Pinball FX 2: Marvel Pinball Review

Midway through his second ball and racing toward a respectable spot on the online leaderboards, a friend noted, “I forgot how fun pinball can be”. Where a number of shining console simulations ranging from Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection and Zen Pinball failed to seize his attention, the inclusion of celebrated superheroes in Pinball FX 2: Marvel Pinball did. If a bit of resourceful licensing can garner additional attention to the genre, I could almost stomach a SpongeBob Squarepants-themed table.

Yet, Marvel Pinball‘s abilities reach beyond the mere inclusion of famous comic characters. Each thoroughly crafted table presents a shifting array of scoring opportunities which depict the struggle between stalwart hero and a faction of arch-enemies. After the Green Goblin throws a pumpkin bomb onto the playfield, players are tasked with using their ball to bump the timed explosive, then sending the volatile orange orb back to its maker for a robust payoff. Likewise, Mysterio’s poison gas attack has the ability to swap flipper control, instigating brief episodes of player anxiety. Arguably, Marvel Pinball’s most alluring facet is the sense of competition fostered by its robust social features, where players are continually goaded to surpass their friend’s  scores.

Each of Marvel’s four tables- Spiderman, Iron-Man, Wolverine and Blade attempt to evoke the abilities of their namesake. From twisting railways which recall the looping gymnastics of the famous web-slinger to Eric Brooks’ nocturnal mode, that presents  a darkened playfield highlighted by florescent objects. Each is outfitted with animated figures of hero and villains, who occasionally clash when players hit specific targets. The sole shortcoming is Wolverine’s virtual machine, which feels a bit smaller than the rest of the pack, due to a number of bulky features at the top of the table.

Now in its second main iteration, Pinball FX 2‘s physics engine offers a realistic recreation of a real-world table with solid ball weight and the proper amount of elasticity emitted from table objects. Unlike actual coin-operated machines which often have a six-and a half degree incline, each table’s slant seems softened, allowing for longer play sessions. Visually, each machine offers vibrant playfields filled with well-drawn characters and creatively fashioned features. One impressive feature is the animated LCD displays which simulate the screen found in modern-era machines. For Xbox owners, all four tables supplement the free download of the Pinball FX 2 platform, while Marvel Pinball is a standalone title for Sony’s console. Considering the amount of entertainment value across the four tables, the package is well worth its ten dollar price. Even if players are indifferent about the license, they’ll still enjoy the titles well-engineered tables.


 
As gamers shoot the silver sphere around each playfield, they’ll receive constant updates on their progress. Here’s the player competes against the highest score for each table, as well as the best weekly score, motivating regular play sessions. Participants can also complete in periodic tournaments  as well as initiate a split screen, or online multiplayer match were hosts can customize the win condition for each table.

Superhero-themed games are often be a mixed bag, with a range that stretches from the Sega’s woeful Iron Man interpretations to the accomplished Batman: Arkham Asylum. Skillfully, Pinball FX 2: Marvel Pinball‘s licensing elevates an already proficient pinball engine, forging a quartet of tables which any pinhead is certain to enjoy. Hopefully, the alliance between the comic publisher and developer grows, because I’d love to see some Captain America, Hulk, and Thor tables.

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

30 Comments

  1. I wish Zen would bring the collection to PC (Steam, maybe) I’ve love to see this at an insane resolution.

  2. I’m wondering how many people are on the leaderboards… Are that many old timers still into pinball?

  3. Great review, I’m really enjoying Marvel Pin so far, even if my scores aren’t nearly as good as my friends.

  4. Going to download this right now. Thanks for the review. BTW- Have you ever played the PSP pinball games based on Hot Shots Golf and Pain?

  5. They are all new designs, and pretty good one I may add. I didn’t mind Wolverine’s as much as Deagle.

  6. I still don’t think the ball physics are as good as the Williams collection. That one is still one of the best.

  7. Despite at least three notable reviewers saying they weren’t very good. I bought the first Pinball Heroes collection and really like it. It’s smooth, responsive, and the physic are solid if not console-quality. If you see any of the sets on sale, I’d suggest a purchase.

  8. Have these ever gone on sale? I don’t remember ever seeing any kind of deal on Heroes.

  9. You know I’m enjoying this a bit more than the Williams collection. It may not have as many tables, but at least there’s no really old filler and large gaps.

  10. I like the tables is the FX2 pack. You might want to try the classic pack and the Street Fighter Machine as well.

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