Pinball FX2 VR

While PlayStation VR owners should already be used to the premium entry fee many titles charge, your initial reaction to the cost of Pinball FX2 VR is unlikely to be positive – especially if you've already invested in the same tables for Zen Pinball 2. Despite all this, though, if you've ever found enjoyment at the apron of a virtual pinball machine this really is the definitive experience, and while the occasionally distracting presentation – a hallmark of Zen Studios – has been heightened in VR, you'll still find yourself flipping out over the just how easily you'll lose yourself chasing that elusive high score.

71%Game Brain Score

graphics, gameplay

stability, music

86% User Score Based on 494 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

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About

"Pinball FX2 VR" is a virtual reality pinball game that offers advanced physics, detailed 3D graphics, and original tables from Zen Studios. The game includes three tables with additional ones available as DLC, and features global scoreboards to compete with other players. It aims to replicate the atmosphere of real-life pinball machines while providing unique gameplay features only possible in a virtual environment.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 496 reviews

graphics34 positive mentions

stability12 negative mentions

Great mechanics and smooth performance with interesting graphics that enhance the VR experience.
The game provides an immersive pinball experience, making players feel like they are at a real table, with engaging animations and environments.
Each table is unique and offers different gameplay experiences, making it enjoyable and addictive.

Limited selection of tables in the base game, with only three available, and expensive DLCs for additional tables.
Some users experience crashes and bugs, particularly when selecting tables or using certain VR controllers.
The game's lobby feels empty and lacks a more engaging environment, which detracts from the overall experience.

graphics
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
42%
6%
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their stunning quality and immersive VR experience, with many users noting impressive lighting and detailed environments that enhance gameplay. While most players report smooth performance on high-end systems, some experience occasional stutters, particularly on lower-spec setups, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the visuals are considered a significant highlight, contributing to a realistic and engaging pinball experience.
- “Playing with Quest Link, the game has beautiful graphics and runs very smoothly, with just a few very infrequent stutters.”
- “I run a 3070 Ti, i9 10850K, 32 GB RAM and a Vive Cosmos Elite with the lens mod, and the graphics are stunning!”
- “Bought all tables, graphics are incredible, the views in VR are breathtaking, and it works very smoothly on an i7 8700K at 4.8 GHz with 32 GB of RAM and a 1080 Ti.”
- “The graphics quality in VR is really, really bad.”
- “However, the game stutters a bit and it seems to be due to the graphics handling, and that's quite annoying.”
- “I tried lowering the graphics settings to the absolute minimum, and while this made the game look substantially worse, the performance remained the same.”
gameplay
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
75%
7%
The gameplay is highly praised for its realistic mechanics and smooth performance, particularly in VR, where players can physically interact with the tables. With a variety of boards that offer distinct designs and experiences, the game remains engaging and non-repetitive, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned players. The intuitive controls and accurate physics enhance the overall experience, although some users express concerns about the pricing model and occasional distractions from overly flashy graphics.
- “If you're into the realistic, real-world modeled pinball mechanics and look/feel, you simply won't find something closer to reality than this in VR.”
- “The physics are extremely accurate and the gameplay is very in-depth.”
- “And the extra dynamic level of gameplay that VR adds in being able to physically look around the table takes pinball games to a whole new level.”
- “The framerate works pretty well on the minimum specs for VR, so you can play just fine mechanics-wise, but the graphics detail on the table will be reduced to possible distraction.”
- “Just like old school pinball, we took turns trying to get a high score while figuring out the actual gameplay of the board. It's difficult to read the digital pinball scoreboard while playing to maximize scoring without losing the ball.”
- “I do wish Zen Studios would be a bit less... rip-off-ey in their pricing model, but pinball people are a rare breed and Zen Studios are the only group doing the actual gameplay correctly.”
story
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
50%
7%
The game's story is centered around well-crafted pinball tables that feature engaging missions and characters, enhancing the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the narrative elements, particularly in the "epic quest" table, which encourages them to complete objectives and climb leaderboards. Overall, the story adds depth to the gameplay, making it more enjoyable and immersive.
- “The quest table has a character in the table that rides along, swings a sword, and recreates what is happening on the table.”
- “And still TPA has nothing but a bad mockery of the potential VR has. It looks like TPA drained the ball on this one. Hopefully, you guys get something done over there because the PS4 Stern app plays like a crappy Android port, and as one of your biggest fans, I can't imagine anyone else is exactly happy with your lackluster efforts. VR should have been top priority if you guys were actually going to be true to your mission statement!”
- “Of course, but keep in mind about the story mode and the free monthly play of 3 tables plus the free preview of all the tables.”
- “I hadn't realized just how well-crafted pinball tables were, with aims and missions.”
optimization
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with some players reporting smooth performance and a variety of settings to customize their experience, while others have encountered significant issues, particularly on the Oculus Rift. Notably, certain tables exhibit performance problems even on high-end hardware, and there are complaints about the game's height settings affecting comfort. Overall, while the mechanics and graphics are praised, many agree that further optimization is needed.
- “Great mechanics, runs smoothly with interesting graphics.”
- “I had no issues at all and there are plenty of options to tailor the game to your machine's specifications. I have heard people bemoaning the performance, but as I say, it worked great for me and since this is my review… no performance issues.”
- “There are a good selection of comfort and performance settings to choose from.”
- “The only reason I cannot recommend this game is due to the lack of optimization for Oculus Rift.”
- “The problem is that two of the tables that come out of the box are exhibiting performance issues on an overclocked 980 Ti paired with a 4.6GHz 980X.”
- “I tried lowering the graphics settings to the absolute minimum, and while this made the game look substantially worse, the performance remained the same.”
stability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Overall, users report mixed experiences regarding stability. While the game runs well on capable hardware and offers adjustable resolution settings, some players encounter bugs, particularly in the main menu and when using certain features like stereoscopic 3D, which can lead to system issues requiring driver reinstallation. Additionally, minor glitches have been noted during gameplay, but many players have not experienced significant stability problems.
- “Runs great, it has an in-game resolution setting (un-quantified 'very low' through 'very high'), and a GTX 970 can run it at recommended resolution and 4x AA without reprojection.”
- “Even raw data runs great, and looks much, much better.”
- “So I don't know if my game is glitched, but when I'm in the main menu, the game feels very buggy.”
- “The latest NVIDIA 378.92 driver still seems kind of buggy, because if I click to enable stereoscopic 3D (for playing ordinary Pinball FX2 in 3D vision, which is awesome too), the entire system works fine only until the next reboot, at which point nothing works until I reinstall the NVIDIA driver again.”
- “Cons: there are a few glitches I noticed in the Vive, for example when I pressed the home button on the controller in the middle of a game, the game paused, but I could not figure out how to unpause it.”
music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players find it phenomenal and fitting as background filler, others criticize it for being generic and lacking licensed tracks. Notably, the DLC tables have been highlighted for their content, though they too suffer from a lack of memorable music. Overall, while the sound design enhances the experience, expectations for iconic music are not met.
- “The music and sound is really phenomenal.”
- “You get the music and do a virtual version of that; I'd pay AAA title price for that alone in VR by you guys!”
- “The DLC tables season 1 are great, although some of the proprietary content is lacking in terms of music.”
- “Don't expect any classic tables like Metallica (or any music related), RollerCoaster Tycoon, etc.”
- “My only complaint is the music sounds awfully generic, but if you turn it down to just one notch in the settings, it's way better as just background filler for when the table is quiet.”
atmosphere
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
17%
The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its immersive sound effects and dynamic animations that change with each table, enhancing the overall experience. While some players find the animated backgrounds potentially distracting, many appreciate how they contribute to a more engaging and complex environment. However, the lack of an option to disable these animations may hinder performance for some users.
- “Great sound and atmosphere with effects that trigger based on events within the table.”
- “I like how the whole atmosphere changes for each table.”
- “The table is more complex and the atmosphere is a lot more engaging.”
replayability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Overall, the game offers a decent level of replayability, particularly with its DLC content featuring licensed themes that enhance the experience. However, some players feel that the replay value may be limited due to the nature of pinball gameplay, suggesting that while it can be fun, it may not hold long-term appeal for everyone.
- “Lots of fun and replayability.”
- “The DLC can seem a bit expensive, but it adds to the replay value.”
- “The DLC can seem a bit expensive, but it is the license fees to Universal or The Walking Dead that bulk up the price, which affects replay value.”
- “I can't wait for more of the Zen tables to be playable.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the removal of the tedious menu for selecting slots for machines, which streamlines the grinding process, although the option to use the menu remains. However, some still find the need to swap out machines to be cumbersome.
- “And so tedious to have to swap them out.”
- “You don't have to do the tedious menu to pick slots for machines anymore (though it is still an option).”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a cash grab, particularly targeting VR headset users, with complaints about having to pay for DLC that players already own from the pancake version. Many users express frustration over feeling ripped off and anticipate a significant number of refund requests.
- “This game feels like a rip-off, cashing in on VR headset users with a half-hearted cash grab. Oh wait, there's DLC you already own in the pancake version. You'll have to pay for it twice and you'll get half of what the pancake version offers. I hope this company has to issue many refunds.”
- “The monetization strategy is frustrating, as it seems designed to exploit players rather than enhance the experience. Paying for content that should have been included is disappointing.”
- “I feel like I'm being taken advantage of with the monetization in this game. It seems like a blatant cash grab, and it's hard to enjoy the game when it feels like I'm constantly being asked to spend more money.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing effects and reactions, such as a sheep's antics and a character laughing at the player's mistakes, which add a lighthearted touch despite occasionally causing frustration. Overall, the comedic elements enhance the gaming experience, making it entertaining and engaging.
- “The effects around (and in some cases in) the table are funny and great! (Aaah, there goes another sheep! And that girl rolling over with laughter when I lost my ball due to not paying attention) although at first they made me lose my ball several times.”