ZEN Pinball 3D

 3DS
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Quarter to Three
    Jan 12, 2012
    100
    Zen Pinball 3D is no quick n' dirty port. It's a lovely new way to enjoy Zen Pinball on the go.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Jan 23, 2012
    90
    Zen Pinball 3D is a polished experience that will please pinball and video game fans alike. Despite its conservative take on pinball, as compared to games like Devil's Crush, it still offers an enjoyable experience that is worth any 3DS owner's time.
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Dec 20, 2011
    88
    There are so many nooks and crannies for your ball to explore and you get awards for hitting certain areas and fulfilling tasks.
  5. Nintendo Gamer
    Jan 23, 2012
    84
    Fans have been ill-served on the pinball front for too long now, but this is a giant nudge in the right direction. [Jan 2012, p.122]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Cubed3
    Mar 27, 2012
    80
    Zen Pinball 3D is a pretty fantastic representation of modern video pinball, and it's certainly something that fills a noticeable gap in the 3DS library at the moment.
  7. DailyGame
    Jan 17, 2012
    80
    A nice way to take your Zen Pinball on the go. Local Hotseat lets you take the arcade with you, and integrated leaderboards are a nice touch to keep tabs on all your friends.
  8. GamesRadar+
    Jan 12, 2012
    80
    Like ZEN Studios' previous offerings, Zen Pinball 3D reproduces the best aspects of pinball beautifully, and the 3D truly adds to the enjoyment and gets you that much closer to feeling like you're playing real pinball.
  9. Modojo
    Jan 9, 2012
    80
    Zen Pinball 3D may not have the eye candy of its big brothers, but it's without question one of the best games on the eShop.
  10. Nintendo Life
    Dec 5, 2011
    80
    Zen Pinball 3D is an excellent representation of pinball, with the attractive stereoscopic visuals adding an extra sense of immersion.
  11. Game Informer
    Jan 23, 2012
    78
    I didn't think pinball would work on such a small screen, but I was proven wrong by Zen Pinball 3D. The biggest drawback is the age of the tables, but the core mechanics provide fun and addictive pinball on the go.
  12. GameFocus
    Feb 10, 2012
    75
    The seven dollar entry fee nets you four tables that have plenty to offer portable Wizards-in-training. Most impressively was how many of the online features from its console brethren made the jump over.
  13. Gaming Nexus
    Jan 17, 2012
    75
    While not a high water mark for pinball games, Zen Pinball 3D delivers on every one of its promises. This seven dollar 3DS game features four exciting stages, online leaderboards and an achievement system that will keep you coming back for more.
  14. IGN
    Jan 12, 2012
    75
    It's an accurate and impressive pinball simulator that controls well and has some great 3D visuals. If you have any interest in pinball the way it was originally meant to be played, or are looking to get into the pastime, Zen Pinball 3D should be right up your alley.
  15. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jan 16, 2012
    70
    Zen Studios knows video game pinball and this release is no exception, though a few rough edges go a long way to dull the shine of the steel.
  16. D+PAD Magazine
    Dec 6, 2011
    70
    Overall, Zen Pinball 3D is a successful entry-level debut for the series on the 3DS. It contains few surprises and the re-use of old assets is disappointing, but such is the quality of the experience that these are easier to overlook.
  17. SpazioGames
    Feb 7, 2012
    65
    Zen Pinball 3D is not a great game and, despite its good graphic, it will not keep you engaged too much unless you love records and rankings.
  18. Game Chronicles
    Jan 11, 2012
    60
    Zen Pinball 3D is a tough game to recommend. For $7 you're going to get four tables that most franchise fans already own and have played to death. It would have been nice to have at least one 3DS-exclusive table to sweeten the pot, and I'm guessing that with dozens of other existing console tables ready to be ported there is no incentive to make anything original for the handheld at this time.
  19. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 19, 2011
    60
    Zen Pinball 3D offers four tables to be played : Excalibur, El Dorado, Earth Defense! and Shaman. Too bad those aren't new from the XBLA and PSN versions, and that the comfort of the 3DS screen isn't really one that suits certain camera angles. But the game still remains a good flipper title, with fair visuals, and once its 3D has been tamed, it's a good companion for nomad players who love to get extra balls.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best 3DS Game of 2012
44
#44 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
42
#42 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
  1. IrishChai
    Jul 18, 2012
    9
    I'm really happy with the gameplay for the price of this title. I used to be a big pinball arcade fan back in the day when they were stillI'm really happy with the gameplay for the price of this title. I used to be a big pinball arcade fan back in the day when they were still popular. I've also followed the growing genre of video game pinball ever since 3D pinball came with Microsoft Plus! 95 for Windows. Zen Studios is definitely one of the best at creating these fun virtual pinball machines and I am looking forward to their future releases. I highly recommend this if pinball is one of your favorites. My nephew on the other hand isn't much of a pinball fan and this didn't change his mind about it. So I recommend to just try a demo or read more about it before purchase if you're not a big fan of pinball in general.… Full Review »
  2. captainxplode
    Feb 8, 2012
    8
    I have never been a pinball fan, but this game is addictive. I think its the best game in the e shop. Pinball work great in 3d. The onlyI have never been a pinball fan, but this game is addictive. I think its the best game in the e shop. Pinball work great in 3d. The only two flaws I saw were 1) only four tables, and 2) pinball is confusing (maybe just because Im new to it) and the scoring is weird and seems to be more about luck. Still, its a fairly fun, very addictive game that works well on the 3ds.… Full Review »
  3. Fergster73
    Jan 25, 2012
    10
    Awesomely addictive game; easily my favourite eShop download so far. All the tables are fun and the challenge to beat your previous highAwesomely addictive game; easily my favourite eShop download so far. All the tables are fun and the challenge to beat your previous high scores makes for excellent re-playability. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
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