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Pinball FX

EMAIL PRINTxbox360

7.2 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 21 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 8 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Zen Studios

Developer: Zen Studios

Genre(s): Pinball

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: April 25, 2007

Summary

[Xbox Live Arcade] Pinball FX combines the arcade thrills of traditional pinball with enhanced gameplay and innovative features not found in any other pinball game. Gamers may control the flippers with their hand or arm motions using the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or simply use the standard Xbox 360 controller. Real-time head-to-head mode for online multiplayer competition for up to 4 players. Three vibrant, 3D pinball tables. Tables start out simple, but new challenges open up as a player’s skill advances. Gesture based controls and live chat via the Xbox 360 LIVE Vision Camera. Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points. [Zen Studios]

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Console Monster

With great graphics this fun and addictive game will provide hours of gameplay for any pinball fan and is definitely worth a purchase.

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Team Xbox

I really enjoyed the time I spent with Pinball FX, because it does have a similar feel to other real tables.

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DailyGame

The amount you'll pay for this game is less than you'd pay playing multiple pinball tables in an arcade, so ignore the botched Vision Camera functions and just focus on the fun. There's plenty of it to be found in Pinball FX.

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Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

It's a great addition to XBLA and one that stands out amongst the crowd thanks to a level of quality that would support a full price game in itself.

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GamePro

Thankfully, one of the earlier problems with the game - the lack of tables - has been somewhat resolved with the release of two new tables since Pinball FX came out several months ago, though players will undoubtedly take issue with the rather tardy release of new tables.

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Gamers' Temple

Pinball FX does a good enough job of recreating the game of pinball to warrant a look by fans of the silver ball who wouldn't mind occasionally saving themselves from a trip to their local bowling alley.

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Game Chronicles

I really enjoyed Pinball FX. Granted, pinball is fairly simple and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s great for a quick break from the normal game routine.

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Planet Xbox 360

Pinball FX allows for camera owners to play by motioning with their hands, rather than using a controller. This is a novelty, and likely to get tiresome quickly, but Xbox Live keeps separate leaderboards for gamers using cameras.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

A great pinball sim let down by limited tables. [June 2007, p.97]

GameZone

The lights and sounds of the Buccaneer table are entertaining and the game physics are solid.

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Talk Xbox

Even with all its flaws, Pinball FX is a fun, lighthearted game. If this title were offered with more tables and better camera angles, it’d probably be one of my favorites.

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Eurogamer

A fantastic virtual pinball engine, the practical application of which is slightly hamstrung by the restrictions of the (old) Live Arcade regulations and by the shape of modern TV sets.

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Games Radar (in-house)

We could do without the mode in which you use your arms and the camera to control the game, but the four-player online version that finds you racing friends to attain a certain score is an interesting option that is simply not possible on real-world tables.

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Game Almighty

If this title was offered up at a lower price or with more tables, it might be one of our favorite arcade games. As it stands, Pinball FX shook us a little bit, but not enough to TILT.

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Official Xbox Magazine

Every arcade needs a good pinball game, and Pinball FX fills and obvious hole in Live Arcade. We just wish our 10 bucks got us more variety. [May 2007, p.79]

GameSpot

All the pieces are in place, but unfortunately, this Xbox Live Arcade game's most prominent components are its shoddy ball movement and lackluster table design.

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IGN

If you're a pinball nut (or perhaps it's better if you're not), Pinball FX might tickle your fancy. There's just not enough here to merit the cost.

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Xboxic

The Xbox Live Vision mode isn’t anything special and the time the developers spent on that would’ve better been invested in more tables. The Multiplayer features don’t do Xbox Live any justice due to the lack of exciting game modes.

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Extreme Gamer

Hopefully in the future they will add more tables to add into the mix, and more importantly make them free.

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NTSC-uk

Although the draw of online leaderboards and achievements is compelling, unfortunately for Pinball FX, the table designs all feel a little mediocre and lack the features of truly great pinball tables like The Addams Family and Star Trek TNG; maybe the future downloadable content will be better. That said, it is a solid pinball simulation that portrays the ball physics with some degree of finesse, and so it's definitely worth checking out the trial game at least.

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X360 Magazine UK

The total of three available tables is just a shade below acceptable. [Issue #22, p.114]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.2 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

mr bongobongobongo gave it a9:
Fantastic game, great tables. I love it and am only deducting 1 in the rating because they don't say anything about future new tables on their website.

Culturedropout gave it a9:
I've played a _lot_ of pinball in my life (starting with the machines that used relay-logic instead of electronics, if that tells you anything) and this is one of the best "virtual" pinball games I've ever played. The physics are as close to perfect as I've seen, and the sounds and use of the controller vibration make it easy to forget you're not play a real pinball. Along with some of the others who have posted, I'd like to see more tables offered for it. The reason I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 is that all three tables seem to be kind of "dead"; i.e. there's a big area in the middle of the playfield where nothing much happens, and which is surrounded mostly by fairly non-responsive targets. How about some drop-targets, or maybe electromagnets under the playfield - something like that? Great job overall, though. Well worth the money.

Ryan P. gave it a9:
Great game for a great price. I cannot wait to see what they have for downloadable tables.

Bryan M. gave it an8:
Not bad price. it is very fun you can play the ganster table and more. If you like pinball get this game.

Nick G. gave it an8:
You have three playable pinball tables, only two of which are fun. The game really needs more tables. A lot of fun when you play against others. Suprisingly deep, as I was still discovering new things after days of playing.

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