Pinball FX 2: Marvel Pinball Review

Yet, Marvel Pinball‘s abilities reach beyond the mere inclusion of famous comic characters. Each thoroughly crafted table presents a shifting array of scoring opportunities which depict the struggle between stalwart hero and a faction of arch-enemies. After the Green Goblin throws a pumpkin bomb onto the playfield, players are tasked with using their ball to bump the timed explosive, then sending the volatile orange orb back to its maker for a robust payoff. Likewise, Mysterio’s poison gas attack has the ability to swap flipper control, instigating brief episodes of player anxiety. Arguably, Marvel Pinball’s most alluring facet is the sense of competition fostered by its robust social features, where players are continually goaded to surpass their friend’s  scores.

Each of Marvel’s four tables- Spiderman, Iron-Man, Wolverine and Blade attempt to evoke the abilities of their namesake. From twisting railways which recall the looping gymnastics of the famous web-slinger to Eric Brooks’ nocturnal mode, that presents  a darkened playfield highlighted by florescent objects. Each is outfitted with animated figures of hero and villains, who occasionally clash when players hit specific targets. The sole shortcoming is Wolverine’s virtual machine, which feels a bit smaller than the rest of the pack, due to a number of bulky features at the top of the table.

Now in its second main iteration, Pinball FX 2‘s physics engine offers a realistic recreation of a real-world table with solid ball weight and the proper amount of elasticity emitted from table objects. Unlike actual coin-operated machines which often have a six-and a half degree incline, each table’s slant seems softened, allowing for longer play sessions. Visually, each machine offers vibrant playfields filled with well-drawn characters and creatively fashioned features. One impressive feature is the animated LCD displays which simulate the screen found in modern-era machines. For Xbox owners, all four tables supplement the free download of the Pinball FX 2 platform, while Marvel Pinball is a standalone title for Sony’s console. Considering the amount of entertainment value across the four tables, the package is well worth its ten dollar price. Even if players are indifferent about the license, they’ll still enjoy the titles well-engineered tables.

 
As gamers shoot the silver sphere around each playfield, they’ll receive constant updates on their progress. Here’s the player competes against the highest score for each table, as well as the best weekly score, motivating regular play sessions. Participants can also complete in periodic tournaments  as well as initiate a split screen, or online multiplayer match were hosts can customize the win condition for each table.

Superhero-themed games are often be a mixed bag, with a range that stretches from the Sega’s woeful Iron Man interpretations to the accomplished Batman: Arkham Asylum. Skillfully, Pinball FX 2: Marvel Pinball‘s licensing elevates an already proficient pinball engine, forging a quartet of tables which any pinhead is certain to enjoy. Hopefully, the alliance between the comic publisher and developer grows, because I’d love to see some Captain America, Hulk, and Thor tables.