Pinball FX2 (XBLA): "Sorcerer's Lair"

Zen Studios, the developers of the Pinball FX2 series have added yet another amazing creation to their pinball table library. This newest table which is appropriately titled 'Sorcerer's Lair' delivers awesome pinball action with more interactive parts/missions than the previous tables. There are many different ways to score points as you take on the role of Jake, and Amanda (A Brother & Sister Duo) along with their ghostly friend Whisper as they try to outsmart the evil sorcerer. The table itself takes place at a magical Citadel that is haunted by various apparitions, and otherworldly creatures. It is up to you (Jake, Amanda, Whisper) to withstand all of the sorcerer's attacks, and beat him at his own game.

Sorcerer's Lair features six areas of play (Creepy Cellar, Freaky Forest, Tower Crawler, Stairway Hurry Up, Whisper Hideout, Gates to the Void) that are located throughout the table. The table also features various ways of earning extra balls which definitely adds to the possibility of achieving a higher score. The main goal of the table is to activate the six main game modes, and collect 13 Obsidian Stones in order to defeat the evil sorcerer. After playing the table for a while I found that achieving the goals isn't that difficult, but it's not super easy either.

This pinball table features very rich voice acting, as well as some really impressive interactive parts. The main focus of 'Sorcerer's Lair' is obviously the evil sorcerer who is placed at the center of the table, but there are also things like ghostly images and a living tree that really make this table unique. Whisper the ghost girl even plays a visual role, and adds her haunting voice to the table's cast of characters. The six game modes/areas are a nice addition to the table as well. Some of these modes/areas like 'Creepy Cellar' have there own separate table which is really neat. Sorcerer's Lair is definitely a very busy table, but offers a lot of opportunities to score big. The six modes of play all compliment the very interesting tale that is being told through each completed objective. As you play you can't help but feel that aiding Jake, and Amanda is of top priority. Score is definitely still important though, as this is a pinball table.

The ramps, and bumpers of 'Sorcerer's Lair' are very easy to access. Losing the ball to the side pockets which happens frequently in a lot of the Pinball FX2 tables is not really a problem here. Occasionally I did lose the pinball through a straight shot down the middle lane though. Modes like the 'Creepy Cellar' can prove complicated at times, but nothing that's too extreme. There are actually a lot of different ways to rack up some serious points on this table. Getting the higher points mainly involves completing/playing the six modes. During my playthrough I found three different ways to score a multi-ball mode, and they were all very easy to access. You can achieve the multi-ball by having the sorcerer capture the ball 3 times, the demon gate capture the ball 3 times, or by triggering the Citadel/Whisper mode (by spelling C-I-T-A-D-E-L). These are definitely good ways to boost your score. As with any Pinball FX2 the view also counts for something. I noticed that Zen Studios actually gave this table a 7th view (like in Ms. Splosion Man) which worked rather nicely for me. Being patient is also very rewarding.

I really enjoyed playing 'Sorcerer's Lair'. Whisper's ghost is what really caught my attention on this table. I absolutely love things that deal with magic, and ghosts. The art style was also nice, but it was honestly also a little bit too busy. I could overlook this though, because the table offers so many different ways of scoring major points. As a Pinball FX2 player I found this table to be quite inviting, and easily accessible to play. Whether you're new to Pinball FX2, or not 'Sorcerer's Lair' is definitely a worthy table to add to your Xbox 360 game library. It's a table that will suit both new players, and veteran gamers alike. Sorcerer's Lair is scheduled for release on October 12, 2011 for 240 msp!!!