'Zen Pinball 2: Guardians of the Galaxy' is Out of this World

Jeb Haught
Fri, 22 Aug 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

DEVELOPER: Zen Studios

PUBLISHER: Zen Studios

SYSTEM: Sony Playstation 4 (PS3, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Updated: Sat Aug 23, 2014

DEVELOPER: Zen Studios

PUBLISHER: Zen Studios

SYSTEM: Sony Playstation 4 (PS3, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)

PRICE: $2.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

When it comes to combining realistic physics with surreal abilities, "Zen Pinball 2" (called Pinball FX 2 on the PC, Xbox 360 and Xbox One) has crushed the competition. Now the developers hope to dominate the universe with their new table "Guardians of the Galaxy."

This table's storyline is loosely based on the recent movie of the same name and offers players the usual fun game play for which the series is known. However, the table's color scheme seems drab compared to the bright and colorful template most of the other tables have. It also features lackluster voice-overs.

However, these are minor quibbles compared to the exciting game play! For starters, each game begins with a 60-second multiball, where players try to free themselves from the Kyln prison while also defeating prisoners. After one minute, the flippers become unresponsive and players can initiate the unusual ball launch.

It's cool how each member of the Guardians is featured in a realistic way. For example, players can achieve a huge bonus if they return to Kyln prison to retrieve Star-Lord's Walkman by shooting a challenging skill shot. Another cool feature is how Groot uses his tree-like abilities to protect players and also save balls by grabbing them with his extended hand.

In addition to seeing images of the Guardians on the table, they also stand around in 3D, waiting to be activated. Once activated, a special ball with their emblem enters the table, and then they're thrown into battle. This is one of the cooler features, as it's reminiscent of the movie's action scenes. Gamora is slightly different, as she's not rendered in 3D on the table, but she does have a separate mini-table that pits her against her evil sister.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" isn't the best table in the "Zen Pinball 2" universe, but it's still more fun than a barrel full of rocket monkeys.

'Risen 3: Titan Lords'

DEVELOPER: Pyrahna Bites

PUBLISHER: Deep Silver

SYSTEM: Windows PC

PRICE: $49.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

Just like vampires and zombies, the popularity of pirates simply won't die. Maybe it's their free-faring adventurer spirit, or perhaps the quest for booty. Nevertheless, "Risen 3: Titan Lords" thrusts players into the life of a selfish pirate whose quest for fame and fortune takes an unsurprising turn for the worse.

As the nameless son of the famous seafarer Captain Steelbeard, players find themselves slain by an unimaginable evil while pilfering an island temple. The only way to reclaim their stolen soul is to sail to local islands and defeat the evil that dwells within.

This is accomplished by siding with one of three factions (Demon Hunters, Mages, Voodoo Pirates) that each offer distinct skills. For example, Mages mostly wield magic, but they can also use certain fencing swords while Demon Hunters excel at brute force but can also summon shadow minions. I chose to play as Voodoo Pirate because I like the idea of combining the ability to drain life with basic magic and melee attacks.

I really enjoy the open-ended structure of this game that lets me freely sail around to various islands, undertake quests and find treasure. It felt like I slowly transformed from a pirate into an adventurer. Finding companions to travel and fight with me adds a welcome bit of variety, and just like the TV show "Doctor Who," some companions are more enjoyable company than others.

Too bad the combat is so frenetic and exploitable. It's too easy to stand far from enemies and lunge across the screen in one attack only to jump out of harm's way with the tap of the dodge button. Sadly, timing and proximity are thrown out the window in favor of flashy fighting that rarely becomes challenging.

Still, "Risen 3: Titan Lords" will appeal to budding adventurers looking for an open-ended pirate experience.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

"Zen Pinball 2: Guardians of the Galaxy"

"Risen 3: Titan Lords"