Available on both Pinball M and Pinball FX, buying the table for one version will give you the table for the other version as well. This is something we will hopefully see more of, and both versions were good, but the Pinball M version was able to explore the horror elements of the System Shock games just a bit more. The Pinball FX version is also good for those who want a more restrained version and it is good that two options were given.
System Shock Pinball is a great conversion of the game to pinball form and calls to mind Zen’s previous adaptation of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which maintained that game’s RPG nature. The FPS nature of the game was hard to adapt but Zen managed to do things well, with excellent visuals and physics that felt good even on the Switch version of the game. One thing that stood out was how inviting the game felt as a pinball table, and after letting a friend who is not into pinball but was a fan of System Shock try it, he expressed an interest in more pinball games.
System Shock Pinball’s missions, are absolutely amazing to get through and never feel too difficult to start, with the mechanics being very easy to get the hang of. All the challenges are arranged to resemble a tower in a way similar to the original game, which was a nice touch, and there were many secrets to find as well. A number of minigames tre set up to resemble cyberspace, though I am confused why an Arkanoid clone was chosen for this.
Overall, System Shock Pinball is another hit from Zen Studios, being well designed and an excellent use of its IP. I love that like in Skyrim Pinball, there is a sense of progression that carries over from game to game, making this an ongoing experience. You have multiple lair customization options as well like in Zen’s Epic Quest table, and it works so well here.
If System Shock Pinball is a sign of what to expect from the future of Pinball FX and Pinball M, then I am very excited for whatever Zen has planned to come next. This is hands down my favourite table on either Pinball FX or Pinball M and I want more. The way RPG mechanics were incorporated was perfect, and it has what it needs to keep players coming back time and again.
System Shock Pinball is an easy recommendation because not only is it an amazing gameplay experience, but it shows how amazing Zen can be with licensed pinball tables. Here is to the future and whatever comes next!
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
