital pinball game to use the mixed reality feature of the Meta Quest which can be used to place pinball tables and other items in the players environment. Alternatively the full VR in-game arcade space can be used with pinball tables in several themed rooms. The game includes a campaign mode, collectibles, and side-games such as darts.

Pinball FX VR table list

The game launched with 11 tables, with further tables released from May 15, 2025 onwards.

Pinball FX VR reception

''The Gamer'' gave the game high praise with a rating of 4.5/5, calling it the most impressive VR game since '' Half Life: Alyx'' enjoying the in-game arcade environment, and the mixed reality mode while being impressed at the level of detail of the tables; also seeing the possible future potential of the game as a social space. ''Upload VR'' noted that the biggest change from previous games is that you have in-game hands which can be used to perform a variety of functions, but that the lighting effects are toned down from ''Pinball FX'', and that while mixed reality is a solid feature of the game, some elements such as the campaign missions lack depth. ''Gaming Nexus'' praised the environment of a 80s neon style personal pinball arcade and found the mixed reality mode amazing, while noting the lack of multiplayer features at launch, rating the game at 8.5/10. Overall the game has a Metacritic score of 79%.

AtGames FX Legends 4KP

AtGames partnered with Zen Studios to release ''Pinball FX'' tables on the range of Legends 4K pinball machines. These are full-sized physical pinball machines with a 32″ playfield monitor, 23.8″ backglass monitor, and a dedicated 8″ DMD. The 4KP versions of the games run on slightly different physics than the Playstation, Xbox or PC counterparts, behaving more like the Switch versions, running on a Rockchip 3588 CPU. The 4KP features local multiplayer, local leader boards, and online global leader boards for each table. The 4KP features a 3840×2160 (4K UHD) 60HZ playfield monitor, giving the machine its name. This does not mean that all the tables run natively at 4K, with most Zen tables running at 2560×1440. The plunger can be used as a manual plunger, or as a digital plunger button. A "G-sensor" is included to detect physical nudging of the machine.

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.

Most 4KP tables released in standard and premium versions. The standard edition comes with an additional 14 tables, a light up topper, and the "advanced features" included. The premium version also comes with the surround sound feedback (SSF) kit pre-installed. There is also a basic version of ''The Addams Family'' without some of the features on the other models.

The 4KP tables made from third party licensed Zen tables are based on ''The Addams Family'' (with different cabinet design than the physical table), '' Attack from Mars'', Peanuts Snoopy, Star Trek, and Jurassic Park. Each of these feature the table (or table pack) and themed cabinet design.

One of the advanced features of the 4KP, called OTG (On the Go), allows PC games to be played using the 4KPs monitors and controls.

AtGames also make the Legends Pinball HD, and the Legends Pinball HD Micro machines. These were still in production after the release of the 4KP and still received new table releases, but none of the Zen Studio tables are available on those platforms. All the non-Zen pinball tables released for the Legends Pinball HD and Legends Pinball HD Micro are also released on the 4KP.

4KP table list

The list features only the 4KP pinball tables that specifically relate to Zen Studios. Other pinball packs are available.

Previous Zen partnerships with hardware manufactures

Zen previously partnered with the hardware manufacture Arcade1up to produce Zen licensed virtual pinball cabinets. 3 different licensed cabinets were manufactured, Star Wars, Marvel and Attack From Mars, each with 10 tables based on the ''Pinball FX3'' versions. These cabinets featured dual LCD screens, a 23.8" LCD playfield, and a 7.5"" LCD dedicated DMD.

The Attack From Mars cabinet featured: ''Attack from Mars™'', ''Fish Tales™'', ''The Getaway: Highspeed II™'', ''JunkYard™'', Medieval Madness™, ''White Water''™, ''Red & Ted’s Road Show''™, ''Hurricane''™, ''Tales of the Arabian Nights''™, ''No Good Gofers''™.

The Star Wars cabinet featured: ''Boba Fett''™, ''A New Hope''™, ''Ahch-To Island''™, ''Battle of Mimban''™, ''Darth Vader''™, ''Masters of the Force''™, ''Star Wars: Rebels''™, ''Han Solo''™, ''The Force Awakens''™, ''The Empire Strikes Back''™.

The Marvel cabinet featured: ''Spider-Man'', ''Civil War'', ''Wolverine'', ''X-Men'', ''Thor'', ''Marvel's Women of Power: A-Force'', ''Ghost Rider'', ''Venom'', ''Fantastic Four'', ''Fear Itself''.

Related mobile games

''Zen Pinball World'' (released December 12, 2024) is the primary mobile platform featuring many tables released in ''Pinball FX''.

''Pinball Masters'' (released February 12, 2024) as a part of Netflix games. This includes several tables released in ''Pinball FX'', and the first release of ''Stranger Things'' pinball.

An earlier release for mobile is ''Zen Pinball Party'' (released September 3, 2021) on Apple Arcade which includes ''Funko Pinball Party Arena'', and the first version of 6 tables which later released in ''Pinball FX''.

References

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2023 video games
Multiplayer and single-player video games
Nintendo Switch games
Pinball video games
PlayStation 4 games
PlayStation 5 games
Unreal Engine 4 games
Xbox One games
Xbox Series X and Series S games
Zen Studios games