Pinball FX

The ball is still in play in Pinball FX, and we hope it doesn’t wind up in the drain early. While fun, it’s a clear step back from FX3 visually on the Switch, and in terms of content. New players should still have a blast, but for existing fans, Zen Studios has let us down.

68%Game Brain Score

graphics, gameplay

optimization, monetization

68% User Score Based on 1,287 reviews

Critic Score 72%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

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About

Pinball FX is a free-to-play game offering a variety of pinball tables, including exclusives, classics, and those based on popular franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. Players can hone their skills on three free tables, unlock collectibles for a customizable 3D playroom, and access new tables regularly. The game provides accurate re-creations of physical pinball machines and Zen Studios' original creations for an enhanced digital pinball experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

68%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,287 reviews

graphics64 positive mentions

optimization23 negative mentions

Pinball FX offers a wide variety of tables, including classic Williams recreations and new Zen originals, providing a rich and diverse gameplay experience.
The graphics and physics have seen significant improvements, making the tables visually appealing and enhancing the overall gameplay feel.
The game includes a free trial period for all tables, allowing players to explore and try out different tables before making a purchase.

Players are required to repurchase tables they already own from FX3, which has led to significant backlash and disappointment among long-time fans.
The game suffers from input lag and performance issues, particularly with flipper responsiveness, making it frustrating for players accustomed to the smoother gameplay of FX3.
The user interface is considered clunky and less intuitive compared to FX3, making navigation and access to features more cumbersome.

graphics
229 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
68%
4%
The graphics in Pinball FX have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the vibrant visuals and improved lighting, while others feel the enhancements are minimal compared to its predecessor, FX3. Many users noted that despite the potential for better graphics, performance issues and the need for high-end hardware can detract from the experience. Overall, while some appreciate the graphical updates and detail in table designs, others express disappointment, feeling that the improvements do not justify the need to repurchase tables from FX3.
- “An exciting twist on classic pinball, Pinball FX elevates the genre with vibrant graphics and smooth mechanics.”
- “The graphics here are phenomenal.”
- “The attention to detail in the table graphics is impressive, with vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and intricate artwork.”
- “The graphics are a bit of a disappointment, but to be expected, since this is the interpretation of the Pinball FX team on pinball.”
- “Graphics are worse, performance is worse, physics are worse, UI is abysmal, tables are more expensive.”
- “Even on high end the graphics look crappy and semi cell shaded.”
gameplay
96 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
69%
6%
The gameplay in Pinball FX is generally praised for its realistic physics, vibrant graphics, and engaging mechanics, providing a solid digital pinball experience. However, many users express frustration with the monetization model, including high prices for tables and microtransactions, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. While the game offers a variety of unique tables and modes, some players feel that the gameplay lacks significant innovation compared to its predecessor, Pinball FX3, and has issues with balance and consistency.
- “An exciting twist on classic pinball, Pinball FX elevates the genre with vibrant graphics and smooth mechanics.”
- “The game seamlessly blends classic pinball mechanics with modern technology, introducing dynamic visuals, animated characters, and special effects that bring each table to life.”
- “Pinball FX captures the essence of pinball gameplay with its realistic physics, visually stunning tables, and diverse range of themes.”
- “The devs seem more interested in releasing new machines than fixing glaring issues with gameplay and current machines.”
- “Every table sounds louder or quieter than the last, balls can bounce or clip out of capture states, mechanical sounds go haywire in certain spots, some tables have ruleset mistakes, and Zen is constantly trying to shove worthless live-service nonsense in your face.”
- “The ball feels sluggish and the gameplay's inferior to Pinball FX3 in every way.”
optimization
94 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
61%
24%
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, input lag, and high system requirements that hinder smooth gameplay even on high-end PCs. While some players have noted improvements following updates, others still experience subpar performance compared to its predecessor, Pinball FX3, and express frustration over the game's demanding nature and lack of customizable settings. Despite these challenges, a few users have successfully optimized their settings for better performance, indicating that there is potential for improvement with further patches.
- “The game is now well optimized, the input lag is now unnoticeable even with v-sync on (Nvidia Reflex on + low latency mode set on ultra), the next patch will give us the ability to remap the controls in-game, and the FX3 physics will be back while the current one will become the new 'challenging' difficulty mode.”
- “While the game is more demanding than its predecessor (FX3), the performance is now very stable and smooth compared to when it launched.”
- “It is much improved over its early access performance, and I now get around 90fps with max graphics settings at 1440p with ray-tracing enabled.”
- “I want to love this game, since there are so many unique and fun looking tables, but the performance optimizations are awful and make the game unplayable.”
- “Performance is terrible on a well-capable PC.”
- “The performance of the new engine badly needs further optimization; it is currently very taxing on the system, for what is a significant, but not huge, improvement in visual fidelity.”
monetization
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
39%
55%
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, featuring numerous microtransactions, high table prices, and a subscription model that many players find predatory. Users express frustration over the inability to transfer previously purchased tables and the introduction of unnecessary cosmetic purchases, leading to a perception of greed from the developers. Overall, the monetization approach has left fans disappointed and feeling exploited, overshadowing the gameplay experience.
- “Sure, you have to buy each table with microtransactions if you want to permanently unlock it, but the realistic pinball table replicas and gameplay in this game surely makes up for the cost.”
- “Any free game with microtransactions is a big uh oh sign to me, but I don't think you have to mess with it if you don't want to as I think it's just cosmetic stuff for the room you play in or if you want to 'subscribe' to play all the tables at which I would just say buy them because you'll lose more money in the long run if you go that way.”
- “During early access on Epic, you had to buy the tables via the microtransactions called tickets; I'm glad they removed this model and allow us to purchase the tables directly from the Steam storefront.”
- “This is unacceptable and a predatory monetization attempt that absolutely deserves to be shamed.”
- “It's filled with DLCs and microtransactions, but the tables you purchased from the previous games aren't transferable. Zen Studios is extremely abusive, and their greed will be their fall.”
- “As a longtime Pinball FX fan, I'm deeply disappointed by the recent monetization changes.”
music
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
61%
16%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the nostalgic licensed tracks and original compositions tailored to each table, while others criticize the inconsistent audio levels and the inability to separate music from sound effects. Many appreciate the atmospheric synth music reminiscent of classic arcades, but there are complaints about menu music being intrusive and the lack of original soundtracks for certain licensed tables. Overall, while the music enhances the experience for some, technical issues and design choices detract from its quality for others.
- “The intro sequence walking into the arcade, with the 80's floor and synth music was just the way it was when I was a kid, and having 100+ tables to purchase and unlock is pretty great too.”
- “Each table I played really did seem lovingly crafted and I was impressed with all the sounds, effects, and music tailored to each.”
- “The graphics and music for this game are stunning.”
- “Many people are complaining about having to double dip on tables, bad ball physics, and bad sound/music (ironic for a game with 'fx' in the name).”
- “I do have one major beef though: the tables' ending music gets cut off after a game, and the zen menu stuff comes up and it plays the crappy menu background music.”
- “The universal pinball tables still have the same crappy soundtracks that they refuse to replace with the actual soundtracks from the movies.”
stability
27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
4%
78%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs and glitches, including hard freezes and softlocks, particularly on certain tables. While some players note that the game runs well on specific platforms like laptops and virtual pinball cabinets, others express frustration over ongoing issues and a lack of effective support. Overall, the game is seen as needing substantial optimization and bug fixes to improve the user experience.
- “Runs great on my laptop; makes me regret buying nearly every table on PS5.”
- “Runs great on my virtual pinball cabinet.”
- “It runs great on the Steam Deck, especially in handheld mode.”
- “Some showstopper bugs on a small handful of tables (hard freezes, unintended softlocks with offline-only play, etc.).”
- “Buggy, flipper lag, extremely unoptimized, expected to buy the same tables with the same bugs over again, poor support.”
- “It works, then it doesn't work and freezes the game.”
story
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
53%
20%
The story aspect of the game is marked by a mix of excitement and controversy, particularly regarding the re-release of tables that players have already purchased in previous installments. While the introduction of quests, tournaments, and customization options adds depth and variety to gameplay, some users express frustration over repetitive missions and the perceived value of new content. Overall, the narrative surrounding the game's evolution and community response reflects a blend of innovation and dissatisfaction.
- “The quest lines and weekly tournaments, along with regular new table releases, keep this game in regular use.”
- “There is also quite the controversy surrounding this particular installment of the franchise in that it was first released on a different ecosystem, which may or may not have caused a rift within the community when Zen chose to ask its faithful customers to re-purchase all of the tables. However, Zen has introduced a room idea to this game where you can decorate your room with various accolades and goodies from the games you play, offering a shop to purchase unique items to customize your space.”
- “Now, recently I discovered that Epic Quest was brought back for a charity event.”
- “There is also quite the controversy surrounding this particular installment of the franchise in that it was first released on a different ecosystem, which may or may not have caused a rift within the community when Zen chose to ask its faithful customers to re-purchase all of the tables (most already own a fair amount of these tables in previous games). While this does offer some appeal, for the pricing on the tables, I am not really certain it is worth it.”
- “The originals, I can't play anymore, because modes and missions are too repetitive and games last forever (which was already the case in Pinball FX3).”
- “Yes, yes, just as any really, but there seems to be even worse. EULAs aren't always legal, but that's another story.”
atmosphere
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
60%
The atmosphere in Pinball FX is enhanced by impressive graphics, stylish UI, and effective use of ray tracing, creating an immersive experience. While the music and original tables contribute positively, the game lacks a compelling narrative. Overall, the atmosphere is significantly improved compared to its predecessors, particularly with the updated Williams tables offering a darker ambiance.
- “Drawing parallels to its predecessors, Pinball FX enhances the digital pinball experience with impressive graphics, smooth mechanics, and an immersive atmosphere.”
- “Great use of ray tracing; it adds a lot to the atmosphere, although it is quite hard to run without aggressively enabling an upscaler.”
- “The graphics are easily the best for pinball games, the UI is stylish and helps build a unique atmosphere.”
- “The 'updated' Williams tables are now more suited for a 'night' atmosphere.”
- “Great use of ray tracing; it adds a lot to the atmosphere, although it's really hard to run without aggressively enabling an upscaler.”
- “Drawing parallels to its predecessors, Pinball FX enhances the digital pinball experience with impressive graphics, smooth mechanics, and immersive atmosphere, though it lacks a compelling narrative.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing animations and sounds associated with the tables, which enhance the overall experience. Players find enjoyment in learning about comic book mythology through gameplay, particularly with themed tables like the Infinity Gauntlet. However, the introduction of premium currency and subscription models has drawn criticism, suggesting that the humor is overshadowed by monetization frustrations.
- “You look at a table and certain things move while others blink and make funny sounds.”
- “Funny thing is that the new tables that are only available for FX have become my favorites.”
- “It's funny and awesome that I'll finally learn some Avengers 'mythology' by just playing the Infinity Gauntlet, Fear Itself, and World War Hulk.”
replayability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
60%
The game offers a high level of replayability, enhanced by features such as three free tables, global leaderboards, player-created tournaments, and seasonal events. Users consistently highlight the engaging graphics and overall replay value, making it a compelling choice for repeated play.
- “All in all, though, Pinball FX is highly replayable, with global leaderboards, player-created tournaments, and in-game seasonal events.”
- “It does come with 3 free tables, providing a high level of replayability.”
- “Killer graphics and a high level of replayability.”
- “It does come with 3 free tables, but the replayability is limited.”
- “Killer graphics, but the replayability is lacking.”
- “The replay value is not as high as I expected.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the need to repurchase previously owned tables with limited discounts, the presence of FOMO mechanics, and cumbersome filtering processes for tables and tournaments. Overall, the experience is likened to the grind found in other games, but with added complexities that detract from enjoyment.
- “The original games are tedious.”
- “Let's summarize this... you need to repurchase the tables you already own, the discount is only 50 percent off and that's only if they choose to offer it, there's FOMO mechanics to keep you playing. If you don't own a table, you're just grinding the three free tables if they offer it.”
- “Filtering tables and tournaments is tedious and fiddly.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express a strong emotional connection to the game, indicating that their overall impression could significantly improve based on future updates or changes. This suggests that the game's emotional impact is substantial enough to influence their recommendations.
- “If they do, then I will change my review and give my full heartfelt recommendation.”