The table tries to capture the surreal and absurdist nature of the games and how crazy they can be, but a good chunk of Goat Simulator’s appeal is the physics and humorous interactions and discoveries, which are not brought over as well as could be. The absurd physics of the games should make for a chaotic table, but it did not feel that way. Instead Goat Simulator Pinball feels like it played it too safe. It is perfectly serviceable and the table controls wells but I think the crossover is not there. What I mean by that is that I do not see fans of Goat Simulator using this as a gateway to Pinball and vice versa.
That is not to say the table is all bad though. because you will get involved with plenty of goat-related incidents that will add effects to your ball to trigger the different elements of the table. It is a good way to try and capture the feel of the games but it can be a bit hard to get the hang of at first. The physics are in line with a table that a veteran player will be more comfortable with, but those who have some experience in pinball but are not yet experts may find this one a bit overwhelming. The different shots to hit can be frustrating at times and if your entry point was Goat Simulator, you will be more frustrated than anything.
But Goat Simulator is not the only new table that has arrived. The Princess Bride is a classic film that I am surprised has not received more video game adaptations, especially since it holds up so well. One thing I especially liked about this table is that it does not just use voice clips but also video clips from the movie, giving it an old school feel. In fact, this table feels like a throwback pinball table in the best way.
Unlike Goat Simulator Pinball, The Princess Bride Pinball is a game that will appeal to newcomers to pinball and those with some experience but who are not yet experts. I will also note that the table feels like one that would have actually existing, being straightforward as an experience, easy to learn and authentic to its license. This is not even getting into to score attack which feels like it is done in a throwback style as well.
The Princess Bride Pinball is a table that, while not the most innovative table, is one almost anyone can get into. This is because it relies on a lot of tried and true design choices, and ends up feeling like a proper adaptation as a result. There is still a challenge here, such as mastering the third flipper and activating the Pit of Despair, but it feels extremely fair even with some tight target windows.
Both tables performed well on Switch, though I give the edge to The Princess Bride Pinball as performing slightly better. As for enjoyment, again that goes to The Princess Bride Pinball as this table not only feels like one that would have actually been made, and capturing that feel is a challenge at times, but it is just more fun. Sometimes less is more and Zen realized that with The Princess Bride Pinball.
Disclaimer: Review keys were provided
Images provided by Zen Studios
