Zen Studios are about to continue their traction of taking iconic film franchises as inspiration for new Zen Pinball 2 tables. This time the sci fi universe of Aliens will come to life for fans with the release of the ‘Aliens Pinball’ pack that consists of three tables. We were fortunate to have early hands on with the content:
Table 1 – Aliens
Based on the now legendary 1986 landmark film ‘Aliens’ , this table is my favourite from this content pack. With the giant Alien Queen placed menacingly at the top of the table, it is instantly awesome in its table design. Boosted by dialogue and audio taken directly from the film, there is a real connection to the franchise that is woven throughout the table.
I felt it had the most natural loop combos to find of the three tables which can unlock bonus modes and mini games to boost your score. It is a very busy table which will take some time to learn how to activate the high scoring secrets but it just felt incredible to play and quickly creates the atmosphere of the Aliens film and maintains it throughout.
Table 2 – Aliens Vs Predator
The second table pays homage to the first time two sci-fi Legends met for the first time in 2004’s Alien Vs Predator film. The whole table looks amazing with a Predator watching over the table and the Temple at the top end. Sadly the dialogue was not talking from the film so does sound a little off but it still generates an intense playing atmosphere.
Again the loops felt natural to find though the mini games that can be triggered were a little tricky to activate and then play. The little details on the table design are great with Predator symbols featuring on ramps and loops and big fan of the Alien head serving as the ball launcher. Sections of the table change just as the Temple in the film moved walls do. Having a faceoff on the table of Predator and an Alien was distracting in a fun way throughout. A fun table to learn.
Table 3 – Alien Isolation
Of the three tables in this content pack, the Alien Isolation table was my least favourite. Based on the 2014 video game from Creative Assembly, it was the more difficult table to get to grips with. The audio really creates the same tension that the game relishes in tormenting players with, the table even has an Alien stalking Amanda Ripley as you are playing.
I found this the more challenging table of the three with many cheap chances to lose balls and I just couldn’t hit the right combo activators before losing a ball and ending my shot. It has mini games such as hacking which the Alien Isolation game uses and by using the same audio effects and dialogue, it succeeds in complimenting the other two tables to round off a superb content pack for fans the Aliens franchise.
