Tomb Raider is not something that might come to mind right away when you think of Pinball, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Lara Croft’s adventures have taken her all over and there are plenty of locations that could work. What we received in Tomb Raider Pinball does not make use of those locations, but still gives us an excellent experience. What’s more, it shows that Zen Studios has not lost its touch when it comes to developing tables for Pinball FX.
Tom Raider Pinball adds two new tables, “Adventures of Lara Croft” and “Secrets of Croft Manor”, both of which have some interesting things to them. I have to admit that after the last few new tables from Pinball FX, I was kind of getting disappointed and began to lose faith in Zen Studios. While the tables are not the absolute best, they do stand far above other recent offerings.
“Adventures Of Lara Croft” sees Lara delving into a tomb, appropriately enough. The table is not as overdesigned as some tables I will not name, and instead manages to take the basics of a Tomb Raider stage and translate it well to the pinball table format. In this, the table has a lower half that is relatively uncrowded, with an upper half that has a hidden trail around the back. The table tests your reflexes and gives you a ton of targets in the middle area to hit.
I cannot really explain my dislike of previous Zen pinball adaptations in brief, but I will try. They have tended to have terrible physics, complicated missions, and cumbersome aspects that prove frustrating. This was especially notable in some of the Universal TV tables, and it is just refreshing to see a table where everything works perfectly now
“Adventures Of Lara Croft” is a well designed table with a good amount of challenge, plenty of missions, and full of references to the lore. There are a ton of secrets to discover, especially when you fulfill certain conditions or hit the right targets. It also marks a point where Zen seems to have finally nailed the physics for the tables.
Then we have “Secrets Of Croft Manor,” which seemed like an odd choice at first. Why make a table themed around Lara’s estate of all things, was something I wondered at first. It makes perfect sense though, when you realize the table incorporates the multi-tiered layout and elaborate design.
While the design is more detailed and involved here, it does not feel frustrating and still maintains the right design of the prior table. This table chooses to go for numerous ramps and railways, tons of bumpers to deal with, and even secret passages. There is a lot more of a challenge in this table. but it works perfectly and creates a nice contrast to “Adventures of Lara Croft” in how it gives an equally fun experience, but in a different way. Both tables have tons of secrets to find and hidden tricks, but they are handled in different ways that makes each stand out.
Do not expect to hear the one of the usual actresses for Lara Croft here, but the actress who provides the voice acting does a great job giving Lara personality. Plus this is one of the better uses of voice acting, unlike some other licensed tables Zen has made, and so that is appreciated. Visually and music wise, the tables are great and I have no complaints in that department either.
I was not expecting to like Tomb Raider Pinball at all, but this pack blew me away. Zen has improved their standing as far as I am concerned, and I am once again interested in seeing future licensed table adaptations from Zen. They may have had a bit of a rocky period, but this pack shows they still have talent and there is still a lot the studio has up its sleeves. It may not be the best pack of tables Zen has made, but it is a lot of fun and that is what matters.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
