Pinball FX3
System: Switch (Tested) Buy it from: Online Buy it for: Free (with in-app purchases)
Pinball games come in two distinct forms nowadays. Releases like
Pinball Arcade tend to recreate faithful interpretations of classic tables, while companies like Zen Studios tend to simply make pinball tables in videogame form, delivering all sorts of cool features that wouldn’t always be possible on a traditional table. We’re covering both this issue, but the latest offering from Zen Studios is easily our favourite and we’ve spent lots of time over the Christmas break racking up silly scores on it.
As with its counterpart, Stern Pinball Arcade, you’re effectively getting the game for free with the option of buying additional tables (although Stern Pinball Arcade, thankfully, also features a physical version with all the current tables on it). FX3 comes with the enjoyable table Sorcerer’s Lair, with additional tables available separately or bundled, with prices ranging from £2.69-£17.99 (for nine tables). It’s a good approach, allowing you to simply invest in the tables that appeal to you and the
30 that are currently available range from licensed tables, including American Dad and Jaws to Zen Studio’s own creations.
What makes Pinball FX3 stand apart from its competitors is the excellent presentation and the sheer amount of online interactivity that it offers. There are always scores to beat, challenges to chase and a new built-in progression table that rewards you with skins, as well as new upgrades, including the ability to rewind tables as you earn experience. Each table typically has its own unique challenges, while it’s also possible to take part in multiplayer options like Hot Seat mode (where players simply pass the Switch around locally). There’s also the option to play the game holding the Switch vertically, which really shows off the intricacy of each table and touch screen support is also included. This is quite simply the best pinball experience currently available on Nintendo’s console.