Pinball FX 2

 PC
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. COGconnected
    May 29, 2013
    90
    Pinball FX 2 is definitely a PC game that should be experienced by all gamers out there, from the hardcore pinball fanatic to the casual pinball player alike.
  2. Gaming Nexus
    May 10, 2013
    88
    It has taken them a while, but Pinball FX2 has finally hitting the PC in full force. This is a great port that features a vastly improved interface and some great community features that should create quite a competitive community on the PC platform. If only I didn’t have to buy all my tables over again.
  3. Hooked Gamers
    May 21, 2013
    86
    Pinball FX2 is just good fun if you fancy a quick game of pinball. The ball physics are great, the visuals are top notch and, barring some dodgy voice acting here and there, the audio adds to the experience too.
  5. ZTGD
    May 27, 2013
    85
    Even for a relative pinball novice like me, Pinball FX2 has a lot to offer. The feel of real pinball is here, in a game that takes full advantage of its freedom from physical restraints.
  6. PC Gamer
    Aug 16, 2013
    83
    Pinball FX2 is still pinball, and pinball is still best played on a real pinball table. But this is so good that it takes an extremely close second place. [Oct 2013, p.75]
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  7. Eurogamer Sweden
    May 28, 2013
    80
    This PC version of Pinball FX 2 is just as great as the others. Its still one of the best digital pinball games out there with superb physics, great table design and good multiplayer features.
  8. Quarter to Three
    May 12, 2013
    80
    Suffice to say if you’re going to virtually pinball on the PC, this is the way to do it.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PC Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 87
  3. Negative: 12 out of 87
  1. stranglehold
    Jun 8, 2013
    9
    With over 23 tables to choose from, including table themes based on Star Wars, Marvel and more!
    If you enjoy pinball, downloading Pinball FX    With over 23 tables to choose from, including table themes based on Star Wars, Marvel and more!
    If you enjoy pinball, downloading Pinball FX 2 is a no-brainer.    … Full Review »
  2. techparadox
    May 24, 2013
    9
    The PC port of one of the best pinball games on consoles is finally available! Lots of variety in the tables that are available. ExcellentThe PC port of one of the best pinball games on consoles is finally available! Lots of variety in the tables that are available. Excellent physics. Some of the voice acting is a bit corny, but it doesn't detract from the game too badly. Would have liked to have seen more tables available at release (as the game is basically "pay for the pack of tables you want") but they give you a "try before you buy" option for every table and more are on the way. Definitely worth picking up if you're a pinball enthusiast. Worth giving a trial even if you're not a huge fan of pinball who knows, you may get hooked!… Full Review »
  3. notyourbuddy
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    I gotta start off by saying... Pinball FX2 has some absolutely gorgeous looking tables (37 in all as of this review). Really, the lighting,I gotta start off by saying... Pinball FX2 has some absolutely gorgeous looking tables (37 in all as of this review). Really, the lighting, models, and animations are all top notch work. They are intricately designed and definitely eye-catching! You'll be excited to jump right in and see everything in action.

    And since these tables are all custom fictionalized works the designers were able to really go to town with them. A giant Darth Vader walking around the table, test tube aliens, Hulk going nuts, the Avengers fighting it out, ghosts flying around, cool looking water effects, lasers, video gamey minigames, and all kinds of other elaborate gimmicks!

    The voice work on the tables and sound effects are very appropriate when actually used and the physics for the most part are solid. Yes, there is some unnatural ball stickiness that tends to occur especially around the flippers, but I think it is done intentionally by the game designers to make the balls last longer (compared to traditional pinball tables which were designed to chew through quarters.) Honestly, I find it strips away much of the challenge and makes it too easy. You can literally play on a single ball for over an hour to the point you are just ready for it to end.

    And when I say "just ready for it to end" its because despite all the eye candy and seemingly intricate designs I found almost all of them to be a dull and lifeless experience. After you launch the ball an initial voice-over plays to get you pumped up and then... the table just kinda dies. You'll basically find yourself listening to the background music and the sound of the flippers flip'flappin' while the rest of the table takes a nap. Its like playing the old simpleton pinball tables of days gone past where getting the ball to finally hit the 3 bumpers at the top and bounce around for for a few seconds was the most exciting thing to happen.

    I'll give Microsoft/Zen Studios a lot of credit for the effort, but I think I just realized what made companies like Bally/Williams and Stern so great. Its not enough to make the table look like fun it actually has to be fun. That crazy hyperactive audio/visual sensory overdose you'd get from playing the classics and their ability to immediately kick into high gear and not let up until the ball slips past your ever vigilant flippers is something Pinball FX just failed to replicate for me.

    I'll go ahead and give this game an 8 just because I'm sure some will like it (maybe even love it) and I can tell the company really gave it everything they had, but for me personally I'm going to go back to the tried and true classic experience that Pinball FX tables will never be able to provide me with... they just don't have the magic touch.    … Full Review »
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