Pinball M has been an interesting experiment for Zen Studios. The separate game allows the developer to work on tables that would run into age rating troubles on Pinball FX, and has given Zen a large degree of creative freedom. The horror Tables have been a great addition to Zen’s pinball lineup and the newest entry, Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pinball M is a perfect fit.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is an absolutely iconic film and spawned a very inconsistent franchise ( the latest entry left me rooting for Leatherface because I hated the alleged protagonists and I do not think that was the intention), and a number of video games. How does Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pinball M hold up to those? Rather well actually.
The table makes full use of its license and adapts elements of the latter films as well. There is a good challenge here and the table is packed full of various things that call to mind Leatherface’s house in how it is set up. The top half of the table is full of bumpers, spinners, and rail ways, but is partitioned off slightly. There are a number of exits though and the ball can find itself going in one spot and coming out in a very unexpected one. It really helps capture the frantic full of the movies and horror atmosphere.
There are a number of traps to look out for as well such as Leatherface and his chainsaw and some exits will set off these traps. It should be annoying but it works surprisingly well and gives the game a sense of urgency. These mechanics play well with the missions in the game which call to mind the iconic film and make this a loving tribute to the classic. It also needs to be mentioned that the physics work great on Nintendo Switch and with Pinball FX and Pinball M title, the physics on the tables can be hit or miss as the system struggles very much to run some of these tables, so this was a nice surprise.
Being a Pinball M title rather than a Pinball FX title, Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pinball M is able to get away with a lot more than Zen would have otherwise been allowed to do. This is a gory and bloody game and to be honest, we would not have it any other way. Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pinball M feels like a game made for both Pinball fans and fans of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies as it is both an engaging pinball table full of interesting missions, mechanics and gameplay surprises, while also capturing the spirit of the film so well.
There are so many references to the movies, such as the way the chainsaw sounds, and re enacting scenarios, and the plunger even takes the form of the mallet that was used in the movie. Zen Studios understood the assignment and made a game that is bloody and fun and accessible to all. This may not be for the faint of heart, or people who prefer slower and more methodical pinball tables, but there is just something about this one that works.
If you are a fan of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Texas Chainsaw Massacre Pinball M. You will not regret it.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
