Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force (XBLA)

Out of all the "Good vs Evil" scenarios created in the world of entertainment none has ever come close to being as influential, or original as that of the ongoing battle of Jedi versus Sith. Long ago a film director named George Lucas brought to our attention a film series that would forever change the way we looked at outer space, and the possibilities therein. His vision of intergalactic battles, an all powerful force, and a universe filled with all sorts of wonders paved the way for further adaptations to be made. Things like Star Wars action figures, novels, and even video games became a significant part of the lore that die hard Star Wars fans continue to seek out to this very day. The fact that another film in the Star Wars legacy is on it's way further proves that as far fetched as the saga may be it's future is a bright, and shining force that will live on for ages to come, and will no doubt inspire new generations of Star Wars mythology to be born in it's wake.

Earlier this year Zen Studios surprised us all by creating their own tribute to the legacy of the Star Wars franchise. Their initial set of tables tackled some fan favorite Star Wars scenarios including that of the infamous bounty hunter Boba-Fett as well as an actual episode of the original trilogy. The third table of that particular set, while not as popular as the rest did stay true to George Lucas' vision by incorporating the animated TV series which had further shed light on the recently released prequel trilogy.

In this latest set of tables appropriately titled "Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force" we find some even more impressive tributes that are worlds better than the previous offerings. As the title of this particular set suggests it is all about the struggle between the opposing sides of the "Force" this time around. There's a table that represents all the goings on of "Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi", a Darth Vader Tribute table, and even a table dedicated to the Starfighters of the Star Wars universe. On each, and every table you'll find 3D, and 2D features that are obviously inspired by George Lucas' films.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

As one might imagine the Zen Studios development staff took full advantage of the Star Wars material that they were trying to pay homage to. Fans of Star Wars will definitely find familiarity with the developer's rendition of this particular episodic masterpiece. From a glance you'll likely recognize the center artwork that seems to be inspired by old theatrical posters of the film. It features the cast of 'Star Wars Ep. VI' (Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, The Emperor, Darth Vader ...) all grouped together in a space oriented cameo that fills most of the playing field. Among the 3D pieces on the table you'll find a Mark Hamill version of Luke Skywalker with his newly implanted robotic hand, an AT-RT Walker, a federation Spacefighter, R2-D2, and even Endor (Home of the Ewoks).

In the distant background you'll also find that Luke's 3D representation often times duels with Lord Vader, and the Emperor as you trigger various table based events. Among the events included are a couple of scenarios involving Luke, Darth Vader, and the Emperor as well as one involving CP30, and R2-D2's escape from 'Jabba the Hut'. Smaller, less noticeable events include an Endor based scenario in which you must land the pinball in a Lily pad shaped bowl multiple times. There's even an event involving Chewy's, and Han's escape via a Starfighter jet.

As far as scoring goes this is one of those tables that would be deemed "Hardcore" by most gamers. The design keeps casual players from scoring high for a couple of significant reasons. One such reason is that the curved access ramps at the top of the screen are often times difficult to hit. Secondly the two bottom side bumpers are placed in such a way that a passing pinball that is heading towards them will often times go out of bounds. This ends up in the quick loss of pinballs, and the inevitable "GAME OVER" message. Earning extra balls on this table is a hard thing to do, so you really have to keep on top of things if you hope to stay alive long enough to score big. The fact that ball saves, and Right/Left Flipbacks are just as rare to obtain only makes the task of scoring big a daunting one. Out of all the newly introduced tables this one is definitely my least favorite due to scoring issues.

Star Wars Pinball: Darth Vader

Next up we have the ultimate tribute to all that is "Darth Vader". Fans of the character, and his background story will be pleased to find that Zen Studios stayed true to the source material. Everything about the table screams Darth Vader's name. From the signature Darth Vader mask at the back of the table to the light saber pinball launcher there's not a detail that was left untouched, or out of sync with the character we've all grown up knowing. Aside from obvious 3D, and 2D features to be found amidst the various ramps, and bumpers you'll find that the table's color scheme is an ominous blood red, and black signifying the Dark Side that Darth Vader has become synonymous with.

Even though Darth Vader himself only makes brief appearances via the triggered events (once the background mask is removed) you'll find that his mask in the far back of the table will remind you well enough of his dominance regardless of his absence. At the beginning of each playthrough be sure to opt in for the first free event which will not only gain you the opportunity to earn several million points initially, but will also allow you to gain a sneak peek at some details regarding Anakin Skywalker's surgical transformation into Darth Vader through spoken audio clips, and a visual representation.

When it comes to scoring on this bad boy it's not that hard to do. Accessing the ramps which are mainly located to the upper right, and left sides of the playing filed is an easy task. It merely requires a good rhythm to keep the ball going. As far as ball saves go they are plentiful on this table as they only require the hitting of easily accessible targets. The downside to the ball saves though is that often times they will go away without warning unlike ball saves of other Zen Pinball tables which remain activated until used. Other big scoring opportunities include a multi-ball event, and even a Tie Fighter event. A majority of your score will come from passing the ball through ramps, and spinners as well as into bumpers, and targets. Unlike The previous 'Episode VI' table the points that are given are much higher in value making that high score a more likely possibility.

Star Wars Pinball: Starfighter Assualt

While the Starfighters of the Star Wars universe may be less revered than iconic characters such as Darth Vader, and Luke Skywalker their role was just as significant. If it weren't for the Galactic Alliance, for example the more significant space battles including that of the Death Star would have been lost to the Empire. It is this theme that Zen Studios chose to take on, and make the most of. By splitting the table in half, and giving the gamer the option to either take on the role of a Tie fighter pilot, or an X-Wing pilot they have created an interactive opportunity that breathes undying life into the roles of the Starfighters in the Star Wars universe.

As the table intro begins we, the lucky Zen Studio faithfuls get to gaze upon one of the most impressive Pinball FX2 Intros to date. The camera switches focus from the Tie fighter cockpit as well as the X-Wing cockpit as the two Starfighters engage in combat in a 3D rendered CG scene. As the two spacecraft tail each other through outer space we catch a glimpse of a glowing planet as well as an ominous battleship. As soon as the table is shown though, and the initial intro ends the player gets to chose to either be a Tie Fighter pilot, or an X-Wing pilot. As mentioned before each type of pilot uses one side of the table as their launch point, and the rest of the table to complete pilot specific events.

The graphics of this particular table are truly grand in scale in that they capture a larger than life merged picture of an X-Wing pilot as well as a Tie Fighter pilot. The lower bumpers that are placed to the side of each flipper are actually protruding pilots' hands that each have in their grasp a firing mechanism. The art style is definitely more current, and depicts the two characters in a more realistically rendered way. As far as the color scheme goes half of the table is done up in the Empire's black, and red while the Alliances half features a more neutral color theme.

Whether you choose to go with the Dark Side of the Force, or the Light Side you will find that your beginnings will be specific. For example, if you chose to go with the Tie Fighter pilot the launcher will actually launch a pinball that is made to look like a Tie Fighter. The X-Wing pilot on the other hand has a launcher that is more like a targeting panel than a spacecraft runway. Depending on which side you choose the turrets will also be designed after that side's specifics. Aside from those physical features there are events on this table that are likely the most impressive of the set. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the shmup/Space Invaders style event in which you use three Tie Fighters/X-Wings to take out the opposing force. Of course you do have to mind the falling asteroids while you try to blast the opposition into outer space.

As far as scoring on this table goes I'd say it ranks as a "mid-range" difficulty table. It's not hard to score on, but it's not entirely easy either. The ramps are unusual in design, and they definitely take some getting used to. When it comes to the loss of pinballs you won't experience it too often unless you get careless. There's no real cheap way to lose a ball on this particular table. All is fair. Out of all the tables included in the set this one reigns supreme as my true favorite. Zen studios went way beyond their means to provide an in-depth interactive experience that touched base on one of the less popular Star Wars subjects. Not only did they do that, but they also made it Star Wars worthy in the process. I tip my hat to the ladies & gents of Zen Studios for this truly magnificent Star Wars tribute!

Now for the verdict ...

Once again I find myself impressed by the skilled developers of Zen Studios. The Star Wars tribute tables this time around look worlds better than the previous offerings (Not that the previous tables were bad, or anything though). I definitely found two tables that I enjoyed amongst the set, and they are definitely ones that I will likely return to in order to beat my friends high scores. These tables I speak of are none other than the "Darth Vader", and the "Starfighter Assault" tables. They are the epitome of Awesome! As far as the "Return of the Jedi" table goes I just can't see myself getting a significantly high score on it. It's just the way it is. With everything considered, and weighed in I still think this Pinball FX2 set is worth adding to your collection. It's an affordable piece of DLC that will no doubt get you back into the pinball greatness of Zen Studios. Not only that, but it's the best set of Star Wars tributes I've seen yet. If you haven't bought "Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force" yet, shame on you!!! Go get that bad boy, and may the Force be with you!