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[Video Pinball] Pinball FX 2 is on the Humble Bundle! Get it now!
DoctorArch
CurmudgeonRegistered User regular
CurmudgeonRegistered User regular
Update: 3/24/2013
Zen Pinball 2 got released for Wii U and our very own Cantido has said it's an excellent version. PM me if you want me to add your Wii U name to the list.
Forum Name - Nintendo ID
Cantido - H.R. Paperstacks
Fair warning, this thread is dangerous for pinball afficianados. It is a dangerous black hole of $2.50 tables that take and take and take, and you know what? We want more. So Zen Studios, with all our love, kindly:
Update 6/29/2011: Captain America is out now for Marvel Pinball/Pinball FX 2. Word in the thread is that it's great!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys1WpqYaDu0
Update: Fantastic Four is out now for Marvel Pinball/Pinball FX 2. Word in the thread is that it's ok, probably the weakest of all the Marvel Tables.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtkgP0gnHz4
Also, Mars is finally out for Pinball FX 2, and it too is awesome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbk5cFHmyuY
Marvel Pinball is out now for 800 MSP. Download Pinball FX 2 for free, sample all the tables, buy them, and join our Cult of the Silver Ball. We think Marvel Pinball is awesome. Many, many, many other people think it's awesome. With this first pack you get four tables: Iron Man, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Blade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO4BlGOUH1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twON814S6vY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT-OZpTMQZs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6U9Qc7RbLw
For some reason no-one has uploaded Blade yet, I'll correct it when I find one.
Zen says it has "access to the entire Marvel Universe IP" and promises "regular DLC content" for Marvel Pinball throughout 2011 "and beyond."
Spoilered for huge:
Original OP Below:
This is what I'm talking about:
No, not really.
This is what I'm talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ZNgi2lLlY
(Spoilered for Huge)
Pinball FX2 is now available on Xbox Live Arcade. The free trial lets you sample the four new tables, as well as letting you experience the four previous Pinball FX base tables with new graphics and physics, which is great, because the physics for Pinball FX 1 sucked big metal balls. It also allows for split-screen multiplayer, and score challenge against your friends.
It's awesome and everybody who loves/enjoys pinball should get it. The four new tables are 800 Microsoft Points (10 dollars) and the four previous tables from Pinball FX 1 are also 800 MS points. Additional tables beyond those (such as Excalibur) are 200 MS points each.
Eurogamer Agrees: 9/10.
Xbox Live Gamertags (in LIME) for those who want to show off their ball-busting goodness:
Figgy: Figment3
DoctorArch: DoctorArch
fragglefart: fragglefart
DJ Cam Cam: CamCamJelly
Psychotic One: EyeRChris
G Rol: G Rol
Cantido: Cantido
Celloriffic: Celloriffic
lpburk2: lpburk2
Ratsult2:Ratsult2
acidlacedpenguin: Acidboogie
Captain K: CaptainFake
Viscountalpha: Viscount02
Dodge Aspen: JerDodge
Athenor: Athenor
Cantido: Cantido
Akimbojoe: DaftFelix
PolarBear: Ursidae44
LaPuzza: Azzupal
Boognish: BoognishLives
Kris: Zephyrall
Tommatt: Tommatt
DarkMortainius: DarkMortainius
Valleo: Valleo
chuck steak: Chuck Steake
MaximumJ: MaximumJ
ArcticLancer: arcticboogie
mastrius: Mastrius9087
Cloudeagle: Wordherder
PSN Names!
AuburnTiger: Morningstar_PA
"But DoctorArch!" you say. "I want some more pinball goodness."
Well, here you go:
The Williams Pinball Hall of Fame. One of the best pinball collections ever to grace our beloved high definition consoles, or any console ever for that matter. It's available on any of the big three systems, but you should get it on either the PS3 or the 360, because those are the high def versions with additional tables. It's beautiful, authentic, has excellent physics, and is a joy to play. Pinball FX 2 has a far better multiplayer component (split screen, GLEE!!!), but this game is absolutely worth purchasing. If the price on Amazon for the 360 version is any indication, it may be getting rare.
We've talked about this here on the forums before over here. Get it, love it.
Zen Pinball 2 got released for Wii U and our very own Cantido has said it's an excellent version. PM me if you want me to add your Wii U name to the list.
Forum Name - Nintendo ID
Cantido - H.R. Paperstacks
Fair warning, this thread is dangerous for pinball afficianados. It is a dangerous black hole of $2.50 tables that take and take and take, and you know what? We want more. So Zen Studios, with all our love, kindly:
Update 6/29/2011: Captain America is out now for Marvel Pinball/Pinball FX 2. Word in the thread is that it's great!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys1WpqYaDu0Update: Fantastic Four is out now for Marvel Pinball/Pinball FX 2. Word in the thread is that it's ok, probably the weakest of all the Marvel Tables.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtkgP0gnHz4
Also, Mars is finally out for Pinball FX 2, and it too is awesome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbk5cFHmyuY
Marvel Pinball is out now for 800 MSP. Download Pinball FX 2 for free, sample all the tables, buy them, and join our Cult of the Silver Ball. We think Marvel Pinball is awesome. Many, many, many other people think it's awesome. With this first pack you get four tables: Iron Man, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Blade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO4BlGOUH1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twON814S6vY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT-OZpTMQZs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6U9Qc7RbLw
For some reason no-one has uploaded Blade yet, I'll correct it when I find one.
Zen says it has "access to the entire Marvel Universe IP" and promises "regular DLC content" for Marvel Pinball throughout 2011 "and beyond."
Spoilered for huge:
Original OP Below:
This is what I'm talking about:
No, not really.
This is what I'm talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ZNgi2lLlY
(Spoilered for Huge)
Pinball FX2 is now available on Xbox Live Arcade. The free trial lets you sample the four new tables, as well as letting you experience the four previous Pinball FX base tables with new graphics and physics, which is great, because the physics for Pinball FX 1 sucked big metal balls. It also allows for split-screen multiplayer, and score challenge against your friends.
It's awesome and everybody who loves/enjoys pinball should get it. The four new tables are 800 Microsoft Points (10 dollars) and the four previous tables from Pinball FX 1 are also 800 MS points. Additional tables beyond those (such as Excalibur) are 200 MS points each.
Eurogamer Agrees: 9/10.
All hail Zen Studios for ensuring that we can all officially shut the hell up about DICE's fantastic early '90s pinball games on the Amiga.
Simulating the ancient art of Pinball might seem like one of the most pointless wastes of time in the history of videogames, but put your preconceptions to one side, and you may be surprised at how much fun they can be. Especially when they've been lavished with as much lifelike attention to detail as Pinball FX 2.
Sensibly, you can try out each of the new tables for free, as well as updated versions of the four tables that featured in the 2007 original (backwardly compatible if you own the original), and new versions of the various downloadable ones as well (again, backwardly compatible if you've bought them already).
In all, you'll have access to 12 excellent tables, each now playable in the new split-screen mode, and benefitting from noticeably improved visuals and a spanking new physics model.
The real genius of this revamped version, though, is the new social gaming features, which lure you back in by letting you know when a friend has topped your score. Even in the two days between the game's release and writing the review, I couldn't help but make sure that EG's own Rich Leadbetter was comprehensively conquered.
Real pinball fanatics will be in tinkering heaven, too, thanks to the ability to fiddle endlessly with all manner of settings. Just don't get into a conversation with anyone who does this, ok?
If you've even vaguely have the urge to flip a steel ball around a pretend pinball table, then Zen have a little something for you. Just don't dare start beating my scores.
Xbox Live Gamertags (in LIME) for those who want to show off their ball-busting goodness:
Figgy: Figment3
DoctorArch: DoctorArch
fragglefart: fragglefart
DJ Cam Cam: CamCamJelly
Psychotic One: EyeRChris
G Rol: G Rol
Cantido: Cantido
Celloriffic: Celloriffic
lpburk2: lpburk2
Ratsult2:Ratsult2
acidlacedpenguin: Acidboogie
Captain K: CaptainFake
Viscountalpha: Viscount02
Dodge Aspen: JerDodge
Athenor: Athenor
Cantido: Cantido
Akimbojoe: DaftFelix
PolarBear: Ursidae44
LaPuzza: Azzupal
Boognish: BoognishLives
Kris: Zephyrall
Tommatt: Tommatt
DarkMortainius: DarkMortainius
Valleo: Valleo
chuck steak: Chuck Steake
MaximumJ: MaximumJ
ArcticLancer: arcticboogie
mastrius: Mastrius9087
Cloudeagle: Wordherder
PSN Names!
AuburnTiger: Morningstar_PA
"But DoctorArch!" you say. "I want some more pinball goodness."
Well, here you go:
The Williams Pinball Hall of Fame. One of the best pinball collections ever to grace our beloved high definition consoles, or any console ever for that matter. It's available on any of the big three systems, but you should get it on either the PS3 or the 360, because those are the high def versions with additional tables. It's beautiful, authentic, has excellent physics, and is a joy to play. Pinball FX 2 has a far better multiplayer component (split screen, GLEE!!!), but this game is absolutely worth purchasing. If the price on Amazon for the 360 version is any indication, it may be getting rare.
We've talked about this here on the forums before over here. Get it, love it.
Switch Friend Code: SW-6732-9515-9697
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What makes a good video pinball game? People will nitpick design, table complexity, graphics, sound, operator options, ball physics, etc., but what really matters is gameplay. This may be controversial, but I believe that an arcade-y pinball game with ping pong physics can be fun if the game is designed as so (Revenge of the Gator, Pokemon Pinball, and Metroid Prime Pinball are good examples).
Pinball (NES):
I never played it, but people seem to love it, showing that nostalgia can sell anything. You can get it on Virtual Console for 5 bucks. Considering the amount of far superior games for that price, or a little more, it isn’t worth it.
Revenge of the Gator (Game Boy):
I remember playing this game in the back of the school bus (yes I’m dating myself here). Fun, simple, and designed by HAL labs. Quite a treasure of a game, and has several elements later incorporated into Pokemon Pinball.
Alien Crush/Devil’s Crush (TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine)
Alien Crush:
Devil’s Crush:
I have never played either game, but a lot of people think of them as the bee’s knees of the time, and it supposedly holds up pretty well by today’s standards. You can pick both games up on Virtual Console for 6 bucks each.
Alien Crush Returns (WiiWare)
Apparently this is pretty good too. 8 bucks.
Pokemon Pinball (Game Boy Color & Game Boy Advance):
Pokemon with pinball. While that may have deterred people, these games are great little pocket pinball tables that incorporate the collecting/crack habit of Pokemon fairly well.
Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo DS):
If you love pinball and own a DS you should own this game. This game is the reason I purchased a DS in the first place. Arcade-y pinball, but two full tables, loads of mini tables, and boss fights made this game an excellent overall experience. I have been extremely disappointed that we haven’t seen a sequel using another Nintendo franchise.
Pro Pinball Series (PC):
Timeshock
Big Race USA
Fantastic Journey
The first Pro Pinball game (“The Web”) came out in 1996, and it was good. Follwing The Web were the holy three of PC pinball: Timeshock!, Big Race USA, and Fantastic Journey, and all was well with video pinball. Fantastic graphics, high resolutions, excellent table design, and authentic physics make these games stand the test of time. They are playable on practically any PC today, and you can get the holy three over at GOG.com for 6 bucks each. Sadly, The Web isn’t available, but as it was the weakest of the four, that’s a small loss. And when you go over to GOG, avoid Dream Pinball 3D, because it sucks big metal balls.
I LOVE what they have done with the leaderboards! I'm thinking this now has the best leaderboard system on Live, man, even better than Geometry Wars 2 (alongside Game Room if it wasn't so shitty!)
The integration and improvement of the old tables is damned fantastic, and the multiplyer 'wizard' system really pushes the 'one more go' button. I already owned all the tables from PXF1, so looking forward to getting some decent scores.
Only tried one new table so far (the underwater one) and was totally impressed by the gimmicks and features, swinging ball of doom, crazy submarine down the side, crazy tubes sea beasties and some form of ball firing rocket thing, very fun stuff!
The fact the core 'game' is free, gives us updates for existing tables and a cracking leaderboard system with new online and splitscreen multiplayer, tournaments and a pile of new Achievements for old tables (which already had their own Achievements in thefirst game) pretty much guarantees I'll be buying anything and everything made available for this little gem of a game.
Buy it people I need company on the leaderboards!
I've been an enthusiast of pinball, and video pinball, all my life. Pinball (NES) to Epic Pinball, 3D Ultra Pinball (outpost!), up through Pinball Hall of Fame 2, I will do about anything to play Pinball. Metroid Pinball is always near my DS.
Speaking of.. Man, they need to come out with a Pinball Hall of Fame 3.
You don't need to buy it - the download for the game is free! If you own the first game, you can import all your existing tables (both from the core game and all the DLC) and enjoy the new graphics, tweaks, leaderboards amd Achievements. You do have to pay for any new tables, mind you (which is fair enough). Can't speak for the physics, they say it has been updated but I didn't have a problem with the first one, so...
After my exam tomorrow, that's my plan. You've actually given me some great ideas.
Other then that the new tables for this are amazing. Its going to take a long time to figure all the new stuff out. This is a quality release!
These are the be all end all pinball games on the PC. This is as close as you will get to owning a real pinball machine, without owning one.
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/pro_pinball_timeshock
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/pro_pinball_fantastic_journey
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/pro_pinball_big_race_usa
Timeshock is the best out of those IMHO.
Seriously these 3 are be all of PC pinball.
(you get a sweet pinball wizard robe for your avatar at 100k wizard score)
*edit* Gamertag is in signature
I have all the tables from PBFX1, PBFX2 and all the DLC.
Let's go shopping for robes, LOL.
Edit: Love your Avatar haha, Captain Smiley works well with the Earthworm Jim suit.
Also the Rocky and Bullwinkle table seems more difficult than I remember. But all the new tables look great and play great. The new physics engine really works well.
I want to second everything DJ Cam Cam says.
The Pro Pinball series is maniacally good. The fact that not every digital pinball game has at least tried to match its ball physics is atrocious.
Send me an invite then duder. Also yeah, that table is way harder now.
Two boards, one screen, who can get the highest score. Looks pretty good from what I've seen. I suppose that is the beauty of playing what is essentially a vertical game on a big widescreen HD telly - split screen isn't a problem to view comfortably.
While I have not played those games, have you tried Pinball FX2 yet? How does the physics compare?
With the new table you can mess about with changing the setup of all the table perameters (spirit levels and bumper positions from the look of a video) there is a vendor mode too. I had a quick look and got scared off, though.
The physics in FX2 are much improved over the 1st game. The ball feels like it has some weight to it now. I would second that other persons example of the first one being like a ping pong ball.
The pro pinball games still take the cake though. Its hard to tell in youtube videos, but the physics in pro-pinball are still the best I have felt in a pinball simulation.
See also the Pinball Hall of Fame thread
And if you have a DSi you desperately need to drop $5 on Pinball Pulse: Challenge of the Ancients. A more traditional modern table (without all the random Metroid enemies messing up your shots) done by Fuse (the Metroid Prime Pinball guys).
I've already got FX1 and the DLC. Does playing those tables require any nonsense?
Basically, tell me how easy it is to spend ten dollars and play this.
Wish they would put that out in a video format like this. dropped so many quarters back in college into this game.
After that, you can demo the new tables. If you like them, it's $10 for all four.
I like the physicality of the game. I like being able to "feel the table" from the Rumble Cart, and being able to tilt with the touch screen. It may not get much love from Metroid fans, I don't know how it stacks up against other pinball games, but I've had a lot of fun with it. This thread has me wanting to go pick it up now.
So, back to PC pinball; Out of PP Timeshock and PP Big Race USA, which would be the one to get?
I think Timeshock is the best out of all of them. Be ready to be overwhelmed though. Its a pretty complex table. It take a really long time to figure out what to do on it.
Her is my second fav out of the pro pinball tables, Fantastic Journey. Its a long video, but this guy is on a huge hot streak. Its a good video to show off how complex the tables can be even if they look simple.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGD_ldxkys&feature=related
Oh! So I can import my old tables and play them with new physics before I even spend anything on new stuff? And it doesn't go through the Game Room interface. Sold!
Edit: Figgy's post reminded me. I'm going to add a leaderboard Gamertag List to the OP.
This presents a problem for me now, and cannot get this. This game is Zen Pinball, except with four tables I don't have. But I wouldn't get it for that either. The graphics look awful on my TV compared to the Ps3 Zen Pinball tables, to the point where the blurriness hurts my ability to see what I'm doing.
I might as well wait for those tables to appear for download for Zen Pinball, if they're doing such a thing.
Night Mission Pinball was one of the first computer games I ever played. Brings back memories of broody PC speaker sound effects.
I spent a lot of time in college playing Crystal Caliburn on my roommate's Mac. It's not on the end-all-be-all list of PC pinball games, so it probably sucks or something, I don't know. I thought it was fun, until I finally got a jillion points and lost any urge to play it ever again. Still got a lot of mileage out of it for a few years.
I recently discovered that they can still be found, along with a bunch of new tables by the same people at LittleWingPinball.com. Some of them are actually pretty good, and it was nice to play those two again for nostalgia's sake. You can get free demos of them, so I recommend giving their newer ones a shot.
Fairy tower
Monster Fair
Mad Daedalus
I'm downloading the Mad Daedalus demo now to see how it plays. If it's good, I really want to give them my money, but $35 is well out of impulse buy range, and I don't think I can justify it. Even back in the Pro Pinball days, when they released one game at a time for 50 bucks each, I couldn't justify that much for one game at a time.
Pinball is one of those things I loved, but never had an arcade nearby so it was all about the video game pinball. If I get Pinball FX 2, are there any tables people can reccomend?
So far I've played through all four new tables and they strike me as fairly solid, so I picked them up. As I liked the original tables of Pinball FX 1, but hated the bad physics, I picked those up too (Agents is really fun). As for the other DLC tables, I can absolutely vouch for Excalibur and Earth Defense. In the end though, the trial for each table lets you decide for yourself.
There are friends list/global leader boards instantly available per each table, overall combined score at a glance, and an aggregate "super score" based on how many millions of points you've attained. The leader boards are great/horrible for generating a "just one more game" mentality. The tables even have pop ups of your friend's avatars letting you know you're just this close to overtaking their score. Really, really super slick.
I know I sound like a shill, but this is great stuff. Forget achievements, super score is the new e-peen.
Gamertag is in the sig, add me to pump up that wizard score.
Cool, I'll keep that in mind.
I already beat some of your scores last night :twisted:
...and yet my super score keeps on creepin' up on you...
(trying to beat your Pasha score is annoying the hell out of me, I suck at that table)