Zen Pinball on iOS

[crackervizzo]

Zen Pinball iOS will be available for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone 4 starting next week!

If you are at all familiar with Pinball FX2, then you know how this will work: Zen Pinball on iOS is a FREE pinball platform download for everyone. Included in the download is a FREE table - Sorcerer's Lair - which users can play as long as they want, no strings attached.

All other tables will be individual in-app purchases.

Table selection will be a mix of Zen's original designs and the Marvel series. There will be a total of three tables at launch including Sorcerer's Lair.

Some key features:

- Achievements – powered by Open Feint
- Game Center enabled
- Leader Boards – Global leader boards and local high scores
- Rule Sheet – Each table comes equipped with a rule sheet providing tips and tricks to help you boost your score
- Hot Seat Multiplayer – Pass the game around to friends as you compete with each other for the top pinball wizard

We will let you know when the game is live next week!

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

My Dad will be defo getting this on his iPhone 4. Can't wait to tell him the news.

[OSPerry]

My wife just got an IPad 2. So I'm thrilled to hear this news.

Will it play natively at IPAD2's higher screen res?

[crackervizzo]

My wife just got an IPad 2. So I'm thrilled to hear this news.

Will it play natively at IPAD2's higher screen res?

Yes, it will! I have the game up and running on my iPad2 and it looks / plays beautifully.

[X DrLobo]

I have the game up and running on my iPad2

Showoff !!!!!

haha

[steviej]

I'll spread the word to all my i-Junky friends

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Yes, it will! I have the game up and running on my iPad2 and it looks / plays beautifully.

Wheres my iPad2? lol

[satch]

Wheres my iPad2? lol

Yes i think ZEN should buy all us regular forum members an ipad 2 with ZEN Pinball pre-installed

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Yes i think ZEN should buy all us regular forum members an ipad 2 with ZEN Pinball pre-installed

Yeh its not too much to ask for is it lol

[Solitude]

Pffft. Get them to buy me one first.

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Pffft. Get them to buy me one first.

Would be a nice christmas present lol.

My Father is very excited about this as well as myself because on those long Car trips I can play Zen Pinball in the Car.

[jeffy777]

Amazing news!

So does the app run smooth on an iPad 1 too?

I'm really looking forward to it.

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Right now all we can do is wait for the "Out Now" post and il tell my Dad to download it to his iPhone4

Can't wait to see how it plays etc.

[lettuce]

This is great news, glad to see FX2 being released on more platforms....hopefully PC will be next!

[jeffy777]

What day can we expect to see it in the app store?

[GordLacey]

Will this be a Universal app for both the iPhone and iPad, or two separate apps?

I'm extremely excited to play some of the Zen tables for iOS. I own them all on the PS3 (both Zen, and Marvel), and I'll likely own them all on iOS as well.

[crackervizzo]

Will this be a Universal app for both the iPhone and iPad, or two separate apps?

Yes, Zen Pinball on iOS is a universal app and is optimized for iOS 5.0.

[bluray687]

Will this be a Universal app for both the iPhone and iPad, or two separate apps?

I'm extremely excited to play some of the Zen tables for iOS. I own them all on the PS3 (both Zen, and Marvel), and I'll likely own them all on iOS as well.

Amen...I too own all of the Zen / Marvel tables for the PS3 and have most of the good tables for iOS as well. I am so looking forward to Zen Pinball on my iPad2 as these will be the cream of the crop!

[jeffy777]

What day can we expect to see it in the app store?

Is there an official release date yet? I can't wait

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Is there an official release date yet? I can't wait

From what I heard its this week, but not exact date.

[jeffy777]

From what I heard its this week, but not exact date.

....which is why I'm asking... and hoping for an official answer

[crackervizzo]

The official date is tomorrow

[jeffy777]

The official date is tomorrow

YAY!!!!!!

[GordLacey]

Way....to....go!

Amazing app, and one of my favorite tables for free. I already own all the tables on the PS3, and I'll likely re-buy them all for iOS. Awesome, awesome job.

[X DrLobo]

Ok got it ... for some reason i couldn't access the 'store' ingame and get the other tables ....

Anyway i only have ipod touch so it's very small, maybe i'll pass on this one.

all in all it seems more fluid on the ipod than on the tegra 2 tablet... so i guess ipad would be the best gameplay experience for this release !

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Nice to know that you are enjoying it, soon there will be no excuse for any of us not playing Pinball

[GordLacey]

I was extremely impressed with the new table rules. I've often found Zen's rules to be a little bit confusing, but the new animations make it clear what has to be hit to trigger whatever mode.

Look for me on the leaderboards - BlueFrog

[lettuce]

Just downloaded now, seems to perform well enough on the ipad 1 or though the frame rate takes a hit on Captain America table, also £1.49 per table!!!, seems abit steep to me seeing as the going rate for a game on the app store is 69p!!

Also still no full screen view!, wtf Zen!!!???

[GordLacey]

For me, the price per table is perfectly fine. I used to drop money in pinball machines for years, so to own a table for a couple of bucks, and be able to play it at any time, is one heck of a deal, even when I already own all these tables on the PS3.

I noticed a little bit of a stutter playing the tables on an iPad 2 and iPhone 4S until I rebooted the device. Now it only stutters when I have a multi-ball. Hopefully that'll be tweaked in the future.

[shogun00]

Just downloaded now, seems to perform well enough on the ipad 1 or though the frame rate takes a hit on Captain America table,

I noticed a little bit of a stutter playing the tables on an iPad 2 and iPhone 4S until I rebooted the device. Now it only stutters when I have a multi-ball. Hopefully that'll be tweaked in the future.

Try turning off the "Arcade Effects". That should improve the frame rate. The special effects require more processing power and can boggle things down.

[jeffy777]

It is the best pinball on iOS for sure. Just wish it ran a little better on my iPad 1......any chance the frame rate will be optimized in an update?

[jeffy777]

Just downloaded now, seems to perform well enough on the ipad 1 or though the frame rate takes a hit on Captain America table, also £1.49 per table!!!, seems abit steep to me seeing as the going rate for a game on the app store is 69p!!

Also still no full screen view!, wtf Zen!!!???

As a test, try turning off the Dot Matrix Display on the Captain America table. I know it's not ideal, but for me it makes the table MUCH smoother (on all tables).....hopefully Zen can optimize the performance in an update.

[jeffy777]

After more testing, turning off the Dot Matrix Display boosts performance more than anything else on iPad 1, which sucks, but at least there's a way to make it smoother. Turning off Arcade Effects doesn't seem to help much.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a performance update from Zen since even some iPad 2 and 4S users are reporting some choppiness.

[jeffy777]

So can you guys make a lower res version of the DMD or optimize it somehow because playing with it turned off definitely makes the game run smoother. Other users have confirmed this as well on the Touch Arcade forum...thanks.

[Arkeologen]

Great idea to release Zen Pinball on iOS!
One of my favorite games on PSN.
Sadly it doesn't work that well on my iPhone 3GS with latest iOS.
Most of the text is way too small in menus.
And when I play there is a big box that never disappears when I play.
Making it unplayable since 1/3 of the tiny screen is covered. See picture below.



Are these known bugs that will be fixed?

[jeffy777]

After more testing, turning off the Dot Matrix Display boosts performance more than anything else on iPad 1, which sucks, but at least there's a way to make it smoother. Turning off Arcade Effects doesn't seem to help much.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a performance update from Zen since even some iPad 2 and 4S users are reporting some choppiness.

So can you guys make a lower res version of the DMD or optimize it somehow because playing with it turned off definitely makes the game run smoother. Other users have confirmed this as well on the Touch Arcade forum...thanks.

Just wondering if I can get a reply from Zen on this? The Android forum is getting support replies, but unfortunately I can't seem to get any support here...

[shogun00]

And when I play there is a big box that never disappears when I play.
Making it unplayable since 1/3 of the tiny screen is covered. See picture below.

There should be an option to turn off the notifications (the PS3 version has it). I also suggest turning off the DMD as well. That should make it easier to see the table.

[Solitude]

Just wondering if I can get a reply from Zen on this? The Android forum is getting support replies, but unfortunately I can't seem to get any support here...

Performance is something we're looking at on both iOS and Android. There's nothing specific we can recommend in the short term.

[Solitude]

Great idea to release Zen Pinball on iOS!
One of my favorite games on PSN.
Sadly it doesn't work that well on my iPhone 3GS with latest iOS.
Most of the text is way too small in menus.
And when I play there is a big box that never disappears when I play.
Making it unplayable since 1/3 of the tiny screen is covered. See picture below.



Are these known bugs that will be fixed?

The box can be turned off in the Settings -> Video menu. Turn Challenge Display to Off.

[Arkeologen]

There should be an option to turn off the notifications (the PS3 version has it). I also suggest turning off the DMD as well. That should make it easier to see the table.

Thanks, found it. Makes the game playable for me. As well as turning of the Arcade effects.

But the text in menus is still a problem.

There should be an option for changing the text size or make it change size depending on iOS-machine.

[shogun00]

There should be an option for changing the text size or make it change size depending on iOS-machine.

Or give you the option to zoom in.

[Solitude]

Thanks for the suggestion. You definitely have a point. We'll put it on our (increasingly large) to-do list.

[jeffy777]

Performance is something we're looking at on both iOS and Android. There's nothing specific we can recommend in the short term.

Thanks for the reply! Turning off the DMD definitely improves performance, but it's not as fun to play with it off, so hopefully that's something specific you can optimize. Keep up the good work

[graymalkin]

I picked up Zen Pinball on release day, after a minute of game play I purchased the additional two tables (scorcerer's liar my favorite). After playing on my iPhone (4) I went back and purchased all but 2 (mars and ms splossion man) on XBLA for FX2. Hard to beleive I'm putting aside most of my retail games (BF3, COD3, etc...) to play pinball. Much kudos to a great game, I look forward to the release of more tables on all the availble platforms!

I need to go 5-star review this game! Thank you Zen Studios!

[Solitude]

I'm glad you're enjoying the game! We'll be putting out more tables for both platforms soon!

[7Dahl7]

Will the tables already released in Pinball FX 2 be released on the iOS platform eventually or only new tables?

[Solitude]

Will the tables already released in Pinball FX 2 be released on the iOS platform eventually or only new tables?

We'll be releasing existing tables as well as new ones. However, the Vengeance and Virtue Marvel pack won't be coming to iOS right away.

[7Dahl7]

Any more tables coming to iOS before x-mas?...Say yes.

[crackervizzo]

New update out today that fixes the cellar mission bug on Sorcerer's Lair.

New table out tomorrow!

[vanessa40]

Love all the tables
Thanks for the best pinball games..

[jpop]

does Zen have pinball tables coming in the future created by professional pinball designers? John

[Solitude]

does Zen have pinball tables coming in the future created by professional pinball designers? John

We don't have any in production, but we're certainly open to working with people who've designed real machines like Theater of Magic.

[jpop]

perhaps there is a simple way to contact Zen about future projects like this?

[Solitude]

perhaps there is a simple way to contact Zen about future projects like this?

Yep, sent you a private message.

[Evolve or die]

We don't have any in production, but we're certainly open to working with people who've designed real machines like Theater of Magic.

Good to see perhaps my favorite machine ever getting some love in the zen office. Addams family may have been the game changer, but theatre of magic took it to the next level after that

[Nautilus the 1st]

Mmmm, for me TOM is not really special, it falls short in comparison with indiana jones and twilight zone, but that is personal of course.

[Solitude]

Mmmm, for me TOM is not really special, it falls short in comparison with indiana jones and twilight zone, but that is personal of course.

All 3 are all-time greats. I do like the widebody games...

[Nautilus the 1st]

Would love to see a zen table which is comparable in gameplay as the indy, a well balanced mission and multiball game. You gotta love scoring those super jackpots! while still being able to score also big with the end game.

[Evolve or die]

Would love to see a zen table which is comparable in gameplay as the indy, a well balanced mission and multiball game. You gotta love scoring those super jackpots! while still being able to score also big with the end game.

Give me some Apollo 13 mayhem. Hahahaha. What were they thinking? Still, I did dump a heap of coins in that machine. The sheer insanity was outstanding.

Twilight zone was good, but TOM was magical. I can't remember Indy too much, I remember that narrow pass or something. Was hard to find good pinball here in Australia

Ps: I went into into an arcade today in the city. And only one pinball- the new stern transformers. Pretty basic layout. However there were no less than three dance dance revolution games. Go figure.

[Coffee_n_Donuts]

My favourite pinball table of all time from the arcades is Terminator 2: Judgement Day.......I must've spent a fortune on that in the 90's and how I'd love to see it come to Zen Pinball!

[Nautilus the 1st]

That was the machine that started it all for me, after that the adams became my favourite and than came indy! Scored 8billion on than one. Those were the days!

[Evolve or die]

That was the machine that started it all for me, after that the adams became my favourite and than came indy! Scored 8billion on than one. Those were the days!

Yep, me too. T2, Addams, Theatre, Fish Tales, Whirlwind, Cirque Voltaire, Dr Who, the car one where it spun around that ring track (name???) and DEMOLITION MAN (a game better than the movie, but not like that's hard). And of course the STAR WARS 90s machine, that took most of my coins next to Theatre.

And guilty pleasure.. Apollo 13.

[Longi_land]

Some news about the performance lag on iPhone 4 and older ones?
Any updates in the pipeline?

..with best wishes,
Longi

[Brianvgplayer]

I thought Zen Pinball iPad 1 ran ok, but I was watching a video of the 3DS Zen Pinball and it seems to be running smoother than the iPhone 4/iPod Touch 4/iPad 1 version. Telling from the specs, it should be possible to get the iPad 1 version running just as smooth. Is this planned?

[Womble]

perhaps there is a simple way to contact Zen about future projects like this?

If we can't have John Popadiuk classics made by Zen, maybe we could have new John Popadiuk tables made by Zen.

Yes please, yum yum.

[Evolve or die]

perhaps there is a simple way to contact Zen about future projects like this?

The zombie one please! I'm interested to see how you've spaced the flippers too, considering its designed for collectors and not money-hungry operators.

[24hourtourist]

How about Zen's original table "Inferno"? - All that would have to be done is a coding update for iOS 5.x

[Auradragon9]

Yep, me too. T2, Addams, Theatre, Fish Tales, Whirlwind, Cirque Voltaire, Dr Who, the car one where it spun around that ring track (name???) and DEMOLITION MAN (a game better than the movie, but not like that's hard). And of course the STAR WARS 90s machine, that took most of my coins next to Theatre.

And guilty pleasure.. Apollo 13.

The table you were talking about where the ball flies around the track was called getaway

[wascallywabbit]

I downloaded todays update on my Ipad 2 and it crashes out to my home screen before it opens. I rebooted the ipad but it still is no workee. Help!!

[BarbieBobomb]

I downloaded todays update on my Ipad 2 and it crashes out to my home screen before it opens. I rebooted the ipad but it still is no workee. Help!!

We are working on a fix, keep an eye out for the next update.

[Koen]

just discovered this today : touch upper third of screen => tilt

[curiousyellow]

I can confirm that tilt issue on iPad2. It's a real pain in the arse if you just miss the pause button.


Game Center: carlczerny

[Koen]

No, I'm happy with the easier tilting No pain in my arse

[Mrpelon14]

Why are they three apps if we can get them in the zen app?...and why can't I transfer purchases from Star Wars or marvel?

[BarbieBobomb]

Why are they three apps if we can get them in the zen app?...and why can't I transfer purchases from Star Wars or marvel?

The Spider-Man table is only in Marvel (due to licensing issues) and SWP got its own app so it could have its own Star Wars features. For whatever reason Apple doesn't allow imports/transfers between apps.

[termitedidge]

The Spider-Man table is only in Marvel (due to licensing issues) and SWP got its own app so it could have its own Star Wars features. For whatever reason Apple doesn't allow imports/transfers between apps.

The good people at Gameprom have managed to do this with tables purchased in Pinball HD - which are automatically transferred to Pinball Collection - a completely seperate app.

Are you certain this can't be done with your apps?

[BarbieBobomb]

The good people at Gameprom have managed to do this with tables purchased in Pinball HD - which are automatically transferred to Pinball Collection - a completely seperate app.

Are you certain this can't be done with your apps?

With Spider-Man, it's not a technical issue, it's a license issue, so the only way we could publish it was in it's own Marvel Branded app. We were always told that it was iTunes & Google Play's policy that in-app purchases could not be transferred/imported, but maybe that has changed since we began publishing.

[Doccus]

Wasn't the fact that Steamplay wasn't on OSX the main barrier against thhe original 4 classics being available on Mac?. Now that it is, that barrier is gone. And, interestingly enough, the same game can be available on both the Mac App Store, *and* Steam. I know, I have Pinball Arcade installed both as the Steam versionb and the App Store version. Why? You might ask... Well, I am able to pre-buy the season 3 pack on Steam, but not from Apple. Apple considers it "unfinished" applications. Also, I am unable to use the "free play" option on the Apple version.. they consider it "demos". Lastly, I am banned from mentioning these facts on the app review, or make any mention or comparison between the App store version and the Steam version. In fact I'm not allowed to mention in my review that there even *is* a steam version.
Meaning, that there not only are no barriers to also issuing a Steam version on the Mac, but I think you'd have a whole lot of happier Pinball FX 2 playersa on OSX, plus finally the classic tables being available on Mac. Sounds like a win-win-win, to me..
How about it?

Incidentally, I thought I was posting this in the OSX section..Where should it have gone?

[Doccus]

With Spider-Man, it's not a technical issue, it's a license issue, so the only way we could publish it was in it's own Marvel Branded app. We were always told that it was iTunes & Google Play's policy that in-app purchases could not be transferred/imported, but maybe that has changed since we began publishing.

Well, it's a similar issue with publishing these games on Steam on OSX, although it's not *transferring* but simply issuing them, which is why I referenced my question below. The Pinball Arcade is available both viua Mac App Store *and* Steamplay, so I am wondering if you now can do the same. My interest is those tables that were only allowed to be issued via Steam, of course

[Dascoyne]

I love the game and purchase every Marvel and Star Wars table as they come out.

I just have a small, silly request.

I would like to be able to change the sound effects - specifically for the flippers. I don't know why but the flipper sound and reverberation make the table sound cheaply built. I don't know why - maybe the extra reverb reminds me of the hollow-resonant sounds of loose-fitting parts and large acrylic panels.

It might have nothing to do with gameplay but pinball is a visceral experience and I think sound is an important part of that.

I'm playing on my iPhone 5s, btw. Or is there a simple mod/hack that can change the sound effect.

Call me crazy but it's the one simple thing I'd like to change.

Keep up the great work!

[Ghost]

if you cant transfer tables why make some tables available in both app? why not have all marvel tables exclusively in the marvel app, all star wars tables exclusively in the star wars app, etc...

[Spinomania]

Zen Pinball for iOS is currently broken for me. (iMac with iOS Yosemite)

I purchased at the end of last year several tables, including 3 Star Wars tables, Deadpool, Spiderman, Iron Man, Gardians Of Galaxy, Hulk, Ghost rider, Cicil War, Infinity Gauntlet, Walking Dead and more (almost every single Marvel table indeed) it was working fine until the update that included the Venom table, which I purchased.

After Venom: Impossible to open Zen Pinball 2.app, it is damaged, pleased uninstall and download again from the app store.

I did as I was told, downloaded again the App and the 12+ tables including Venom and... same.

Downloaded again except Venom and it worked.

Today, I buy Age of Ultron and... same error. I will not pass time downloading again and again.

This is a lot of money down the toilets.

[Ry1212]

So I have this on my iPad and have about 12 tables. Do they not sync with the MAC app? I would have to buy them again to play them on my mac?