ZEN Pinball 2 (PS4) Review

Some of the very best in pinball.

Veterans of the past generation have likely at least seen a table from Zen Pinball. It was on practically everything last generation, and now Zen Studios are moving over to the current crop of machines. First, they hit the Wii U, and now the PS4. I wasn’t much of a fan of pinball itself up until last gen when I started trying out some of the tables. I’m rather hooked at becoming my own pinball wizard, and now, I can take my quest over to the PS4.

The PS4 version of Zen Pinball 2 is an interesting title. Usually the cross-buy feature is reserved for the PS3 and Vita, and it still remains true with Zen Pinball 2. The PS4 downloads of the tables are not cross-buy BUT any tables I had purchased on the PS3 or Vita could be imported to the PS4 version. It’s such a nice feature that I’m glad Zen Studios took the time to implement.

Importing the classics.

The tables featured in the PS4 version include Paranormal, Avengers Chronicles, Marvel Pinball, Star Wars: Balance of the Force, Star Wars Pinball, Sorcerer’s Lair, Epic Quest, Plants Vs Zombies, and Earth Defense. These are just the first tables to be offered and more are coming.

Zen Pinball 2 is a free download that comes with arguably one of the best tables on the platform, Sorcerer’s Lair, for free. The other tables vary in price and can be downloaded separately (or in packs depending on the tables.) Unfortunately, Zen Studios hasn’t implemented all the original tables into this version, but there’s still enough here to keep players busy for a while.

The thing that makes this stand out over other pinball games is the fact that they could only exist in video game form. One table may have a storm trooper firing off blaster shots that can move the ball or Marvel characters jumping around the table during a fight. It’s all varied and well done.

The colors, Duke. The colors!

The visuals may be a bit crisper, but other than that, there is no real difference in the look between this version and the previous versions. Still, that doesn’t mean the tables aren’t great to look at. All are very colorful and vibrant.

The controls remain the same in this version as well. R1 or R2 control the right flippers and L1 or L2 control the left flippers. Moving the analog stick will bump the table just in case the pinball is going into a dangerous place on the table.

The variety of tables is limited but nice.

Just like the other versions, the PS4 version keeps track of all scores and posts them both on a global leader board as well as a friends leader board. Notifications appeared during play showing how far I was from overtaking a friend’s score along with trophies I may be unlocking. It kept me trying for the best score possible.

Along with all this, there are still multiplayer and operator’s controls that allow players to get even more play out of their favorite tables, and with new ones releasing in the upcoming months, it has a ton of potential to be a game people will be playing over the entire lifespan of the PS4.

If you enjoy pinball in any shape or form, Zen Pinball 2 is a must download. Even casual fans should at least download the hub and try out some of the tables, and since it comes with one free, there really is no reason not to give it a try. Who knows? You may find yourself addicted to it as much as I am. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a friend’s score to beat.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.

Good
  • Free model
  • Fun tables
  • Great look and feel
  • Importing of older tables
  • Leader boards and notifications
Bad
  • Not all previous tables are available currently
9.5
Excellent
Written by
Drew is the Community Manager here at ZTGD and his accent simply woos the ladies. His rage is only surpassed by the great one himself and no one should stand between him and his Twizzlers.