Zen Pinball
- May 14, 2009
- Zen Studios
"Zen Pinball" is an arcade-style pinball simulator with realistic physics, vibrant graphics, and intricate tables. The single-player game boasts masterful music and humor, despite being occasionally buggy and disturbed by ads. Its high replayability makes it a worthwhile download for pinball enthusiasts.
Reviews
- graphics1,518 mentions
- 79 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising their vibrant colors, detailed designs, and smooth animations that enhance the overall pinball experience. However, several users express dissatisfaction with the resolution, noting that graphics can appear pixelated or blurry on larger screens, and some tables suffer from graphical glitches. Overall, while the visuals are often described as stunning and immersive, there is a clear demand for updates and improvements to meet modern standards.
“The graphics are loud, vibrant and packed with an impressive array of bold colors that simply just pop.”
“The graphics are amazing and I love the characters' interactions.”
“The graphics are superb, couldn't be any more pleased...”
“The biggest issue I have is that the graphics aren't HD and look pixelated on larger screens.”
“This game is in serious need of some graphical updates for modern phones; it doesn't even run in fullscreen.”
“The 'enhanced' graphics are so low resolution and grainy that it's incredibly difficult to even tell what is going on.”
- gameplay317 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Zen Pinball is widely praised for its fun mechanics, smooth controls, and immersive graphics, with many players appreciating the variety and creativity of the tables. While some users express frustration over the need to purchase additional tables and occasional gameplay issues, the overall experience is described as addictive and reminiscent of traditional pinball. The game's physics and attention to detail contribute to a highly engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience.
“The mechanics are spot on and the level of detail that goes into each table is outstanding.”
“Each table has a unique gameplay style and side activities that keep me wanting to play this game more and more.”
“Fantastic gameplay, brings back memories of handfuls of quarters at the arcade.”
“Absolutely awful gameplay.”
“The mechanics seem to work well, but the extraneous nonsense makes it almost unplayable.”
“Crashes within 1 minute of gameplay.”
- monetization202 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 61 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the presence of ads even after purchasing tables. While some appreciate the low cost of additional tables and the lack of intrusive ads in certain versions, others feel that the inclusion of ads in paid content is unacceptable and detracts from the overall experience. Overall, players are divided on whether the monetization approach is fair or feels like a cash grab, with a general desire for fewer ads and clearer policies regarding in-app purchases.
“Highly recommend it, especially if you hate ads/forced in-app purchases, and love pinball!”
“For a free pinball game with no in-app purchases necessary to get high scores, this is an amazing game. Props to the developers!”
“Great gameplay, no ads, and reasonable prices for new tables.”
“Paid for a table, but yet still have to watch ads!”
“Bought most of the tables, but ads are unacceptable in paid content.”
“I don't want to see ads in my Zen Pinball games, because I bought the table.”
- story155 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the pinball games is highly praised for its engaging missions, vibrant graphics, and interactive elements that enhance gameplay. Players appreciate the depth of the narratives, particularly in tables like "Epic Quest," which offer a rich variety of challenges and character interactions. However, some users express frustration with technical issues and the clarity of mission objectives, suggesting that improvements could enhance the overall storytelling experience.
“Love the little story and exciting adventure....music good too, goes with everything else”
“Excellent gameplay and story, love it!!!”
“The timing, music, graphics, colors, story... I haven't gotten stuck into a pinball game in so long... talk about bringing it back... I love it.”
“I've only purchased Deadpool so far and it's difficult to get the story going.”
“Some tables are really good while others, like Epic Quest, are just mediocre.”
“I only wish there were an option to flash the missions across the screen, because I lose my ball if I try to look at the small display in the top left corner.”
- stability137 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent freezes and crashes, particularly when launching balls or transitioning between game states. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay without glitches, a significant number have encountered persistent issues that disrupt their experience, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a major concern for a large portion of the user base.
“Graphically amazing intense 3D pinball tables with no glitches, smooth and fluid gameplay on Sony Xperia Z3.”
“Really cool game, no glitches ever, and like 50 awesome tables to choose from at an average of $1.50 a piece.”
“This app looks and runs great on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7".”
“Freezes constantly in the middle of gameplay!”
“Game freezes my phone; very poor job, Zen. Very disappointed.”
“Unfortunately, the game randomly freezes as I'm playing, resulting in the ball going down the hole before I can use the flipper to block it.”
- optimization90 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, particularly on modern devices and screens with 18:9 aspect ratios, leading to overcrowded displays and lag during gameplay. While performance is generally smooth on tablets and certain older devices, many users report that it fails to run well on newer smartphones, resulting in a frustrating experience. Overall, the lack of updates to address these optimization concerns has left many players disappointed.
“Performance is excellent on tablet, great tables to choose from!”
“This app's performance is so smooth, you'd wish all other Android apps ran as well as this one.”
“Although this app is optimized for Tegra 3 devices, it shines equally on the Exynos quad-core in the Note 2.”
“Sadly, it never got optimized for modern devices, so it doesn't utilize the whole screen of my Note 9 or other devices with new or different aspect ratios.”
“This game is outdated and was never optimized for modern Android devices.”
“Seriously needs to be optimized. As soon as more than one thing starts happening, the table lags... piece of crap app.”
- music57 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while many players appreciate the original scores and sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience, some express disappointment over the absence of iconic film music despite having the licensing rights. Users enjoy the unique soundtracks for different tables and find the overall sound design effective, though a few mention issues with music looping and the inability to turn it off. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, but the lack of recognizable film tracks leaves some players wanting more.
“Love the little story and exciting adventure... music good too, goes with everything else.”
“The music scores are great and the gameplay is excellent.”
“Love the background music.”
“For the life of me, I can't find the settings menu to turn off the music!”
“But....if you paid for the license, Zen, why didn't you use the iconic music from the films?”
“Of not then this table falls short; it is great you have the sound bites and the visuals are good, but the lack of the movie music makes the table average.”
- replayability27 mentions
- 74 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, with a wide variety of tables that offer both challenge and depth, making it highly addictive for players. While many users appreciate the smooth gameplay and engaging missions, some note that the individual pricing of tables can be a drawback. Overall, it is regarded as one of the best electronic pinball experiences available, with endless opportunities for high-score chasing and enjoyment.
“Definitely the most replayable app on my tablet.”
“The tables look and feel great, offering a good challenge and plenty of replay value.”
“This game is superbly programmed, great sound and visuals, and awe-inspiring replay value.”
“Great for a quick play but each table also offers a surprising amount of depth and replay value.”
“The other tables are cheap to buy and have lots of replay value.”
“Love this game great graphics hours of gameplay and its pinball so unlimited replay value.”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, featuring a variety of funny tables, with specific mentions of the Deadpool and South Park themes as particularly hilarious. Players appreciate the vibrant colors and engaging voiceovers that enhance the comedic experience, although some express frustration over the cost of additional content. Overall, the humor is a standout aspect that contributes to the game's appeal.
“I have a few of the Marvel ones; Deadpool is hilarious, by the way, and it is amazing.”
“Excellent game, I purchased the South Park tables; they are hilarious.”
“Vibrant colors, great voiceovers (especially Epic Quest is very funny), smooth gameplay, and only $0.99 per additional table/content.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of awe and frustration regarding the emotional experience of the game. While the stunning graphics evoke a sense of nostalgia and immersion akin to playing in a real arcade, issues like lag and lack of competitive features detract from the overall enjoyment and emotional connection.
“I was in awe of how amazing the graphics were, it also made me feel like I was really playing an actual pinball arcade game (maybe not to the extent of feeling the buttons and the shaking and such of an actual table but close enough!).”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its artistic design, music, and immersive physics, contributing to a challenging experience. However, some users noted minor annoyances that slightly detract from the overall ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, with many reviewers rating it exceptionally high.
“Original tables are awesome for their art, music, and atmosphere!”
“Simply amazing: physics, atmosphere, gameplay... 10/5”
“Atmospheric and challenging”
“Minor annoyance for the atmosphere it creates.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, feeling that it lacks purpose and does not justify the need to continually purchase additional items, such as balls.
“I bought the Fallout table, and I see no point in grinding and continuing to buy more balls.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that "Sorcerer's Lair" impressively incorporates character development into its pinball gameplay, showcasing a level of narrative depth that is unexpected for the genre.
“Sorcerer's Lair did something that I didn't think a pinball table was capable of: character development.”
“The way characters evolve throughout the game adds a layer of depth that keeps me engaged.”
“I love how the character arcs are woven into the gameplay, making every choice feel impactful.”
“The character development feels shallow and uninspired, leaving me disconnected from the story.”
“I expected more depth in the characters, but they all seem one-dimensional and forgettable.”
“The lack of meaningful choices in character development makes the gameplay feel linear and unengaging.”