No matter the age you are, pinball is going to be a classic. Whether it was played at the arcade or on the computer, everybody has had a taste of this game one time or another. The feeling of pure adrenaline while the lights flash and the ball falls is something that can’t be understated. Pinball is one of the most basic, yet fun games to ever be made.
Zen Studios took their own twist on the hit PC game back in 2016 when they brought the original Pinball to the Oculus Rift. At the time, the detailed graphics and realistic physics were second to none. The game recently went through a full make over when it debuted on the Oculus Quest. Zen Studios sat down with some Oculus reps today to discuss the changes they made to the game. We will include our favorite parts of the interview below.
“How did you originally bring the fun and energy of classic pinball and translate it into a VR experience?
Akos Gyorkei: We had two ultimate goals ahead of us:
- Make the 3D feel almost lifelike, something only possible in VR. When you move your head and look a little closer at the playfield of the tables, you have an entirely new understanding of the workings of the machine and where your ball is moving at all times.
2. Go big! In the VR version of these games, it’s not only the table that reacts to a jackpot or a start of a multiball. The whole VR environment reacts, so don’t be surprised when a shark bites your pinball machine, or a sun goes supernova right in our in-game fictional living room.
How has the game changed since launch?
AG: We’ve released nine new tables as DLC, and with the help of the community, we’ve polished the game’s feel and gameplay even further to give the best experience possible.
Does the Quest version also offer the paid DLC packs available on the Rift Platform?
AG: Yes, all content present on the Rift version of Pinball FX2 VR is present on the Quest version. This means the Season 1 DLC with five Zen original tables spanning from paranormal activity to the Wild West; the Universal Classics™ Pinball Pack with E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, and Jaws; and The Walking Dead table, based on Telltale Games’ award-winning series.
What’s the No. 1 reason someone should play Pinball FX2 VR rather than finding a coin-operated machine to play IRL?
AG: These machines are all set to “free-play” 🙂 But jokes aside, for most people, it’s hard to find a place to play pinball nowadays, despite the hobby getting more and more popular. The VR version is designed to give you the arcade feel in a convenient way in your home. Oh, and we have a flying DeLorean. 🙂
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
AG: First of all, if you play on the Rift Platform, Oculus Go, or now on Quest—THANK YOU! Additionally, if you can, go out to your local arcade or pub and throw a few quarters into the physical machines as well. It’s a great way to support pinball and have fun while doing it!”
The studio is clearly excited about their release, and that excitement is being had for the right reason. The game is a joy to play and it much more enjoyable than playing in real life. Sitting down for pinball is exactly what the game has needed for decades. For more VR news and game updates, make sure to check back at VRGear.com.
