Since ZEN Pinball’s release for PSN, we’ve experienced very detailed pinball machine simulators thanks to the developer, Zen Studio. The tables that came with ZEN Pinball were very enjoyable, and showed us great possibilities for upcoming DLC tables. And truthfully, DLC tables were very creative, showing off its own colors. Yes, they were both from an already-popular franchise, but habitrail designs from the Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 table was an unexpected surprise we’ve all enjoyed.
So, the latest addition, Earth Defense, is here. And unlike the previous DLC tables, Earth Defense is an IP that Zen Studio came up with. Well, at least it was a spanking-new IP until they released the table for Pinball FX for Xbox360. So for ZEN Pinball fans, this would be more like a remake or “ported” version of an old Xbox360 version. Honestly, I haven’t played the Pinball FX version so I couldn’t directly compare the tables. I’ll just spill out what I learned so far about this latest DLC for ZEN Pinball.
A western modern comic style..
So, does the new pinball machine bring anything new to the table? With our experience, we will go with “probably not.” Oh, is it a bad thing then, you ask? Again, “probably not.” We’ll explain a bit more about this new table, then will let you decide.
Despite modern creativity or challenges that we’ve seen with the basic/DLC tables from ZEN Pinball, Earth Defense feels like a classic arcade pinball game with a ZEN Pinball touch. So, if you’re expecting another original pinball machine, you might not be too impressed. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad table; it’s got all the great ZEN Pinball features like detailed visuals and awesome physics engines.
Every little details included, of course.
In other words, if you’re a ZEN Pinball fanatic, you’ll most likely enjoy the new table. And if you do like the classic arcade pinball experience, you’ll enjoy this DLC way more than some of us.
Classic doesn't mean outdated visuals.
It’s hard to be conclusive with the contents, especially when it’s not technical issues, but rather a matter of taste. But if you ask us if the Earth Defense has all the high-standard features of ZEN Pinball, we can safely give you a “yes!” without hesitation. With cool puzzles, cheesy-yet-fun voice acting, Earth Defense will keep you busy for awhile just like any other ZEN Pinball table. We’re just not sure if you’ll play this over other excellent tables out there. Classic arcade pinball fans will love it though.
