Pinball Wicked
- October 12, 2017
- Formslingers
Get on Steam"Pinball Wicked" is a virtual pinball simulation featuring advanced physics and mechanics on the Unreal Engine 4. The game includes the table "Black Flaggers," where players embark on a pirate adventure with toys, characters, and a lush environment. Additional tables will be available as DLC during Early Access.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features stunning graphics and excellent sound design, creating an immersive pirate-themed experience.
- Gameplay is enjoyable with great physics, interesting modes, and good replay value, making it a solid choice for pinball enthusiasts.
- The table is well-designed for various play styles, including cabinet and portrait modes, enhancing accessibility for different setups.
- The game lacks clear instructions and has been criticized for its confusing user interface, making it difficult for new players to understand gameplay mechanics.
- There is only one table available, which some players find limiting, especially given the price compared to other pinball games that offer more variety.
- The physics of the game have been described as inconsistent, with issues such as the ball feeling too light and flippers lacking responsiveness.
- graphics84 mentions
- 79 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, with many users praising the stunning visuals, intricate artwork, and impressive animations that enhance the overall pinball experience. The use of advanced graphics technology, such as Unreal Engine, contributes to high graphical fidelity and detail, although some players note that it may require a powerful GPU for optimal performance. Overall, the combination of beautiful graphics, engaging sound design, and solid gameplay mechanics makes it a standout title in the pinball genre.
“This is an excellent first table - deep, well designed, with amazing graphics for a pinball game.”
“The graphics are incredible and the Unreal Engine really allows for all the extra detail.”
“It delivers a great pinball experience with stunning visuals.”
“Eye-bleeding visuals.”
“The installed version of the NVIDIA graphics driver has known issues.”
“It isn't as efficiently coded as Zen Pinball, but the graphics and playfield look slightly better too - so you will need a beefier GPU for max settings.”
- music44 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its immersive quality and thematic integration, particularly the pirate-inspired soundtrack that evokes strong cinematic vibes. Reviewers highlight the effort put into the soundtrack, noting its excitement and charm, although some suggest improvements in bass impact and volume balance with sound effects. Overall, the music significantly enhances the gameplay experience, making it one of the standout features of the pinball table.
“It is the best soundtrack I've ever heard for any pinball table.”
“The pirate theme is beautiful with lots of charm and atmosphere, and I love the soundtrack.”
“Really good integration of orchestral background music with gameplay.”
“Some unsuitable mission music.”
“All sounds and the music could use a little more impactful bass.”
“Some mechanical sound effects could do with being a bit louder though as they tend to get drowned out by the music and other sound effects.”
- gameplay30 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by unique physics that make it feel more like launching cannonballs than traditional pinballs, resulting in a challenging experience for players. While the mechanics are generally responsive and enjoyable, some users noted the need for fine-tuning and adjustments to enhance the overall experience. The integration of visuals, music, and sound effects is praised, although some sound elements could be improved for better balance.
“Other than its peculiar gameplay for a video pinball table, this is one exciting experience for anyone that's into pinball and/or the theme of the table itself, which is excellent with great visuals, music, and sound effects.”
“Gameplay wise... 100% responsive, the way it needs to be.”
“Awesome gameplay, great graphical design, and a Hans Zimmer-like score! I love it!!!”
“It feels more akin to launching cannonballs than pinballs, so the whole gameplay is dictated around these peculiar physics which make accurate shots harder than on a regular table.”
“The walking figurines look great, but for fairness and the sake of the gameplay, I'd like to see them removed.”
“Solid gameplay which could use a couple of fine tunings, but this was a lot of fun to play.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the pinball machine is highly praised for its unique and charming pirate theme, enhanced by an orchestral soundtrack that adds depth and immersion. Reviewers appreciate the variety of atmospheres presented within a single table, contributing to a captivating gaming experience.
“The pirate theme is beautiful with lots of charm and atmosphere, and I love the soundtrack.”
“More orchestral, and more atmospheric.”
“A single table with many atmospheres; this pinball machine is unique.”
“More pirate atmosphere.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, with users finding it enjoyable enough to return to frequently. However, some reviewers express a preference for a single exceptional table over multiple average ones, highlighting that lasting appeal can stem from quality rather than quantity.
“Enjoyable table, with great replay value.”
“However, I strongly prefer one excellent table over five average ones. I remember 'Timeshock' being released in 1997 and it was, if I recall correctly, around 50 bucks. Even today, 20 years later, I play it once in a while, so much for replay value.”
“Enjoyable table, with great replay value.”
“I strongly prefer one excellent table over five average ones. I remember 'Timeshock' being released in 1997 and it was, if I recall correctly, around 50 bucks. Even today, 20 years later, I play it once in a while, so much for replay value.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with users reporting stuttering issues likely related to garbage collection, despite the impressive graphics. Many players note that, similar to other third-party Unreal Engine 4 titles, it can be a significant performance hog.
“I'm having stuttering issues, which I would attribute to some kind of garbage collection.”
“Spectacular graphics, but like many third-party UE4 games, it's quite a performance hog.”
- stability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a high level of stability in the game, noting the absence of glitches or bugs during gameplay. The realistic physics and fair mechanics contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience.
“I've played for an hour and there were no glitches or bugs. This is one of the most realistic, lifelike physics-based pinball games on Steam, and the game is very fair with plenty of multi-balls.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its entertaining and funny creatures, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. However, some players expressed frustration with the screen cut-off when interacting with certain elements, which detracted from the comedic timing. Despite this, the game is still considered worth playing for its humor.
“Very entertaining! The funny creatures really add to the experience. I had a lot of fun with it; it's definitely worth getting.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is marred by the presence of unsuitable mission music, which detracts from the overall narrative experience.
