December 6, 2016
Zen Studios

Pinball FX - Bethesda Pinball

The tables of Bethesda Pinball have great presentation, but the majority of the action is spent doing things that don't feel arcadey. The lack of focus on gameplay makes the tables feel too gimmicky to be playable for more than a few sessions.

80%Game Brain Score

gameplay, story

Critic Score 80%Based on 13 reviews

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About

Pinball FX - Bethesda Pinball is a single player arcade simulation game. It was developed by Zen Studios and was released on December 6, 2016. It received mostly positive reviews from critics.

Stay alive in the stunning yet hostile environments in three fantastic pinball tables inspired by the most iconic Bethesda franchises. - Explore the secrets of the Wasteland in a world decimated by nuclear war, join Factions, raid Vaults and collect Bobbleheads on the Fallout® Pinball table. - Fight your way through the UAC research facility, taking on hordes of demons to earn the Demon Slayer nam…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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gameplay4 positive mentions

The tables are creatively designed and capture the look and feel of their respective games exceptionally well.
Gameplay is fun and challenging, with a variety of missions that add depth and replayability.
Great presentation and sound design enhance the overall pinball experience.

Some mission mechanics can be complicated and overwhelming, making it difficult for players to follow.
The gameplay can feel less arcadey and more gimmicky, which may limit long-term engagement.
Certain tables, like Skyrim, may feel cramped or too RPG-heavy for some players.

gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
30%
30%
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of fun and challenging missions, enhanced by unique table designs and mechanics that immerse players in the game worlds. While many appreciate the solid gameplay and engaging presentation, some find certain mechanics overwhelming and feel that the tables can become gimmicky, limiting long-term playability. Overall, the integration of original gameplay systems with traditional pinball elements offers a refreshing experience, though it may not appeal to everyone.
- “Amazing table designs and features, fun, challenging gameplay and missions. The variety in tables is refreshing and feels like you're stepping into each game's world.”
- “Bundling together three tables based on three great games, all complete with great soundtracks and visuals properly licensed from their creators, the Bethesda Pinball Pack is perhaps the best licensed package available in Pinball FX3 to this day. Not just for the content represented, but also because of the great gameplay mechanics and systems being used here to enhance the pinball experience in unique, original ways.”
- “It's to the point that it feels almost different from traditional pinball, but make no mistake, those exclusive mechanics are still driven by the tightly controlled pinball gameplay at the heart of this piece of digital entertainment, and will challenge gamers' reflexes and skills just as well as any other pinball tables available on Switch right now.”
- “The lack of focus on gameplay makes the tables feel too gimmicky to be playable for more than a few sessions.”
- “It's a little overwhelming with some mechanics, and the ball mechanics regarding special modes feel unfair.”
- “On paper, the ideas for how to integrate the best that these three games offered and marry them with the pinball mechanic worked.”
story
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The story aspect of the game is characterized by its complex mission structures that enhance depth and engagement, with players appreciating the immersive worlds of the tables based on Doom, Skyrim, and Fallout 4. While some find the quest navigation challenging, the variety of missions and side quests adds to the overall enjoyment and richness of the gameplay experience.
- “The methods of completing missions can be complicated, but at the same time, that adds to the depth.”
- “The three tables based off Doom, Skyrim, and Fallout 4 are fun arenas to play around in, and the bevy of missions and side quests to complete are enjoyable in their own right.”
- “[amazing table designs and features, fun, challenging gameplay and missions, variety in tables is refreshing, feels like you're stepping into each game's world]”
- “The methods of activating and completing missions can be complicated.”
- “Fallout 4 quests are hard to follow; Skyrim may be too RPG-heavy for some.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the Bethesda Pinball Pack is highly praised for its authentic soundtracks and sound design, effectively capturing the essence of the original games. The varied tables and challenges, along with deep character creation, enhance the overall experience, making it one of the best licensed packages in Pinball FX3.
- “The Bethesda Pinball pack is perhaps the best licensed package available in Pinball FX3 to this day, not just for the content represented, but also because of the great gameplay mechanics and systems being used here to enhance the pinball experience in unique, original ways.”
- “Great sound design and music that captures the look and feel of the games.”
- “Bundling together three tables based on three great games, all complete with great soundtracks and visuals properly licensed from their creators without funky alterations or replacements.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The Bethesda Pinball Pack for Pinball FX3 is praised for its impressive graphics and soundtracks, which are faithfully licensed and enhance the overall gaming experience. Users highlight the combination of great visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics, making it one of the best licensed packages available in the game.
- “The Bethesda Pinball pack is perhaps the best licensed package available in Pinball FX3 to this day, not just for the content represented, but also because of the great gameplay mechanics and systems being used here to enhance the pinball experience in unique, original ways.”
- “The visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that truly bring the game to life.”
- “The graphics are incredibly immersive, making every scene feel alive and engaging.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the tables in Zen Pinball 2 to be visually appealing and challenging, contributing to their high replayability, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
- “Visually pleasing, challenging, and highly replayable, these tables are a perfect addition to your Zen Pinball 2 collection.”