The free-to-download series Pinball FX has gone from strength to strength over the years, acquiring many famous licenses at an increased rate while slowly refining the overall quality of the experience as each new entry is released. As old-fashioned as pinball now is in the 21st century, the effort Zen Studios has made modernising the classic arcade game is unrivalled. This digital revitalisation has a sustainable and addictive model with the ability to appeal to newcomers and diehard enthusiasts alike.
As implied by the title, Pinball FX3 is the third major entry in the series. Being a freely available title obviously means anyone can download and play it on their Nintendo Switch right away. Of course, this naturally raises concerns about the game’s DLC model. Launching with a total of 30 tables on the Switch, there should be at least one or two tables of interest for everyone. Unfortunately, certain franchises – which are presumably on the way – are not yet available at the time of writing. This leaves players with one of the many other table options ranging from well-known movies such as Back To The Future, to game series such as Valve’s Portal. Elsewhere, there are a handful of traditional themes to select from including medieval and fantasy settings.
With plenty of variety on offer, it can be hard to pick and choose which one to exactly play. The decision-making is made a lot easier when realisation hits all but one of the 30 tables are locked off. Cold hard cash is the requirement to unlock the remainder. The payment model adopted isn’t out of the ordinary, nor is it particularly sinister. A quick visit to the eShop will unlock tables - these can be purchased separately or in packs for what is a reasonable price. It should be noted these tables collectively add up to quite the sum, so it’s advisable to purchase a package in order to get the best value.
Whether you choose to bolster your experience with more tables, the title is relatively non-intrusive when it comes to paid transactions. Contrary to preconceptions about free and pay-to-play titles, there’s a real sense of quality with this particular game, much like existing entries in the series. This is clear from the responsive menu design (as overloaded as it may be with information boxes), the functionality and the game's polished mechanics. Menu navigation is generally not as clunky as past games (such as Zen Pinball 2 for the Wii U eShop) and paid transactions are lot easier to access due to Switch’s simpler and faster UI.
As with past releases under this same banner, FX 3 does its best to emulate a classic pinball table blueprint by making use of the shoulder buttons as each table’s left and right flippers. Players can opt to use the L and R buttons or lower their finger grip to make use of ZL and ZR (either way you go, both of these control methods make use of HD rumble). A built-in tutorial is also on-hand to teach players a number of basic techniques on how to improve their game. Most of the time it’s a very forgiving arcade-like rendition of pinball, with plenty of room for players to develop their skill – mastering trick shots and accumulating large combos on each table. The accessibility can be credited to the basic button input. The ball also has a good weight to it that sustains play, provides a challenge, but won’t just immediately drop to the nearest gobble hole. Zen Studios yet again nails the physics.
Each table purchased comes packed with a single-player high score mode, a hot seat mode – where multiple players can compete against each other locally – a classic mode and a challenge mode. There’s also a built in progression system, enabling you to level your profile as well as the table itself. Levelling up will unlock profile customisation, special concept art and 3D models. On each table, levelling unlocks wizard powers and upgrades. Wizard powers enable you to slow down tables or even rewind time, and passive upgrades – unlocked at different levels – enable additional point bonuses and other high score multipliers. Levelling adds much-needed depth to the title. The challenges available on every table vary, and can spur players on to earn high scores with just one ball or fulfill requirements such as earning as many points as possible in a certain timeframe. All of these modes and objectives per table encourage you to hone your skills in order to get the highest score possible.
Each table also comes with a guide – providing a comprehensive explanation of the table’s objectives and details on how to activate each table’s mini-game. Basically this leads to even better scores. Mastering a table will require you to understand the key features and knowing how to unlock the various secrets.
The multiplayer modes on offer are tied to the online features and social elements. Local multiplayer is a great way to have some classic fun against friends and then there’s the option to participate in tournaments for specific tables against the wider global community by linking a Nintendo Network account. With extensive leaderboards highlighting personal performances of individual players around the world, it’s the competitive aspects of the title that will keep players coming back. The matchup mode enables you to compete against other pinball masters in a seasonal environment. Here you'll rank up by beating other players high scores on certain tables. The online aspects really do enrich the title as a whole, and ensure tables are replayed. A cross-network play feature has also been added to the game to connect players with the wider gaming community.
Visually, Pinball FX 3 is marvellous. All the tables are highly detailed. At the time of writing just about every genre from television shows, movies, games, comic books and popular themes like sci-fi are on offer. Each table is finely crafted with striking artwork, lively 3D models plenty of flashing lights, authentic pinball sound effects and unique announcers to enhance the immersion. The franchised tables accurately depict the source material in the best light possible and also feature all the trademark sound effects, theme songs and voice work present within each series. Even darker tables such as Aliens and The Walking Dead have a great look and feel to them – with plenty of scenes on each table unfolding based on the player’s performance. The title’s announcer in the menu is also a welcome addition, but can become a tad overbearing at times – thankfully there is a way to turn the voice off in the option menu.
In handheld mode, the game performs relatively well. There are occasional framerate issues on graphically intensive tables, but it’s not too severe. In this mode, you can also turn Switch upright in a vertical stance to get a more authentic pinball experience. Alternatively, this option is also available when the device is docked, so the diehard pinball fans among you can flip a television or monitor on its side if they want to go to extreme lengths.
Conclusion
The overall fun on offer in Pinball FX3 really depends on the amount of coin dropped. Certain tables are made free from time to time, but in order to experience the entire package, purchases must be made. Digital pinball fans will likely lap up the amount of content on offer, whereas those who are testing the waters might find the purchase of a single table or package is enough to sustain them for a prolonged period. The developer’s decision to stick with the existing DLC model means the player can select exactly which tables they want to play and completely ignore any that perhaps do not appeal to them. The choice on the level of investment in this game really does rest on the player.
Anyone who is in the mood for a fun arcade take on the classic pinball genre will most certainly get the satisfaction they are seeking from Zen Studio’s latest release. Even if it doesn’t necessarily revolutionise the series, it still expands on it. In some cases it is hard to enhance given the source material. It has all the necessities including global leaderboards, multiplayer action and fills each table with enough content to justify purchases – including challenges and a levelling system. With the game free to try out, there’s no harm in downloading it and taking a look at what the definitive pinball experience on the market offers.
Comments 57
I've been enjoying this far too much the past week and a half. This is my gaming obsession and hope I can get some other gaming in between pinball rounds!
Wow. I was not expecting such a good score from a free to start game. I may need to give it a try now.
This game is absolutely stellar. I'd have rated it higher myself as the replayability it offers is endless, even if you only ever own a handful of tables. The free table itself I've put crazy hours into, first on Android, then Wii U. I'll likely do the same again on Switch. Plus those extra 2 free tables they gave us are superb. I've been playing tournaments with my mate on his Xbox, love it.
As for the framerate in handheld mode, Zen are working on a fix and I'm confident they'll have it running silky smooth 60fps in no time.Great developer.
Edit ; I forgot to add, as mentioned by @SBandy the HD Rumble adds so much to the experience. Probably the best use of it yet.
The HD rumble in this game is brilliant!
"The free trials also do a satisfactory job at promoting each table."
How do you access the free trials? I messed around w/ it for awhile yesterday, playing the 1 included table and looking at the rest, but I couldn't figure out the free trial aspect, In past games you just clicked on it and it let you try it out for 60 seconds or so, but I just kept getting the "Buy" page and when clicking on that I didn't see any download option for a trail.
I'm sure it's something really simple I'm missing. I was playing in handheld mode and the type is a little hard to read for me so I may have missed it somewhere.
Is there was a way to just buy the complete game with all tables? Or a physical version with them all on?
I haven't been following this title, but wasn't there talk about this game running below 60fps and not 1080p?
@JHDK It deserves higher. It's not 'free to start' in the way you're thinking. They give you a free table that you can play as much as you like with full access to the challenge modes, leaderboards, tournaments etc. Just if you want more tables you buy them as packs, or some are available individually. Right now, they are offering 2 extra tables for free, Adventure Land and Son of Zeus. So 3 full tables that offer unlimited gameplay, for absolutely nothing. You can't go wrong. But you better be quick as the 2 free tables promo ends very soon,today possibly.
Don't dismiss this as a 'free to start' game like you'd find on mobile folks. It's nothing of the sort. It's the best pinball game ever made by the masters of the genre.
@OorWullie "Plus those 2 free tables they gave us are superb."
I only found 1 free table, "Sorcerer's Lair"? I clicked on all the rest trying to try them out but just kept getting taken to the Buy page. There were several w/ a yellow exclamation point that I thought might be timed trails but I couldn't' get those to work either.
OK, I'll go get my Switch and see if I can get Adventure Land and Son of Zeus to work. BRB
@rjejr Good luck. I hope it's not ended. If you go to their Eshop page they'll hopefully still be available for free.
Damn, I think it ended on the 19th. It was Zens 10 year Anniversary,that's why they were free.
Surprised people think that HD rumble is used well. I find it way over done and needs to be toned down.
I thought this performed poorly, yet 8/10???
@BornInNorway81 You can download it for free yourself and make your own mind up. Framerate runs at 30fps in handheld vs 60fps in docked. It's still smooth in handheld but not ideal after playing in docked mode. Playing it in vertical mode though, with the full table showing the reduced framerate is much less noticeable. One of the free promo tables Son of Zeus has its moments where it can dip a bit but the developer will fix that. They will also likely get handheld mode up to 60fps. If this received any less than a 8/10 it would be a crime and I'd be on here making a fuss about it.
My brother and I are having a blast trying to destroy each others high scores. Love it!
Really enjoying the Fox pack. Haven't played an FX game since the original. Though that 720p docked looks really jaggy on my 55 inch
@Pahvi Thanks, looks like the free tables ended a coupleffo days ago. Now if I could only get the free trials to work.
@OorWullie Try try again. Went to their eShop page both from within the game and back where I downloaded it in the eShop itself and both list Carnivals and Legends - the 2 pack of those 2 tables - for $6.99. Put them in my cart and $7.59 with tax, nothing about it being free anywhere. They both still have that yellow exclamation point though in the game which is a bit confusing.
Google, and Destructoid, says they were only free until this past Tuesday, 12/19 (or 19/12 depending on where you live) They should take off those exclamation points in game.
https://www.destructoid.com/pinball-fx3-out-now-on-switch-two-new-tables-free-on-all-formats-477696.phtml
Any idea how to get a trial of the other tables to work like in the older games? Tried that for a few minutes as well but nothing. I mean it's in the review so it has to be in there, right?
Yes, I believe the 2 extra free tables deal was for one week.
I have also not been able to access any free trials or demos on the Switch version, but I didn't try very hard. I don't think there are demos on Switch and the reviewer is just wrong (referencing other versions of the game).
Maybe the trials/demos are separate listings in the eShop?
I gotta try this one. I know Zen is famous for their pinball games.
@rjejr Sorry you missed out. As for the free trials, I didn't think it was possible this time. I had a look myself and didn't see anything. Just had a wee look online there too and can't find anything about free table trials.
@rjejr I believe that free offer was only for one week.
I'm absolutely in love with the Universal Studios tables in this game.
The table designs are so bad though, very gimmicky, unintuitive, and pedestrian . I love pinball to death, but not really a fan of this cheesy knockoff.
@holygeez03 @OorWullie @kevin74
Thanks everyone who was more accurate than the review which said this - "The free trials also do a satisfactory job at promoting each table."
Hard to trust the rest of the review when it got that much wrong.
And since the free tables expired 2 days ago then these big yellow exclamation points - thank you Swtich Twitter integration - are a big FU troll from Zen Studios to Switch owners. The other platforms have had the game for months, Switch just got it late, and now we're trolled.

The really excitning new feature here for me is that this is the first game that allows you play with only one Joycon attached to the console, which helps a lot to make the system feel more balanced when playing in vertical orientation in handheld mode.
I hope the developers of TATE shmups will also use this feature in future releases (more Psikyo shmups from Zerodiv, Danmaku Unlimited 3) and i also hope that Zerodiv will update Gunbird, Gunbarich and Strikers 1945 to enable this.
@rjejr I already had a feeling that at least some of the review is copy/pasted from a different platform.
I think it would be wise for Zen to extend the free table deal until the game is patched and running properly.
@rjejr It appears that the review was updated and no longer mentions free trials.
I have already put 10+ hours into the three free table alone... I love this game! I purchased the season 1 pack (as I have never played FX before) and must say they are all gems in their own way. I could see me eventually buying every table they offer me at this rate. This could become a very costly download for me over time
I love video pinball and the tables on this one are simply stunning. I will eventually have to buy them all, but for now due to lack of time I am sticking to the 3 freebies.
Really impressed with this game, me and my friends have been creating tournaments to compete against each other.
The extra two tables were for one week only, they are really good especially the theme park styled one which is currently my favourite.
I’ve not purchased any other tables yet, can anyone recommend which tables to purchase?
I had no idea about the Anniversary free tables.
Dangit, missed the offer on PS4.
@wiggleronacid Currently 30 fps portable. I think the developers said they will fix that. Like so many titles released the last couple of weeks, it's a game that seems rushed for the Holidays.
I'm glad they gave 2 extra free tables for a week, I was hyped for this release so I didn't miss them
Sorry for everyone else who didn't get them in time...
But!
The 30 fps in handheld mode was so disappointing that I'm not buying any table until they fix it and make it run at 60 fps.
Not that it is completely unplayable at 30, far from it, but I struggle nonetheless and don't feel satisfied.
When they fix this, and bump up the resolution in docked mode (they admitted the game "looks terrible" on Switch, their words...), then my wallet will suffer a lot of pain, granted.
@jariw
Everyone wants to be on the eShop in time for Christmas, this week thera are more than 20 releases on Switch!
But my money is ready to go, if the game is not I don't pay for it, simple.
Luckily enough, Enter the Gungeon and The Next Penelope are great games and I'm playing Xenoblade 2 too.
I own a LOT of Zen tables on PS3, WiiU, and PC... but I am also waiting to buy any tables on Switch until the game is fixed.
After getting used to the 60 fps on TV, handheld mode is just unplayable in 30 fps. Pinball is like first-person shooter, you need 60 fps or the lag and latency will ruined the game.
I have all the pinball tables they ever made for Zen Pinball 2 on Wii U, so I'm in no rush to get them all again on Switch.
However, if Stern Pinball Arcade can get on retail, then Pinball FX3 should have been on there as well. Even as a 49,99 game it would be worth it.
I’m having a fantastic time with this game, and I’ve bought a couple of table packs. I hadn’t even noticed any performance issues undocked, it plays great to me. Fab that they are working to make it even better.
I bought the Venom table and the Star Wars ones on Zen Pinball 2.With this one i'm fine just with the free trials.Altought me and everybody else got for free the two new tables(I'm playing it on PC,not on Switch).
If you like pinball, then this is essential- I'd give it a nine. With that said, it's not for everyone, so, I can see why this is an 8. Pinball is my go to time killer game.
@holygeez03 Thanks for the update. Of ocurse now all of my posts make me look like an idiot, but since the reviewer didn't bother to add the word Edit: into his review I'm not editing my posts.
I'm enjoying vanilla Pinball FX3 so far and hope to get the Universal and Fox tables eventually. I'm glad it's not a requirement for these "power-ups" in this game as I just like pinball as straightforward as possible. Kudos to Zen for making it accessible to anyone. On another subject, how about a review for Stern Pinball Arcade, NL...?
Some issues but a great game overall. Besides performance issues I'd like to see the menus work with with the joycon when in vertical mode. Also I can't seem to play with just one joycon if the joycons are detached and I'm playing portably.
@MeloMan If I had to choose between the two, I would go with FX, but if you like pinball, you owe it to yourself to get Stern also. I got both bundles- not a bad table on there.
It's a shame that this review came out so late with the two free tables no longer being free.
This pinball game is pretty good. I've enjoyed pinball since the early eighties.
I wouldn't call this the "definitive pinball title." Don't get me wrong, Zen is great, but it's not for everybody, myself included. I'm so glad we have both Zen and The Pinball Arcade, as both games combined offer something for everybody.
I'm going to keep trying to get into Zen though. I think I just need to go into their tables with different expectations than I do with real life machines.
It's basically a free-to-start game where you can have the price be whatever you want. Sure you can go for everything for who knows how much, or you can just grab your favorite series' tables and leave it at that. So far I only have the Portal table, but I'm thinking of Getting Balls of Glory ($10) mainly for American Dad. The other 3 are just bonuses to me, lol. (I wished it had Rick and Morty, oh well)
When I saw the Aliens table I just couldn’t resist! Am loving it, however I’m a little bit sad the original soundtrack by James Horner is not used in any way. It would have been a perfect compliment but oh well... I can always just watch the movie again
Loved Zen 2 on Vita and am loving FX 3 on Switch. My only complaint is that I want, no NEED, the Plants vs Zombies table back.
Got all 18 zen tables so far, love the game, feels perfect on switch. The community features are excellent, anyone who plays this feel free to add me 😃
@Signosis The Iron & Steel pack has two really smart tables that feel just as fully featured and fun as the two freebies that were offered at launch.
@rjejr The two new tables were free for a limited time to celebrate the 10th anniversary.
The free period is over im afraid 😣😣
@durrdevil I know, just seemed a little too limited considering most other systems got the game back in September but Switch just got the port literally last week. And the game isn't even done yet judging by the tweetstorm.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/12/zen_studios_working_on_pinball_fx3_patch_for_switch_that_brings_1080p_docked_and_60fps_handheld
Add to all of that the game on Switch has a big yellow exclamation point ! above the 2 free games and on the free games, showing Switch owners what they just missed out on. (see screenshot I took yesterday and posted in post #24)
Put that all together and you have some really bad marketing on your hands. I'm probably going to delete it and download Stern Pinball Arcade instead just b/c it's a bit too much bad news.
And then there's the whole issue of no free trials, which may not be Zen's fault, I have't tried FX3 on any of my other systems, but it gives the feeling from my past Zen Pinball games on other systems that it was left out on purpose. Maybe something to do with the way Ntinedo handles the eShop, I don't know, just that I read PS4 still has them and they are also available on Steam. (I'm downloading on Steam now to see for myself)
Not a good way to build up a fan base on a new console - late port, free game trolling and no free trials.
This really does feel like a nice little pinball experience. The only question is, will I ever play it? There are so many great games for switch right now that pinball has thus far taken a back seat.
That archer table is MINE!!
@Daftbomb Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll take a look.
@OorWullie You were right and I was wrong and I'm happy to admit that. I gave it a shot and got hooked. I have now bought almost all the packs and am really enjoying this game.
@Spoony_Tech I kept seeing you play this on my friends list and decided to give it a shot. I see what you like about it. It really well made and addictive. A great game for both easy going play and high score chasing.
I hope the licensing issues with the star wars and marvel tables for the switch get resolved at some point. Not sure if it’s a Nintendo issue or Disney issue but I will differently be refraining from supporting other Star Wars and marvel products until I see a fair playing field with this kind of stuff.They are available on every other platform.
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