ORIGINAL Table Ideas

[UranusIsBroken]

Most of what I see on this forum regarding table "ideas" are suggestions for turning existing franchises into pinball tables. Quite frankly, I find it more than a little put off by it. But that's just me. I've always maintained my favorite tables on FX2 have been the ones born of Zen entirely. Biolab. Secrets of the Deep. Pasha. Excalibur. I was wondering what kind of themes or table ideas people had for original tables. Tables that have no association with any other IP. Just curious to know what avid pinballers could/would come up with. I think it would be awesome if a table could be created with the input of the community regarding theme, layout, missions, etc.

[Rafie]

Most of what I see on this forum regarding table "ideas" are suggestions for turning existing franchises into pinball tables. Quite frankly, I find it more than a little put off by it. But that's just me. I've always maintained my favorite tables on FX2 have been the ones born of Zen entirely. Biolab. Secrets of the Deep. Pasha. Excalibur. I was wondering what kind of themes or table ideas people had for original tables. Tables that have no association with any other IP. Just curious to know what avid pinballers could/would come up with. I think it would be awesome if a table could be created with the input of the community regarding theme, layout, missions, etc.

According to Zen, they do have "original" tables in production as we speak. They asked for our patience at the moment.

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

A celestial themed table! With planets and galaxies etc. I bet Zen could really make this bad ass.

[Rafie]

A celestial themed table! With planets and galaxies etc. I bet Zen could really make this bad ass.

I most certainly concur with this. I have always had a fascination with the outer space. Anything with the stars, planets, moons, comets, black holes, etc! That would be really good.

[Corpsesmith]

One thing I would like to see more of are table changing visual effects in the game.

I'll try and be a little clearer:

When I first played Rome I was really impressed by the whole destroying the Trireme with the catapult sequence and the way it stayed flaming at the side of the table for the duration of the sequence. I would love to see more of this.

I am really hoping that the Hulk table will bring some 'table destruction' and open up new areas of the table, or leave wreckage in place as it seems to fit the Hulk theme very well...

[Rafie]

I think we'll be in for a treat with the World War Hulk table. I can just feel it. Heck...with all the tables.

Still with the Hulk though..it's within his catch phrase, "HULK SMASH!"

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

One thing I would like to see more of are table changing visual effects in the game.

I'll try and be a little clearer:

When I first played Rome I was really impressed by the whole destroying the Trireme with the catapult sequence and the way it stayed flaming at the side of the table for the duration of the sequence. I would love to see more of this.

I am really hoping that the Hulk table will bring some 'table destruction' and open up new areas of the table, or leave wreckage in place as it seems to fit the Hulk theme very well...

Yes, open up a new area. Or the table completely changes after you do something, then changes again and again, to an extent.

[BarbieBobomb]

Totally sending this thread to the team! Keep the ideas coming!

[shogun00]

I would like to see an amusement park theme. It would be interesting to see what rides you come up with.

[maink]

my idea was a periodic table of elements where you could smash the ball to create fission , like a nuclear table , also i would like to drop a predator missile on my enemies that would be cool.

[PSKay]

Off the top of my head, some sort of weather related table, with thunderstorms, blizzards, etc. Maybe actually work the effects into the gameplay. For example, have a mission where the blizzard causes the table to be really slick with ice or something. Have a mission where an earthquake shakes the table severely. I know some people dislike these sort of interfering table effects so maybe make it work that you have a liberal ball save up during the missions.

Also, a whodunit murder mystery style table would be really cool. The missions could involve you being the detective and solving the crime. I've always been a big fan of work from authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.

[KGSoloman8000]

I would like to see an amusement park theme. It would be interesting to see what rides you come up with.

Totally agree! I would love to see Zen's take on a theme park table. There was one for PC years ago that was quite fun... The name isn't coming to me right now, I believe it was made by Sierra though.

Googled it: 3D Ultra Pinball: Thrill Ride based on Hershey Park.

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

A Japanese Samurai type table in the vein of Pasha.

[ShoryukenToTheChin]

Sports Pinball -

Pack would contain Tables like -

Football/Soccer Table
You get to choose you team before you start the Table, perhaps it can be international Teams so like if you pick Portugal the Table will reflect this choice. You could have mini games like Penalty Shoot Out etc.... the Wizard Mode could be to win the World Cup etc.

Bowling Table
Ten Pin Bowling, imagine missions like get a seven ten split etc... the Pins would errect from the middle of the Table etc.

Basketball Table
In the Middle of the Table could be a huge ramp that flicks the Ball into a Basket Sinkhole, the Skillshot could be to slam dunk the Ball.

Baseball Table
I will just say imagine the Table shouting out "HOME RUN!"

[Hermit Shark]

What about a classic "trenchcoat and colt .45" 1940s type private eye theme for a table?
e.g. kickbacks representing whiskey and cigarettes, shoot outs, car chases, breaking and entering, the obligatory femme fatale, shootouts with gangsters, getting warned off by corrupt police officers, getting slipped a mickey, thrown out of nightclubs etc. etc

Sound:
It should have atmospheric mood music (a saxophone playing something subtle and melodic in a minor key)
It should have an "internal monologue" type voice-over when you activate modes (that says what you are doing and why in a typically dry private eye way).

Looks:
You could have different areas of the table representing different locations in the city (your office, bar, police station, mansion etc).
It would look fairly dark but with neon lights and things to brighten it up whilst keeping the 'city at night' feel. Some ramps would look like streets. Maybe even add an occasional special effect that looks like rain hitting the pavement (purely for atmosphere).

Gameplay:
Several different characters/suspects/contacts each with their own light on the table. Each one is a different mode. Complete them all to activate wizard mode and solve the case.

So maybe you'd shoot a spinner to highlight one, then hit your office to enable that mode (option to hit the Bar instead and cancel that selection), then hit a specific location for that character to activate their mode.
You might have to tail someone, question them, bribe/threaten them, break into their office etc.
Some would be DMD modes, some would be multiball modes (e.g. shootout multiball - hitting tagets, char chase multiball - hitting ramps), some would be just standard hit flashing targets/ramps.
If you fail maybe you get pressure from the police and have to complete a simple task to lose them before you can start another mode (like the breach in secrets of the deep).
You could have separate secondary cases too which are quicker and easier but dont necessarily progress you towards the wizard mode.
Might be nice if the actual bad guy was randomised too so it was different each time (even if the wizard mode still worked the same way).

You get the idea anyway.

[Rafie]

What about a classic "trenchcoat and colt .45" 1940s type private eye theme for a table?
e.g. kickbacks representing whiskey and cigarettes, shoot outs, car chases, breaking and entering, the obligatory femme fatale, shootouts with gangsters, getting warned off by corrupt police officers, getting slipped a mickey, thrown out of nightclubs etc. etc

Sound:
It should have atmospheric mood music (a saxophone playing something subtle and melodic in a minor key)
It should have an "internal monologue" type voice-over when you activate modes (that says what you are doing and why in a typically dry private eye way).

Looks:
You could have different areas of the table representing different locations in the city (your office, bar, police station, mansion etc).
It would look fairly dark but with neon lights and things to brighten it up whilst keeping the 'city at night' feel. Some ramps would look like streets. Maybe even add an occasional special effect that looks like rain hitting the pavement (purely for atmosphere).

Gameplay:
Several different characters/suspects/contacts each with their own light on the table. Each one is a different mode. Complete them all to activate wizard mode and solve the case.

So maybe you'd shoot a spinner to highlight one, then hit your office to enable that mode (option to hit the Bar instead and cancel that selection), then hit a specific location for that character to activate their mode.
You might have to tail someone, question them, bribe/threaten them, break into their office etc.
Some would be DMD modes, some would be multiball modes (e.g. shootout multiball - hitting tagets, char chase multiball - hitting ramps), some would be just standard hit flashing targets/ramps.
If you fail maybe you get pressure from the police and have to complete a simple task to lose them before you can start another mode (like the breach in secrets of the deep).
You could have separate secondary cases too which are quicker and easier but dont necessarily progress you towards the wizard mode.
Might be nice if the actual bad guy was randomised too so it was different each time (even if the wizard mode still worked the same way).

You get the idea anyway.

I get what you're saying. You want a "noire" type of theme. 1930's-40's feel with jazzy music playing and a "black dahlia" for a villain. You're on to something there!

[Hermit Shark]

Yeah thats right. Pinball Noire

In fact... film noire is noted for its dramatic use of light and shade so maybe the table should try to do that too.
e.g.by putting extra light sources in strategic places (like just in front of a cutout of a gangster or something) you could get really good shadows on the back wall of the table by switching some of the other lights off and these on.
You could have the classic 'venetian blind' pattern of shade cast on one of the side walls too. I dont think it should be a black and white table though. By changing the colour and position of the main light sources during the game you could get the table to look very different for different modes.
I think that would be a good effect (a bit like the Blade table but with more variety than just day and night).

[Rafie]

Man that is a FANTASTIC idea. I'm sure Zen really can make that happen. I really like that idea. I'm excited already for it. Hahaha

I can see the street lights flickering when you hit the ball to the bumpers and such. This table idea is amazing!

[BarbieBobomb]

Yeah thats right. Pinball Noire

In fact... film noire is noted for its dramatic use of light and shade so maybe the table should try to do that too.
e.g.by putting extra light sources in strategic places (like just in front of a cutout of a gangster or something) you could get really good shadows on the back wall of the table by switching some of the other lights off and these on.
You could have the classic 'venetian blind' pattern of shade cast on one of the side walls too. I dont think it should be a black and white table though. By changing the colour and position of the main light sources during the game you could get the table to look very different for different modes.
I think that would be a good effect (a bit like the Blade table but with more variety than just day and night).

I LOVE this idea!

[Oskari14]

A Gangster table would be very cool! Just already think about the DMD animations!

Another good idea is Western. Make a sequel to Cactus Canyon!

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

The Noire is good. How about a western themed table sort of like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly? I've seen a lot of people say stuff about a Western themed table.

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

An Ancient Egyptians table would be great too.

[Hermit Shark]

BarbieBobomb - excellent, glad you like it Would love to see this make it into a table.

lasvegsapinballhalloffame & oskari14 - yeah totally agree western and ancient egyptian would be really good themes for a table.

[clydebink]

There's an IOS game called "the show must go one" and I'm not suggesting a table themed as a directly from it (though that would be cool) but there is an overall mechanic that would lend a lot to the pinball medium.
In The Show Must Go On, you are the director of a play. You perform a series of theatre related mini-games (modes) that affect a final performance after they are all completed. An example is that if you do poorly during the costume mini-game, but you do mediocre during the prop mini-game, then the final scene will play out with unclothed actors using non-sensical props. This is an incredibly rewarding mechanic.
Sorceror's Lair approaches this with it's obsidian mechanic, but it could go a lot further.
The reason I see this working well with pinball is that I make a lot of shots accidentally as I'm attempting to hit my intended target. With the proper theme, amateurs could enjoy the hilarity of unintended selections while expert players could sweat for the "best ending".
Some themes that I think would work well with this would be:
-A theatre performance (like The Show Must Go On does).
-A circus (the acts could be modes and targets could be animals and props. An example would be that whatever targets you hit during the juggling mode results in the related item being added to the toss).
-Making a giant robot with household items to guard your tree-fort (modes would be the body parts you are assembling, so you might hit the dog bone target during the arm mode and when your robot walks, chases that arm)
-Cooking for a dinner party
-a guerilla trying to perform some basic human exchange

You get the idea.

[tenorhero]

In another thread, someone mentioned Tombstone. I think we need a western themed table.

Missions revolved around each character.

The wizard mode would could be involving the actual gunfight or the hunt for the red scarves?

Anyway. That's all I have.

[PainkillerJTL]

Love the ideas said so far.

How about a tie in to the weather theme mentioned above...evolution? Starting as an amoeba, to lizards, dinosaurs etc...with weather or cataclysm multiballs (meteor hits the earth, board goes dark ala blade etc...ice age for a while...)

Lots of room for creativity here!

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

Evolution could be good.
And yes, we need a Western for sure!

[BarbieBobomb]

Evolution could be good.
And yes, we need a Western for sure!

I want a Gunstringer table! I think we're all in agreement about that, right? Would be pretty rad!!!

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

I want a Gunstringer table! I think we're all in agreement about that, right? Would be pretty rad!!!

A Gunstringer table would be EXTREMELY cool Barbie, absolutely.

[Vertigo989]

The planets and space table sounds great to add to it make it a space exploration table searching planets and space for life and new technology . Upgrading ships or weapons or even biological attributes from species across the universe, via gene splicing. Sounds kind of mars table ish or star trek ish but its about space what hasn't been covered in star trek . Whatever off topic of.originality for.a moment would love to see tables of the NEW :: DR WHO and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA . Oh and from the 80s CARTOONS :: GI JOE the movie, TRANSFORMERS the movie , THUNDERCATS ( no live action stuff) aren't those a marvel affiliation I dunno . No idea if any of these are even possible due to licensing. But generic space and and Egyptian tables are always nice too . You guys at zen are great, I am pleased with almost every table you guys have made both on xbla and psn . Ty for being a quality company. You guys brought great pinball into my home for less than $4000+.

[Dalek Nation]

Damn guys, lots-a good ideas. Anything in space would be cool, and some type of western theme would really help balance the table selection. Favorite suggestion of the thread is a detective/noir table. I like the idea of a mission where each target is a suspect and you have to shoot the correct "suspect" or else you accuse an innocent person...

My suggestion: Zen Pinball: like the play surface is a zen garden with a relaxing birds chirping background and scale the table some-how to become faster and less relaxing as your score goes up.

[Rafie]

Damn guys, lots-a good ideas. Anything in space would be cool, and some type of western theme would really help balance the table selection. Favorite suggestion of the thread is a detective/noir table. I like the idea of a mission where each target is a suspect and you have to shoot the correct "suspect" or else you accuse an innocent person...

My suggestion: Zen Pinball: like the play surface is a zen garden with a relaxing birds chirping background and scale the table some-how to become faster and less relaxing as your score goes up.

Actually....I LOVE that idea. I wish I would have spoken up about having a table like that without the fear of getting flamed! I thought for a name like Zen, they should do a "Zen themed" table to promote the integrity of their company. Good stuff, Dalek!

[BarbieBobomb]

whatever off topic of.originality for.a moment would love to see tables of the new :: Dr who and battlestar galactica . Oh and from the 80s cartoons :: Gi joe the movie, transformers the movie , thundercats ( no live action stuff) aren't those a marvel affiliation i dunno . No idea if any of these are even possible due to licensing.

yes!! Battlestar!!!!!!

[clydebink]

Actually....I LOVE that idea. I wish I would have spoken up about having a table like that without the fear of getting flamed! I thought for a name like Zen, they should do a "Zen themed" table to promote the integrity of their company. Good stuff, Dalek!

I want to hear the other ideas that you didn't mention in fear of being flamed.
Spill.

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

Exactly. How about Confuscious?? He could spout off all kinds of zen quotes.

[Dalek Nation]

Exactly. How about Confuscious?? He could spout off all kinds of zen quotes.

Lol, yes, awesome. "Tao of Zen" quotes would be awesome if put in at appropriate times.

[Hermit Shark]

A Zen table? Would you have to keep playing until you become the still centre of the universe, comprehend the indivisible onesness of being and realise that the self is an illusion? Woah - enlightenment mode activated! Does that mean if you enter your initials it immediately wipes your score 'cos you have missed the point? Maybe I'm taking this too far... I like the chilled-out theme though. Hit the wind chimes! Trigger the water feature!

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

LOL, love the wind chimes.

[WorseThanBad]

I would love to see some sort of Post Apocalyptic table. Collecting rations and battling whatever rogue factions of enemies come your way. Something with a Mad Max feel.

[Hermit Shark]

I have had an idea for a special effect for a pinball table (rather than an actual theme). Okay now open your minds real wide for this one...Imagine you are playing a supernatural (or rock music) themed table. You activate one of the modes and suddenly several miniature smoke machines start up, covering the lower playfield with a thin layer of Dry Ice! It would cover the playfield but only up to about half (maybe two two thirds) the height of the ball, making the playfield graphics disappear under a shifting sea of white smoke. You wouldnt be able to read the lights infront of the ramps and objects - you'd just see an eerie diffuse glow. Combine this with a change of lighting and suddenly the table looks completely different even though all the ramps and targets are in the same place. The ball would be cutting trails through the smoke that then close up behind it in that swirly kind of way...
what are you looking at me like that for? It would work! It would work I tells ya!

[Vertigo989]

Yes post apocalyptic fallout ish heh and cyberpunk. Like shadowrun ish

[Dicepticon79]

that Noir Table sounds cool , Dick Tracy - Style , or a Roger Rabbit Table lol
or the Alien vs. Predator ?

[AHell]

A rock themed table would be pretty slick. Maybe a 4 pack with Rock, Pop, Rap, and Metal. Seems like the Michael Jackson estate is wrought with wh0res for a buck, we all know Kiss would sell anything. There is probably too much licensing and too many interests to ever get it done, but it's a fun idea. You could enjoy the music and play some pinball. Think of all the bands, The Who ( obviously ), Pink Floyd - The Wall all Roger Waters, The Eagles, Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2, Radiohead, Kiss, Prince, Guns and Roses, Nirvana, Run DMC, Biggie/Tupac, Journey, Radiohead, Motley Crüe, Red Hot Chili Peppers, NWA, Metallica, I could go on forever.

[SeeYou5ucker]

[QUOTE=ShoryukenToTheChin;25748]Sports Pinball -

Pack would contain Tables like -

Football/Soccer Table
You get to choose you team before you start the Table, perhaps it can be international Teams so like if you pick Portugal the Table will reflect this choice. You could have mini games like Penalty Shoot Out etc.... the Wizard Mode could be to win the World Cup etc.

i think you´ll find williams or gottlieb did one for 94 world cup in the states i´ve played it was ok. it will be on pinball arcade future dlc possibly. so may be unable for zen to copy

[SeeYou5ucker]

bioshock would be kinda cool on game based tables perhaps a tables based on c.o.d or battlefield. a table based on monopoly could be interesting. there are a few board games that could make good tables.

[SeeYou5ucker]

A rock themed table would be pretty slick. Maybe a 4 pack with Rock, Pop, Rap, and Metal. Seems like the Michael Jackson estate is wrought with wh0res for a buck, we all know Kiss would sell anything. There is probably too much licensing and too many interests to ever get it done, but it's a fun idea. You could enjoy the music and play some pinball. Think of all the bands, The Who ( obviously ), Pink Floyd - The Wall all Roger Waters, The Eagles, Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2, Radiohead, Kiss, Prince, Guns and Roses, Nirvana, Run DMC, Biggie/Tupac, Journey, Radiohead, Motley Crüe, Red Hot Chili Peppers, NWA, Metallica, I could go on forever.

i think you´ll find some of your bands suggested already had tables made by williams gottlieb etc sure i´ve played a motley crue table and iron maiden eddy is great character

[Danzig]

Motley Crue table? I think you're mistaken.

[SeeYou5ucker]

Motley Crue table? I think you're mistaken.

ea did one on megadrive(genisis) of motley crue in the early 90´s, my memory not always spot on its a problem with being old.

[Hermit Shark]

A lot of people have suggested a Rock/Heavy Metal themed table and I think that it has a lot of potential. Rather than stick to just one band though I reckon it would be more fun (and accesible) if they either get several songs from different bands or if that isnt practical for royalty reasons, come up with their own generic soundtrack. The music on the tables is pretty good and I'm sure they could come up with something suitable.

I'd like to see a drum kit at the top of the table on a transparent riser above the bumpers so that each bumper hit sounds a different drum, and maybe a rail that goes through the drum kit so that the ball hits the cymbols on the way passed.
You could have a ramp/orbit for each member of the band (singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer and maybe keyboard player depending on soundtrack) each making a suitable sound when hit. That way you could assemble the band to start with then take them on tour playing gigs. During gigs you could have it so each instrument starts playing at the start of the next bar after the ball has gone through - so that the song builds up and in a different way depending on which ramps you hit first (just to make it as interactive as possible without being too complex).
You could have gig style lighting too during this mode, maybe even fireworks on completion.
If you fail the gig mode you could have a simple 'penalty mode' (a bit like the breach in Secrets of the Deep) where you have to resolve the inevitable arguments, otherwise a band member has a tantrum and quits and you have to recruit a replacement (via the appropriate ramp) before continuing the tour. This should probably be fun rather than difficult (so that you enjoy the extra involvement rather than curse every time it happens).

The kickbacks should represent the unsung heros of rock - the road crew. The rails could be disguised as lighting rigs (with spot lights on them that flash as he ball goes passed).
Each gig could be a different song in a more prestigious venue, getting a bit more demanding and high-scoring as you progress.
In between gigs you'd have to rehearse (handled a bit like energy in Blade?) and get to the next gig (a bit like Pasha?).
The bonus multiplier would probably be down to PR stunts/media attention targets. You could even have it that successful gigs get you a better record contract that increases the base score of the ramps (though it might be nice to leave the money side of things out of it).
The multiball modes could be something like "Guitar Solo" (each lit ramp plays another face-melting lick) and "On the Road" (lock 3 balls in the battered old tour bus to start).
I reckon something like this would be loads of fun .

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

A lot of people have suggested a Rock/Heavy Metal themed table and I think that it has a lot of potential. Rather than stick to just one band though I reckon it would be more fun (and accesible) if they either get several songs from different bands or if that isnt practical for royalty reasons, come up with their own generic soundtrack. The music on the tables is pretty good and I'm sure they could come up with something suitable.

I'd like to see a drum kit at the top of the table on a transparent riser above the bumpers so that each bumper hit sounds a different drum, and maybe a rail that goes through the drum kit so that the ball hits the cymbols on the way passed.
You could have a ramp/orbit for each member of the band (singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer and maybe keyboard player depending on soundtrack) each making a suitable sound when hit. That way you could assemble the band to start with then take them on tour playing gigs. During gigs you could have it so each instrument starts playing at the start of the next bar after the ball has gone through - so that the song builds up and in a different way depending on which ramps you hit first (just to make it as interactive as possible without being too complex).
You could have gig style lighting too during this mode, maybe even fireworks on completion.
If you fail the gig mode you could have a simple 'penalty mode' (a bit like the breach in Secrets of the Deep) where you have to resolve the inevitable arguments, otherwise a band member has a tantrum and quits and you have to recruit a replacement (via the appropriate ramp) before continuing the tour. This should probably be fun rather than difficult (so that you enjoy the extra involvement rather than curse every time it happens).

The kickbacks should represent the unsung heros of rock - the road crew. The rails could be disguised as lighting rigs (with spot lights on them that flash as he ball goes passed).
Each gig could be a different song in a more prestigious venue, getting a bit more demanding and high-scoring as you progress.
In between gigs you'd have to rehearse (handled a bit like energy in Blade?) and get to the next gig (a bit like Pasha?).
The bonus multiplier would probably be down to PR stunts/media attention targets. You could even have it that successful gigs get you a better record contract that increases the base score of the ramps (though it might be nice to leave the money side of things out of it).
The multiball modes could be something like "Guitar Solo" (each lit ramp plays another face-melting lick) and "On the Road" (lock 3 balls in the battered old tour bus to start).
I reckon something like this would be loads of fun .

Exactly, perfect example being a Soul Table.

[snakeman07]

Exactly, perfect example being a Soul Table.

[Lepruk86]

This idea spawned from the music theme thread...

But I'd like to see a 60's/70's looking table. A really classic (something akin to Jive Time) kind of table.

It can have the hidden complexities of the usual Zen stuff, but have quite a simple visual design with that 60's/70's style art.

I realise this isn't a *theme* per say, and more a design choice that would need a theme. But something more visually subtle would really stand out in the current collection.

(reason this spawned there was the mention of Yellow Submarine, which would fit this kind of visual style quite nicely).

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

Lepruk that applies to the Soul Train table perfectly!!

[lasvegaspinballhalloffame]

Going up to Beauty Bar tonight to see a Betty Page tribute show. Should be good. What a great idea for a table, a Betty Page/ retro style mixed with new,mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I would love to drain some balls on that table

[Hermit Shark]

It's a bit of an odd idea but how about a Napoleonic-era warfare table? Artilliary (cannons mounted on slingshots and bumpers), Cavalry (Cavalry charge multiball?!), Infantry (bright red or blue uniforms depending on whether you are playing the French or British/Allies).
Its got strong visuals, its dramatic, and it picks up on the Rome style historical angle that works so well.
Could have the playfield deteriorate over the course of the game from rich green fields to mud and blood.
A strategic farm house somewhere on the table, modes where you assault or defend certain areas etc. etc.

[Satori]

I've had a few unique ideas. I'll be brief and leave out most of the details.

1) A table that creates music as you play based on what you hit and the things you accomplish. Something similar to how REZ or Chime works. Techno or Dubstep would be good.

2) Painter. As the ball moves across the table it changes the color of everything it touches. A pallet can be accessed and you have to change the color of certain things like targets and ramps at specific times to complete missions.

3) A Seasons table with different weather conditions that effect physics. Certain missions are only available during each season. Time progresses constantly, but slowly. Planting and harvesting crops could be one mission. Popular holidays like July 4th, Halloween, and Christmas could be incorporated into missions.

4) A skateboarding / snowboarding table filled with ramps, made to look like a skatepark, with A LOT of flippers.

5) There is a dam at the top of the table holding back a lake of water. You must keep it intact by completing missions and doing things. Otherwise the table will be flooded and you'll have to repair the dam (which will also be fun to do).

6) Master the four arts of Hip-Hop: scratch, MC, graf, break.

7) I said: Lights Out! It's time to go to bed and you have to turn off all the lights in the house. Deal with the feisty family and put each member to bed. One needs to be read stories, one needs a glass of warm milk, some randomly wake up in the middle of the night from bad dreams, etc. Complete your tasks and when everyone is asleep the table will be completely black and a Wizard mode will begin where you have to check under beds to clear the monsters, defend the lawn from singing cats, and then fight the boogie man himself!

8) Time travel. The table ages between the mechanical future or the stonework past as you travel through time to acquire bits of details that will help you solve a complex mystery. For instance, in the past a ramp would be made of stone, then wood planks, and eventually be replaced with escalators then transporter pads. Holographic fake balls will drive you crazy as well as dinosaurs in the past that can eat your balls.

9) Cheese. The ball is a white mouse (with whiskers and a little face). He has to complete a few experiments before escaping the lab (mini-table inside the main table). Once free he has to stay alive. But this is no ordinary mouse. It's a Bionic Mouse with a grappling hook arm. Is that too much to ask for?

10) Vroooom! I really want another race car table like Speed Machine. Low scoring and no major animations on the table. Return to how the classics were made.


Other:
If we must have more Marvel tables, let us play as a bad guy like Venom, Dr Victor Von Doom, or Ares. And give us more women tables! Firestar or Shriek would be nice.

[Alipan]

9) Cheese. The ball is a white mouse (with whiskers and a little face). He has to complete a few experiments before escaping the lab (mini-table inside the main table). Once free he has to stay alive. But this is no ordinary mouse. It's a Bionic Mouse with a grappling hook arm. Is that too much to ask .

I think this has a lot of potential. You should get in touch with cloda. This is probably the sort of thing he had in mind on his community designed table thread.

[surf1der]

I would like to see a boxing themed table where you have to work your way up the ranks to fight for a title shot. The best would be a Mike Tyson's Punch-Out! themed table. The missions get harder as you progress and they correspond to the character progression in the game where Glass Joe is the easiest, then progressively harder with Don Flamenco, Soda Popinski, Super Macho Man, King Hippo, etc. ending with a wizard mode against Mike Tyson. You would have to secure licenses to use the likeness and name of Mike Tyson and also Nintendo. I can only see Zen getting a license for a Nintendo game if they decide to bring pinball to the Wii 2 platform and then it would most certainly be an exclusive table for the Wii 2.

[CheshireGrin1221]

I've had a few unique ideas. I'll be brief and leave out most of the details.

1) A table that creates music as you play based on what you hit and the things you accomplish. Something similar to how REZ or Chime works. Techno or Dubstep would be good..

5) There is a dam at the top of the table holding back a lake of water. You must keep it intact by completing missions and doing things. Otherwise the table will be flooded and you'll have to repair the dam (which will also be fun to do).

8) Time travel. The table ages between the mechanical future or the stonework past as you travel through time to acquire bits of details that will help you solve a complex mystery. For instance, in the past a ramp would be made of stone, then wood planks, and eventually be replaced with escalators then transporter pads. Holographic fake balls will drive you crazy as well as dinosaurs in the past that can eat your balls.

Other
If we must have more Marvel tables, let us play as a bad guy like Venom, Dr Victor Von Doom, or Ares. And give us more women tables! Firestar or Shriek would be nice.

Yeaaa... I like the way you think.
I had some ideas for a time travellin table: that had a mini-playfield, so that each playfield changed time period while you played on the other. Making wizard mode open both playfields for a three (or w/e)-ball mode that you could knock the balls into n out through the mini while still keeping them alive in the primary one. I thought having the time period on a routine loop n a lesser-wizard mode that randomizes it.

The dam idea is clever too: Especially something that you'd have to build up till it breaks into a crazy-8 ball mode or... Ya know. Too many ball, multiball.

On the music one: just thinking of hitting chords in sequence for combos, so that they played simple melodies (ex: marry had a lil lamb, twinkle twinkle, row row row your boat with delay for the extra ball). That is absolutely my favorite concept since hearin ideas on a tagger's table (street art).

Brilliant imagination, my friend.
Cheers n thnx for the inspiration

Oh, I just concur on the villains vote.
+1

[SBVIPER]

Trying to keep this thread on topic, Original Ideas can't be TV shows or bands or movies. So to keep it Original, I would like to suggest a table that deals with a niche topic. The mystery filled world of Astrology, Tarot Cards, and Crystal Balls. There's been a little mysticism through some of the tables, but nothing that's dealt with our Birth Signs, Ouija Boards and other Psychic type subject matter.

Not everyone would be fascinated with the subject matter but then again, when Zen Studios works their MAGIC in building a table, It will be fantastic none the less!

Other suggestions I've heard here that I can agree with were the ones involving Planets, Space Travel or a Coaster Park!!!

Keep up the good work Zen!!!

[Satori]

About the Cheese table... What if the bionic arm was changeable? At certain locations the grappling hook upgrade would let you fire it and it would attach itself to a post. Inertia would carry the ball in an arch, helping you to hit certain difficult to reach targets and you could press the launch button again to release it. The jetpack upgrade would make the ball hover slightly above the board letting you use another layer of flippers to get otherwise impossible to reach targets and ramps, but the ball would move really fast so it would be harder to control with precision. The spring boots upgrade would make the ball bounce like crazy. All upgrades would be limited in some way, maybe with duration or use, and could be turned off and on with the launch button.

I'll throw out a few more random ideas.

11) Quarry. Think Minecraft mixed with Katamari. The board is made of layers that can be removed by the ball, in certain modes. You have to dig through the table to find minerals and precious gems. Similar to Epic Quest the log of your overall collection of rocks will be kept from game to game, but finds from past games do not effect your current scoring very much. You start removing layers from the surface of the world and work your way down to lava. The ball itself changes color/texture as it removes layers. You can get a power-up that lets you press the launch button to explode the ball like TNT to remove larger sections. Of course the table doesn't actually get holes in it, but the graphics of the surface change to indicate that you are going down.

12) Designer. You start with a basic table and as you play you unlock alternate pieces (ramps, lanes, etc) that can replace pieces on the table. You edit the table when you're not playing it. You can send the table to friends whenever you want to and upload it to ZEN during competition times. You can't set scoring or create modes. You can apply pre-made graphic sets so the table doesn't look too haphazard. It's not a full table creation program, but it would let you change the table and that's something that could be very interesting.

13) We need a table with a little more sex appeal. I'm not talking about nudity or anything vulgar, but what about a Vegas style table with mini games on the main table like blackjack and roulette where if you win it makes ladies at the top of the table dance and do other things like that. It could be set in a saloon in the old US 'western' times. Wizard mode would be a bar fight. There could be a mini table for a shootout in the streets where you have to draw/fire the ball after 10 paces (ie a timed event). Multiball cow herding into the corral. ..and babes! Don't forget the sexy dancing women!

14) Area 51. A UFO crashes into the table near the beginning of the game, similar to how a ship lands on the Mars table. The seven aliens are taken to different locations (labs) and you have to complete modes to rescue them (locking them at different locations around the board). Once all have been freed (locked) the Wizard mode is to get them safely away to an extraction zone.

15) When Koala's Attack! Some intelligent giraffes figured their way out of the zoo, leaving behind open gates and letting free the other animals. Each ball you get looks like an animal and has to be locked back into it's proper cage, after completing certain tasks with it.

16) Magnetic Personality. Hard to explain, but think Maxx Headroom mixed with a 1980's perspective of the future and space travel. There are no flippers, just magnets under the board. Four of them are always available and the others can be unlocked by completing missions in order (using each new set to unlock the next mode). An electronic guide character appears on the table to help you along the way. His humor is based on British wit and his ego is enormous. He often makes jokes about your playing when you miss things or loose a ball. The table surface is pitch black and everything (including lanes and ramps) appear on the surface as drawings (think a Star Trek L CARS control panel, but bright neon like Tron). Star fields and other graphics scroll like screen savers across the table surface, certain motion patterns will intentionally make it difficult to complete certain modes. After completing Wizard mode the table's graphics are reset, after a grand display (think the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey). Making the entire table a digital panel will enable the developers to change anything at any time without having to worry about the limitations of 3D models or the animated transitions.

17) Go Go Super Happy Pinball Fun! An ultimately silly Japanese game show style table. No English audio or text. No explanations or rule sheet. You have to figure out how to score on it by yourself (or in a few months after release if you cheat and look online for answers :P). The modes would be setup like skill tests. The table is a large field. It's like the size of 5 tables wide but you only see one table view at a time. The ball would be stopped and moved to a different location for each mode or it could transition to the adjacent table via a single lane that's unlocked after completing something. Think 'Doritos Crash Course' but with pinball. You can make the ball jump by pressing launch. Sink your mind into that for a while.

18) We start with a fumbling awkward cube instead of a ball. As the table progresses, the 'ball' smooths into a ball. The edges are slowly knocked off piece by piece as it changes through each major polygon shape. This is not a full table idea, just a partial concept of new physics that may be interesting.

19) High Tide. I know I've talked about water on the table before, but another similar idea is to have the water at the bottom of the table and it extends upwards at high tide, which happens somewhat often. The table theme could be a 1950's beach bash, with (of course) ladies in bikini's, the bully who kicks sand in your eyes, a lifeguard who warns you of the tide and sharks that can take your ball.. instead of the standard drain at the bottom, this table has a drain on the left and right sides. As you finish more modes, the water level raises higher and higher on the table. Eventually the Wizard Mode will be underwater and you'll have to complete it to clear the beach and bring back the party!

20) ZEN. A different way to think about pinball. A peaceful board made of a sand surface, with flowing water trickling over pebbles along the sides, beautiful soft oriental music, Cherry trees with falling pink petals... etc. The ball moves slower than normal and it makes patterns in the sand as it moves. Each mission is very simple. Scoring is low but the table is easy. You get 5 balls (lives/turns) to start with and extra balls are in abundance. Mantras and positive affirmations are on the audio as you complete target banks and modes. Achieving ZEN (ie Wizard Mode) would also be easier than normal. Graphically your ball would change as you play, slowly going from black marble to stone to jade to ... etc ... to clear glass that gives off prismatic light from the center. It's not about getting a high score. It's about having fun and enjoying the game.

[SBVIPER]

I like the Idea of a Casino table with all the sound effects you'd expect. You could have a 5 card draw target that draws a card every time you hit it and the outcome of the random hand could reward based on it's outcome.

I also like the Idea of a Japanese cultured table but you would have to incorporate "Pachinko Machines" in there what at the bottom of all the pegs would be awards like extra ball, 1 Million, etc. You could have flippers that look like bamboo!

With the up and coming Olympics coming up, you could have a multi-sport event table without getting into licensing where each event is like you active mission and depending on how many of your targets you get within the time limit will dictate if you get the bronze, silver or gold!

Last, I like the idea of "A Day At The Beach" table with waves, surfing, beach style music and of course Hotdogs and Bikini's!!!

[Rafie]

I would like to see a boxing themed table where you have to work your way up the ranks to fight for a title shot. The best would be a Mike Tyson's Punch-Out! themed table. The missions get harder as you progress and they correspond to the character progression in the game where Glass Joe is the easiest, then progressively harder with Don Flamenco, Soda Popinski, Super Macho Man, King Hippo, etc. ending with a wizard mode against Mike Tyson. You would have to secure licenses to use the likeness and name of Mike Tyson and also Nintendo. I can only see Zen getting a license for a Nintendo game if they decide to bring pinball to the Wii 2 platform and then it would most certainly be an exclusive table for the Wii 2.

Wow this is actually a great idea. This would be so epic. Even if it wasn't Mike Tyson Punch Out, or rather, just Punch Out...I still would be on board for a boxing type of table. It's never been done before and I believe the ideas for it would be great.

[tenorhero]

pinballfreak69 mentioned this over in the ZP2 forum. Although not original as far as theme but the idea is great.

Back to The Future this table would be be cool . Think about getting the Delorean up to 88 miles an hr then having the pinball table transform to a 1955 look theme with the only way to get back is to get the pieces in place to have a lighting bolt hit the clocktower which transforms the pinball table back to 1985 look etc etc.

What a cool idea. to have 4 different table layout on one table. Need one for 1985, 1955, 1885, and 2015. Zen could pull it off I think.

[Hermit Shark]

I'd like to see a table where you are shipwrecked on a tropical island.
It would be a great setting for a real chillout table with really lush graphics and sound - the kind you want to play just cos its a nice place to be. You'd have the sound of the sea in the background all the time plus some atmospheric music.
At the top of the table you could have a lagoon with a reef where the bumpers are, and the wreckage of your ship (or plane). Add areas of beach, jungle and cliffs too.
In the middle of the playfield where there is normally the main graphic you could have a changing image of the view to the horizon.
Add in an enhanced version of the time system from Blade and you can have spectacular sunrises/sunsets (that affect the lighting of the whole table) as well as daytime and night-time modes.
At night it could be lit by flickering fires, fireflies and moonlight and have different ambient music, and the central view would show stars wheeling across the sky.
This would also be a good table to try out the weather effects people have been asking for (e.g. tropical storms).
The modes could cover things like exploring the island, building a shelter, hunting/fishing/gathering food (coconut frenzy multiball?), salvaging supplies from the wreckage, finding other survivors, running away from "The Beast" (in night mode) etc. etc.

[Satori]

I'm in love with that table already, Hermit Shark. Brilliant!

[CheshireGrin1221]

I was thinkin about a traditional rpg (non-digital rpg), namely because the mechanics are conducive to pb limitations, but some entertaining ideas came to mind.

Since d20's are practically round die - you could have a pair of them locked in somethin like the chuprikabra (sorry, no sp-check): and for combat you'd roll the d20 to determine rate of damage and then a track lock/release ball loop (like spidey) that would count as a... D#. Every time you send it through the loop is a hit of the d20 calculated attack.

If you do it from a dungeon master perspective, as opposed to the typical players - You could have a mini-playfield for actions done "behind the curtain" (pay no attention to the flippers behind the curtain).

As a DM, you could be designing a game plot for characters, but still play as npcs. Choosing them would work like enemies in epic quest, but there are ways to vary the equation up a bit more in enemy numbers vs difficulty.

Our 4 heros can defeat 764 bunny rabbits, in less than 30 seconds, but can they handle the blue dragon circling overhead?

Find out next time on Flippers & Dragons!
(ok, so the name needs improvement- eh, can't win em all)

[Evolve or die]

[QUOTE=SeeYou5ucker;26767]

Sports Pinball -

Pack would contain Tables like -

Football/Soccer Table
You get to choose you team before you start the Table, perhaps it can be international Teams so like if you pick Portugal the Table will reflect this choice. You could have mini games like Penalty Shoot Out etc.... the Wizard Mode could be to win the World Cup etc.

i think you´ll find williams or gottlieb did one for 94 world cup in the states i´ve played it was ok. it will be on pinball arcade future dlc possibly. so may be unable for zen to copy

That was John Popadiuk's first table - same genius who designed Theatre of Magic and Circus Voltaire - and if we're lucky might design a Zen table one day. He's current doing a limited edition zombie custom table with Ben Heck (which unfortunately we'll probably never get to see, let alone play )