Pinball FX2 was released last year, and caught a popularity wave during 2011. It has been among the most-downloaded XBox Live Arcade games all summer.
The fan favorites are the newest pinball tables, like Biolab and Rome, with Marvel’s entries leading the way. Captain America became available before the film’s release. This table has bumpers that rebound the ball sharply and at odd angles. It has plenty of opportunities for bonuses in the tens of millions.
Pinball FX2 held a Spider-Man tournament during the summer of ’11. “Tournament” on this game means: Highest score wins. The top tourney mark was three-point-one trillion. Second place was only seven hundred billion.
How to play.
The quick answer: Keep the pinball in play with the flippers. Easier said than done. FX2 is a bit more forgiving than the real thing. But not by much.
Once you’ve mastered that part of it, don’t slap the ball around at random. Always have a goal, and be willing to adjust.
First, look for anything on the table that is lit or moving. In games like Mars, it’s as simple as following the flashing arrows. Then use the flippers to hit the ball in the directions indicated.
Tips and Tricks.
There is no better way to learn than simply playing the game. But here are a few things to think about.
Every table will have areas that you seem to hit over and over. Pay attention and learn all about your sweet spots. In general, activating the same bonuses repeatedly is a good idea.
Learn each title’s flippers–the angle and speed of the incoming pinball makes every flip different. It’s possible to see tendencies after many table plays. This will help you in later games, and pinball action that had you sweating at first will be old hat.
Pinball FX2 is highly-recommended. Anyone capable of twitching his or her trigger fingers can enjoy this one. The mild violence is cartoon-like so parents need not worry. 3-D TVs make the colors on FX2 pop.
Older players can think back to the original pinball tables–the kinds you could throw your weight into. There’s no such action here. However, there is a way to jolt the digital table, using a button on the controller. When the ball sits precariously, about to go out, this move could save a ball. Be careful not to tilt.