Xenotilt (PS5) | REVIEW | Aliens & AI Confront The Player In This Sci-fi Pinball Sequel!!!

Xenotilt: Hostile Pinball Action was developed by Adam Ferrando in collaboration with WIZNWAR and published by FLARB LLC. The game serves as a fast-paced, action-oriented pinball experience that fuses classic flipper mechanics with intense shoot-em-up influences, unfolding aboard a derelict spaceship overrun by alien swarms and rogue AI. As a direct sequel to Demon's Tilt, it amplifies the predecessor's blend of pinball and chaotic enemy encounters, shifting from occult horror to a gritty cyberpunk sci-fi vibe while maintaining the core thrill of reactive, high-stakes play. This lineage echoes the innovative spirit of TurboGrafx-16 classics like Devil's Crush and Alien Crush, which pioneered integrating fantasy enemies, boss fights, and projectile-dodging into pinball tables for a more dynamic, adversarial feel.

The Gameplay ...

At its foundation, Xenotilt revolves around a sprawling, vertically oriented pinball table that feels like a living, hostile environment, complete with ramps, bumpers, targets, and interactive zones that evolve as play progresses. Key features include an automated turret system that lets players unleash firepower on foes, a customizable perk tree for boosting offense, defense, or point multipliers, and specialized modes such as a single-ball hardcore variant for purists or a crisis time-attack for endurance tests. Scoring builds through layered systems. Basic points come from striking lit targets and ramps for jackpots, while advanced multipliers kick in via enemy takedowns, objective completions, and a 3x3 multiball grid that stores up to nine balls, triggering chain reactions of bonuses and special effects when filled.

The table's stacked design divides the action into three distinct tiers, each mimicking sections of the infested vessel with unique hazards and rewards. Balls can cascade or be propelled between levels, adding vertical strategy to the usual left-right flipping. Boss encounters anchor each layer, pitting players against grotesque adversaries like a sentient pirate AI, a hulking insect guardian, a mechanized feline gambler, or a cybernetic stone deity, each with phases that demand precise hits to expose weak points. Bullet hell elements ramp up the frenzy, as swarms of enemies spew missiles, lasers, and energy blasts that not only threaten the ball's path but can be countered with player-fired turrets or homing lasers, turning defensive nudges into aggressive shootouts amid the chaos.

The core gameplay loop emphasizes survival and escalation. Start by launching a ball, maintain momentum through skillful flips and tilts to avoid drains, gather ammo pickups to fuel counterattacks, progress through table states to awaken bosses, and loop back with multiballs or bonus rounds for amplified scoring opportunities. Ultimate goals center on chasing astronomical totals, often in the billions, by chaining combos, overkilling bosses for extra perks, rescuing hidden allies for passive buffs, and conquering challenge trackers that reward mastery with unlocks and leaderboard bragging rights.

In total there are four modes of play including the Classic table setup fit for all players, an EX variant that is the complete experience with sub tables, and a survivor mechanic that allows for recruiting survivors to aid in perk benefits. That and a 1-ball hardcore mode as well as a 20 minute Time Attack survival mode called Crisis. Playing each mode will give you the chance to unlock Codex achievements that when completed in a line will offer bonus visual filters as rewards such as a gameboy-like filter, a CCTV filter, and a few others.

The Presentation ...

Visually, the game dazzles with high-fidelity pixel sprites that evoke the chunky, vibrant aesthetics of 90s arcade hardware like the Neo Geo or Sega Saturn, featuring oversized enemies, explosive particles, and fluid scaling effects that make the table feel alive. Art style leans into cyberpunk grit with neon accents and biomechanical horrors, while animations bring constant motion through enemy waves, boss transformations, and ball trails. Dynamic lighting with bloom and real-time shadows heightens the intensity, creating a glowing, immersive haze. Audio shines with snappy voice-overs delivering taunts, boss quips, and motivational barks, paired with a pulsating soundtrack of gritty, synth-heavy tracks that capture the raw energy of retro consoles like the Genesis, driving the adrenaline without overwhelming the sound effects.

The Verdict ...

Overall, Xenotilt excels in playability thanks to responsive controls, forgiving tilt mechanics, and quick-load tips that ease newcomers into its depths, making sessions feel tense yet fair. Replay value soars from the addictive pursuit of higher scores, mode variations, and unlockable extras that encourage experimentation, turning brief plays into marathon grinds. The challenge strikes a fine balance, demanding pinpoint precision for pinball pros while layering bullet hell reflexes for added depth, with scalable difficulties ensuring it tests without frustrating unduly. This makes it ideally suited for retro gaming aficionados, shmup fans craving a twist, and high-score hunters.