Here we are again, with yet another DLC from Zen Studios: Mars Table for ZEN Pinball. This marks Zen Studio’s 5th DLC for their incredible Pinball simulator, and they have been doing a great job bringing in quality table after quality table. So how does this one fair? Let’s find out.
First and foremost, as expected from any new DLC table from Zen Studios, it looks very pretty. However, unlike previous tables, this one is not as ostensibly impressive. Looking at the Excalibur table, or the Earth Defense table, all the cool little mini games and missions are already present on the table, giving the table a very impressive initial look. However, the Mars table is a little different. Many of the mission animation is “flown in” to the table. For example, when you activate the spaceship mission, a shuttle flies in and lands on the table, or when activating the satellite mission, a space satellite hovers over your table. There is definitely more than meets the eye with this table. On a side note, my two favorite icons/animation are the cool holographic icons as targets for some of the missions, and a sweet robotic space spider that acts as the ball saver and kickbacks. Martian robotic space spider: sweet.
So how does the actual table play? I couldn’t help but feel that this table was beginner friendly. It usually takes me at least a good 3 or 4 tries just to even activate and understand a mission, let alone finish it. But with this table, I was able to complete my first mission on the second try. Of course, I’m not expert pin baller, but I felt that this table definitely had enough going on to keep you coming back. I’m not going to get into all the details of the available missions and mini games, one because I haven’t spent enough time to experience them, and two, you can always look at the Rule Sheet.
All in all, I thought this table was rather excellent. It’s got a good mix of beginner friendliness and challenge. And all of the animation associated with the different missions (at least the ones that I was able to achieve) were just really entertaining. Another great table and another rewarding purchase from Zen Studios! The Mars Table is available on the PSN for $2.49.
Our Score: 8.5 /10
A well balanced table filled with surprises.
