I Come to Slay Evil and Loot Gold! – Pinball FX2 Epic Quest DLC Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox 360.

Grab your quarters, Pinball FX 2 fans, because Zen Studios has launched a new downloadable table for your enjoyment!  Entitled Epic Quest, this new playing field mixes traditional pinball gameplay with various RPG elements. How does this work, you ask? Well, sit tight and I’ll fill you in.

The goal behind Epic Quest is to help Max the Knight in his search to defeat evildoers and creatures, rescue a princess and, of course, gain as much loot and gold as possible.  As per usual, various set pieces are designed to trigger these events.

Should you find yourself in a duel with a person or creature, you’ll be tasked with shooting your ball up certain ramps to cause various effects. These can range from dodging enemy hits, attacking with your sword, blocking with a shield or casting a spell (if you’ve found certain scrolls).  If you are unable to hit any of these locations, you will take damage.

Both your health and your foe’s are displayed on the bottom left and right of the table. If you are victorious you’ll gain experience points (XP) and a choice of loot to customize your character. Combat has a small visual representation on the dot matrix, so players get to see what they fight.

If you’re lucky enough to get your ball to the princess, you’ll be treated to one of many bonuses such as point jackpots and multi-ball modes. To decide which one you will receive, a roulette is present where your ball will be dropped at the flick of a bumper.

Epic Quest varies itself from standard Pinball FX tables in two ways: players can shape the table’s main character as they see fit and certain stats are carried over after each round. Gain enough XP – either from defeating enemies or hitting certain event spots on the field – and Max will level up, acquiring even more loot. As his rank goes up, he’ll acquire stronger and better-looking gear.  All of these features give the player’s table its own unique look.

Visually, the table is beautiful. The fantasy setting portrayed is full of the lush greens of plains/forests and the grays/silvers of swords and armor.  On the left side of the field, we have Max and his trusty steed – a stuffed horse head on a stick.  The hero’s appearance will reflect the equipment you choose to give to him, with many variations possible.  On occasion, players will see him ride his “horse,” remaining stationary in front of a looping background, adding a nice bit of comic relief.

When the evils are banished, the princess rescued and your thirst for gold is quenched, Epic Quest is hands-down the best table yet to grace Pinball FX 2. Each and every aspect of the field is delivered amazingly well, while showing that pinball can go above and beyond simply slamming steel against rubber. Once again, Zen Studios has proved they are the masters of virtual pinball.

The Epic Quest DLC is available now for Xbox Live Arcade (240 Microsoft Points), PSN ($0.99), and on iOS and Android.

This table receives a 5.0 / 5.0 and a toast of jewel-incrusted goblets.