Zen Pinball 2 takes a different approach to the video game interpretation of Pinball. Instead of using already established tables from the retro era, Zen Pinball 2 has completely digitally inspired Pinball tables that function as fantasy boards – my favorites of which are the Darth Vader table and the Plants VS. Zombies table. If you already own a lot of tables from the PlayStation 3 version of the game, you can import your ownership of those tables into the PS4 version – which is nice for people who are already invested in this Pinball experience. As new tables are released for the game, you can indulge yourself in a demo play-through before deciding if you want to skip or purchase them.
In terms of quality of gameplay, the tables in the PS4 version of Zen Pinball are incredibly detailed with main missions, side objectives, and plenty of interesting events / mini-games that can occur when triggered properly by players who have mastered any given table.  The free Sorcerer’s Lair table is also a nice addition for those who don’t own any of the packs yet – and proves to be a fun experience all on its own.
Some of the tables currently available include Star Wars Pinball tables based on Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Starfighter Assault, Darth Vader, Episode V, The Clone Wars, and Boba Fett while there are also Marvel themed tables based on Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man, Blade, and more. Beyond this the Plants VS. Zombies table is unexpected and a nice change of pace for the Pinball genre. The controls are precise and respond immediately and correctly every time, and each table has plenty to do including leader boards with your online friends and foes.
The graphics found in Zen Pinball 2 on the PS4 are very nice to look at and definitely give you a “next-gen feel” when compared with the PS3 version of the game. There’s really nothing to complain about here as the latest anti-aliasing technologies are being put to work on these creative tables. The sound quality of the game is completely professional with voice overs and music as well as sound effects interesting and interactive to what’s going down on-screen. In addition to enhanced graphics, Zen Pinball 2′s PlayStation 4 version also features increased physics simulation giving things a more realistic feel as well as a more fluid and cohesive social network system for staying connected with friends who share your love for the Pinball experience.
The difficulty in this game doesn’t rely on enemies nor artificial intelligence (although there will sometimes be some targets to take out which are represented by cool 3D models as pictured above) so instead of this – improving your skills, mastering the tables, and pushing your luck is the way to go. Pushing forward and getting better at the game isn’t too hard and the fun factor is very good with this title. Players can just boot it up and enjoy anytime without much mental preparation but of course hitting the most high scores are normally going to happen when you’re focused and in the zone. The replay value presented by Zen Pinball 2 is probably infinite, since Pinball just doesn’t seem to get old similar to many other classic games that most of us grew up with. Engine Performance witnessed in this title is also solid, with no glitches whatsoever experienced during our play-through of the game.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion Zen Pinball 2 brings Pinball fans what they ask for – interesting tables full of mysteries to master and precise controls that leave chance almost out of the equation. Graphically the game looks great – there’s not much to complain about in the gameplay department either. The fact that players get to demo tables before deciding to buy or not is great, and online functions like leader boards help extend the replay value of this title beyond the base fun factor which all well-done Pinball titles hold. Overall Zen Pinball 2 on PS4 gets an 8 out of 10 from RealGamerNewz making it a Silver RGN Game.
Overall Score: 8 / 10
RGN Rating: Silver Game
Developer: Zen Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Available On: PS4 | PS3 | Vita | Wii U
Played On: Sony PlayStation 4
Review Copy Info: A digital copy of this game was provided to RealGamerNewz by the developer for the purpose of this Review.