Pinball M

Pinball M exists to provide Zen Studios with a venue to explore more mature material, but launching several months later than the underwhelming Pinball FX, it also fixes a lot of core structural problems with its peer. This is a more cohesive, rewarding package overall – and the first batch of five tables are bloody fantastic to boot.

The spookiest balls around

Pinball M is a fantastic package for the price, and the amount of detail that’s gone into the design and care is truly exciting. While I personally don’t care to unlock all the different cosmetics, I appreciate the offerings. The upcoming tournaments and events will keep players engaged for longer times, and I imagine that the cold and dark of the winter will bring in the broodier fans who want something upsettingly fun till the world thaws.

For pinball fans, this is a home run, for everyone else though, it's a mostly-fun arcade experience even if a little short-lived. The five tables at launch are each engaging in their own ways, and provide creative uses of classic horror licenses. The flashing lights and thrilling modes however can unfortunately be dulled at times by seemingly helpless ball-outs and odd camera angles. Despite finding itself deep within a niche, there's still fun to be had in spite of the drawbacks, whether you're a pinball enthusiast or casual arcade-goer.

So far, with just 5 tables available, this initial outing of Pinball M actually feels pretty great to play, and the new table designs are really well done, with some well thought out mechanics that help make up some of the best themed tables Zen has produced across any pinball platform thus far.

If you are a pinball fan, Pinball M is a no-brainer. The tables, their campaigns, and the extra play modes make for a solid package. If you’ve never been a pinball fan but have fond feelings for any of the franchises mentioned, Pinball M may be the game to convert you.

If you’re a pinball fan, Pinball M is yet another worthy addition to your catalog, even if it’s just the free base game. With the additional tables being offered in a package or a la carte, you really don’t have an excuse to not at least give them a try.

We take a look at Zen Studios’ Pinball M, a separate, mature-rated pinball platform and its launch run of tables based on popular properties such as The Thing and Child’s Play.

Pinball M offers a spooky take on Zen Studio’s established pinball formula, with the creepy table designs and sinister atmosphere ensuring it stands out as an exciting experience. Each table utilises its IP perfectly, whilst the clever missions and visual details do a great job of keeping the player enthralled in the pinballing action. Add to that the variety of game modes, the clever campaign missions, and host of unlockables, and you’ll quickly find that Pinball M stands out as a meaty (and blood-soaked) pinball extravaganza. It is worth noting that you’ll have to pay for the individual tables outside of Wrath of the Elder Gods – Director’s Cut, but with a low price-point for each one, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck here.

Pinball M is perfectly fine, as far as pinball games go—but its lack of content and potential over-monetization keep me from recommending it.