Pinball FX2: "Dr. Strange" (XBLA)

The origins of the well spoken, and all powerful mystic known as Dr. Strange are about as strange as the name he bares. His first appearance which was featured in the 1963 issue of Marvel's "Strange Tales #110" only gave a glimpse of the superhero who was inspired by an early 1930's radio show character (Chandu the Magician). It wasn't until later issues that his origin story was revealed, and that Dr. Strange earned a proper place amongst Marvel's vast mythology. Like his radio counter part Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange delved into the mysteries, and mythologies of the arcane. He used his mystic powers throughout his many different comic book appearances to thwart otherworldly threats (Nightmare, Dormamu, Shuma Gorath ...), some of which could have ended the world if he were not to have intervened. This charismatic, and all powerful character has appeared in many different forms throughout the years. He's had his own standalone series, has been a guest to other superhero's tales, and has even appeared in various form entertainment outlets as well as on merchandise related collectibles. Some of you will even know him for his appearance as one of the roster members in Capcom's fighting game "Marvel vs Capcom 3".

Zen Studios Dr. Strange tribute table features key battles, and key characters in the Dr. Strange's mythology. On the face of the table you'll find Dr. Strange himself front, and center represented by an artistic image of one of his more recent comic book debuts. Alongside him is his faithful apprentice Wong, and the Sorceress Supreme who is positioned to the upper left of him. In the way of 3D models you'll find the levitating model of Dr.Strange located to the left side of the table. During certain triggered events he will move, and change positions to engage combat scenarios with various Marvel supervillains (Nightmare, Dormamu & Baron Mordo). Being one of Dr. Strange's more famous arch enemies you'll also find the permanently placed Baron Mordo on the right side of the pinball table's playing field who will also engage in combat with Dr. Strange once the proper event mechanism is triggered.

As far as the table itself goes it is a busy masterpiece filled with arcane, and alchemy related objects. The group of bumpers at the upper right of the playing field are mirrored bowls filled with ethereal fluids. Also at the center of the playing filled is the infamous "Eye of Agamato" which will raise up to reveal a secondary miniature playing field complete with it's own flippers. The ramps which are all positioned to the back of the playing field face forward right in front of the 3D model of Shuma Gorath backboard, and each act as their own individual event triggers. By repeatedly entering each ramp you'll spell out the letters "Level" one letter at a time, and once all the letters are highlighted the corresponding 'Arcane', 'Alchemy', 'Wisdom', 'Intellect', and 'Spirit' events will begin.

As far as events go you'll find that there's the usual multi-ball oriented mini-events which are triggered by the more easily accessible targets, and ramps as well as character versus character events where your interactions with playing field targets, and the main ramps will determine the outcome of the encounter. Each of the more significant events which include the encounter with Nightmare, Dormamu, Baron Mordo, and Shuma Gorath are triggered by hitting the respective red, blue, and green pairs of lit targets that are each strategically placed among the playing field. Once you hit both lights of each pair of targets it will open up to reveal an access hole in which you must land the pinball in order to begin the event. The more unusual main event which incorporates Shuma Gorath will have you sending the pinball up the ramp in order to knock his tentacles out of the way.

Scoring on this particular table comes in a variety of different forms, and could be considered as a daunting task by many fans of the Pinball FX 2/Zen Pinball experience seeing as the table's difficulty is medium to hard depending on your style of play. If you play hastily you will find it difficult to access the ramps, but if you play in a more relaxed way ramp access will become an easy task. As far as scoring goes I already explained the main events, and the multi-ball events which can guarantee you the bigger point values, but rest assured there's more ways to reach that high score than just through those methods. The bumpers in the back, if hit enough times can increase your score multiplier several times. Factor in the skill shot bonus, and you can really up your score in matter of turns. speaking of the skill shot you'll find that this time around hitting it will require a light, and precise pressing of the launch button. Your skill shot target, as it were is actually randomly positioned, and is in one of the three alleys located above the top right bumper section. You'll know which alley the pinball needs to enter because it will have a glowing rune above it prior to your pinball launch. Scoring a "Skill Shot" will earn you an easy 500,000 each time.

Now on to the verdict ...

In all honesty I've never really been a Dr. Strange fan, or have even followed his comic adventures that closely. His appearance just doesn't appeal to me for some reason. With that being said though I think Zen Studios did an amazing job of representing him, and his many encounters. The table, while busy is easily played on, and is quite nice to look at. Things like the epic music playing in the background, and the villain voices/dialogue make the epic encounters all the more engaging. I for one loved the voice actor portrayal of Nightmare, and Dormamu. They really did sound like the evil beings that they are supposed to be. Even Shuma Gorath had his shining moments. Also let's not forget the sexy sounding Sorceress Supreme who chimed in from time to time to congratulate her beloved (Dr. Strange), and to congratulate the gamer by saying "Awesome" when they reached a high score.

If you don't mind playing on a pinball table that requires a certain playing style in order to gain a noteworthy score then this might just be a table worthy of your money. Keep in mind that "Haste makes waste" in the case of this Pinball FX 2 tribute table, and that if you maintain a zen/relaxed style of playing you'll make it far. Being that it's a single table, and not part of a multiple table set I think it's affordable enough for any XBL gamer to take a gamble, but that is my own opinion. I for one don't think you'll be disappointed, especially if you like Marvel comics, and Pinball FX2 tables. As always it is up to you though. Remember that Zen Studios has already gone next-gen, so you'll possibly be seeing more pinball greatness on the PS4, Xbox One, and even the Wii U as well!!!