Classic Game Room - ZEN PINBALL Nintendo 3DS review

[VelvetKevorkian]

You can't fault Mark for finding the screen too small. He doesn't say it's a bad game, he says he can't see it. It's not like he's purposely perceiving it wrong just to annoy people who like it.

[whitemike4life86]

For the record, the iPad 2 and Tegra tablet computer versions are the only way to go with this game due to the power and size of both devices. I would consider the 3DS version the be the best pocket handheld version, for now.

Sorry for the double post (stupid character limit).

[whitemike4life86]

After playing more of the 3DS version of this game, I mostly take back what I said earlier. Mark has a valid point about the blurry screen issue; however the framerate is just as bad on my iPod Touch 4th. Also, entering the initials and playing the Joust segment in the Excalibur table are an annoyance on my iPod Touch due to the small size, where as the 3DS version doesn't have that problem since it can use buttons.

The 3DS version is a great compliment to the increasing quality of the eShop.

[m1nt9reen]

3D ruins the game? What are you on about? Maybe if you can't see the effect properly, but for me it definitely helps to have 3D on, and on the Eldorado table the trick shot over the sawblade at the far wall is FAR easier on 3DS even than on an HD screen playing on the PS3, because I can see where the ball is despite it being behind another part of the table. On a 2D HD screen, the ball just gets lost here and I can't see what I'm doing. What do you have to say about THAT one eh?

[justlikedavid138]

so much falsehood

[togethergutlesss]

i have it for 3DS and theres nothing wrong with it i find that with the 3D the picture is sharp and cleer and it dose give it depth i keep my scren view on 6 and it works fine it also tends to zoom out when the ball is farther from the bumpers to let you see the hole table i find the color and picture is impresive and the game is fun i like the exscalaber table it feels more interactive then the other tables on the 3DS one all together id give it a 9 out of ten cuse i want more tables to buy

[JoeyTheKid101]

That's why I recently bought Pushmo and Mutant Mudds instead.

[rexon31]

now that's why I bough Pushmo instead ;) now there's a fantastic game mark -3

[rexon31]

that's why I bought Pushmo instead ;) now there's a great game.

[dereklafferty]

I had a problem with the screen size at first but got used to it quick. I really like this game.

[kooky216]

A straight up negative review from CGR, a rare thing!

Good for you Mark, just tell it like it is.

[alfalfalaffa]

Look, I love this game as much as the next guy but I'm not getting hot and bothered about marks review. Are we supposed to not allow mark to tell his true opinions on a game? Is mark supposed to review games based not on his own beliefs but ours? What's a reviewer then? A parrot to the Internet trolls and fanboys?

[KampucheaKing]

50 dislikes because they cant afford a 3DS

[igngig]

It's funny how many idiots from Neogaf come here to vote the video down. The game is just plain awful, but the series is great. This is just an awful version of it.

[shaxam1029]

I actually heard this game was really good! Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[evenios]

called it! i knew this game was going to suck :-p. but good to know the series overal isnt that bad :-p

[kevlaj23]

I prefer the 3ds version because i have an ipod and the ipod version is even harder to see

[AMYuntold]

What could i say, what could you... What anybody would expect from this extreme multiplatform development going on?... it's ridiculous that everything gets a release for every machine that is, and will be out there.

[scarper42]

I actually had quite a bit of fun with this game, granted it was the only version of Zen Pinball I have ever put my hands on. Everything plays just like a real pinball machine. Yes, the screen size does hinder the experience, but I don't think that should have been the main focus of the review.

Yes, I went against one of Marks reviews. Dislike this, reply with hatred, I don't give a shit.

[opeth027]

How does this compare to the Vectrex version? :D

[Supercyzer]

well he's an old man who needs glasses... nah just kidding! But seriously, have you thought about getting glasses?

[KEWB99]

I was thinking about getting this. Thanks for saving me the money. I already spent money on one terrible port of a great game (Rayman 3D). I love the system, but like you said, "every great game has it's worst version." I'll stick to Pinball FX2 on 360.

[MuttonAndTheHam]

I liked the 3D effect for Zen Pinball. But it did feel like this game had too much going on for the screen. I'm not usually one to complain about such things. I remember people didn't like a game called "Infected" on the PSP for the same reason and I thought it was good. The Pinball Williams Hall Of Fame 3DS game is fun to play on the 3DS but the 3D effect is too subtle.

[Rouzhokuu]

Agreed, this version is complete garbage. Sorry, 3DS fans.

[jecjerich]

@Rouzhokuu its ok we 3DS fans didn't buy the 3DS just for this game but for Nintendo games. I was gonna buy this game but good thing i watched this video first.

[yeenar]

The dislikes are children whose parents got them a 3DS for Christmas and they are insulted when anyone insults a video-game pertaining to their system.

They're not to blame, they're only children.

This isn't up to debate, by the way; these are statistics.

A fine review--I'm glad I didn't waste any more money on this game than I already did buying the 3DS in the first place. It's been sitting in the back of my drawer.

[ZeeM]

@yeenar You haven't played the game, so you wouldn't understand how overexaggerated the review is. Not to mention "Get it for iPad instead" is an incredibly poor premise to downrate a game when so few of us even have that option.

[SolBuster]

@ZeeM You probably don't know that Mark is a HUGE...and I mean HUUUGE Pinball enthusiast.

It's not Mark's problem that you don't own an iPad -_-

[austinmackert]

@ZeeM I just downloaded this myself and agree that perhaps the review was a little harsh, but numbers do show that there are far more iPads out there in the public's hands than 3DS systems, so that recommendation is not far-fetched in the slightest.

[MuttonAndTheHam]

@yeenar what? they use statistics to find if kids hit the unlike button for games they got at Christmas and found a youtube review that they don't like?? 

[76cpete]

On ps3 im top 100 on El Dorado, Mars & that new one Epic Quest & this looks like crap, cant c hardly anything on the top half of the table...best handheld pinball on a little screen was pokemon pinball on gameboy color - they did it right w/ just 1 small screen - it would just jump from showin the top half & the bottom half...simpler tables but it was flawless & it was dam fun, i scored over 9 billion 1 time...pokemon pinball was my bitch!!! - yermomsface P.S. - psp had some good ones

[swss4rmy]

well mark the vita version will do most games justice, make sure you pick one at launch ok? :D

[SonofMrPeanut]

@swss4rmy Though that version would surely have the definition required, it would still be subject to his "too small of a screen" issue. Unless the screen is the size of an iPad, computer or TV, someone with Mark's preferences won't be satisfied.

[d21lewis]

Use view #5.  Enjoy!

[d21lewis]

Bought this game about a week ago. Already logged in four hours. Best pinball game I've ever played--and I have Pinball FX on the 360!

[hualni]

i wish i could find a tablet the size of a pinball machine, then load onto it every pinball layout ever sold. My Favorite is Adams Family. Greatest Pinball Game EVER!!!!!!

[ChicoEdge]

I think you are really exaggerating a bit with this review. I bought Zen Pinball on day one and love it. I honestly thought that this game has the best looking 3D graphics of any eShop title so far. Yeah, the jousting on Excalibur is hard because of the small screen but that is the only problem I have had. As of now the highest score on the leaderboards for Excalibur is nearly 360 million points. If the visuals were that bad this player would never have been able to score so high.

[ifrit35]

I have to disagree with mark this time.

[16518ethan]

dont you just hate when people say something is small in price or affordable but dont say how much it is

[videogameobsession]

Well of course the iPad version is better than the 3DS.. Try putting the iPad in your pocket...

The PS3 version is better than the iPad version too. Apples and oranges..

This looks decent. I bought Pinball Hall of Fame Williams Collection for the 3DS and aside from the screen looking a bit too dark I really like it..

[tovare]

I think this game is a lot of fun on the 3DS, but then I've never played any of the other versions.

[communistrecords]

I'd have to disagree with mark on the 3d effect making the game look worse. I've found that it makes things stand out more on the table.

[Sword7Movies]

Lol i think i might still buy it xD

But thx for the review :D

[jibberldd5]

You didn't say anything about the gameplay... All you talked about was the screen size... The screen isn't bad! This is one of my favorite 3ds games...

[Zorn27]

Go home Nintendo fan boys :O

[2clothes]

@Zorn27 why would you come to an nintendo video and tell us to go home. I'm going to go to your home and tell you go home r

[dustdust2929]

View 5 is the best for playing on the 3DS.

[vittau]

A perfectly fine review, and everything Mark said makes sense. Why so many dislikes all of a sudden?

[joaovictor1994]

@vittau Its called "fanboys"! And "fangirls". And everything in between.

[VipermanSBD]

@vittau Becuase (Unfortunately) There will always be trolls and EMO's who's sole purpose is to make sure no one has a "Dislike" free videos. The dumbass's might even like the contant but they're still compelled to ack like a jackasses. Please have a good day and LIKE everything Mark does! :) Cheers!

[JmanBan3]

@vittau Wanna know why? Mainstream/Casual gamers.

[gundamzerostrike]

@vittau Because it may not make sense for some people. Maybe other people can see the game perfectly fine on the 3DS, and maybe some other people think the 3D effect looks cool in this game. Just because Mark think the screen is not big, it doesn't mean that this an absolute truth. Maybe the screen size is just fine and the 3D is cool but, for some reason, Mark doesn't think that.

[Wade0Nixon]

@vittau

Its simple, haters ALWAYS gonna hate haha

[ricky56]

@vittau cuz all these people are trollin on the 3ds. lol

[PICCOLOstalin]

@vittau I think the problem is not the amount of "dislikes", he's getting very few "likes" because for some reason all his new videos are getting very very few views! Did you notice?

At least, much less than usual. No idea why, I hope it's just a temporary thing!

[bigguyjames34]

@PICCOLOstalin Maybe it is because Mark is hitting us with two or three videos daily. Don't get me wrong i like his reviews but he is over saturating it.

[zhenghf]

@vittau people butthurt

[GiantMoth]

@vittau Judging by the comments in his previous pinball reviews some people just hate on him making reviews on, well, pinball. Who knows why.

[the9thinning1]

I thought the view wasn't too bad. And I thought this game had one of the cooler 3D views.

[rodrigocapitelli]

I see hate, a lot of it... Oh no, Nintendo fanboys are starting to watch CGR, we're doomed.

[Scarecrowswdsmn]

After playing pinball on the DS for a long time, I have to agree with mark, if they had extended the table to both screens instead of just the top screen, it probably would've been okay...but condensing it all into one screen makes it really hard to see exactly what the ball is doing when you send it up the table....They should've taken a leaf out of Nintendo's book, and made it more like Metroid Prime Pinball, using both screens. :(

[CodyCov]

I don't have problem with small screen I'm fan of series as well and in my opinion is one of the best version around 3d effect are amazing and best of that you can take your pinball anywhere you go and try beat your best scores. Only cons for me are just lack of DLC but soon this gonna change with Nintendo Network. Buy this game fro eshop and you don't be disappointed :)

[kiaelinkx]

ipad version is free, ipad2 costs 400 ++ bucks (at least here)

I have this on my 3ds, and it's absolutely astonishing. i rlly don't see the problem here.

[danz409]

that is the biggest issue with the 3DS is the screen is just too small for ANY game. extreme detail in a TINY screen + 3D = MASSIVE HEADACHE.

ill just stick to my DSI XL

[Dualshotlocks]

@danz409 K, miss out on Paper mario, Mario kart 7, fire emblem, kingdom hearts, kid icarus and more.

[Dualshotlocks]

@Dualshotlocks Plus, the screen for the 3DS is bigger then a DSLITE'S, And that one wasen't to small.

[danz409]

@Dualshotlocks nah. ill still play them. im just cheap. ill wait for Nintendo to release a

super 3DSI XL pro 3000 rev 2 console

look at the advance and original DS and how the next gen consoles was worlds better

also by that time those games should be second hand for a decent price.

[whitemike4life86]

BTW Mark, The Pinball Arcade should be coming out on mobile platforms in a week or a couple weeks. The iPad 2 version looks to be the best version of the game, but the other mobile versions should suffice.

[whitemike4life86]

I agree with Mark's opinion; I would also add that the physics are worse than Pinball FX 2 (much floatier). I would still recommend this version if you don't own an iPad or iPhone, like me.

I think Mark would love Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon, which just came out on the 3DS eShop on New Years Eve of 2011; it has dual screen support, great physics, balanced difficulty (easy layout, but low scoring), and only $5.00. It's only one table but it's worth it.

[akawhut]

@whitemike4life86 The physics are really weird. They seem less realistic than in the iOS version.

[akawhut]

That are relatively lot dislikes. Why? He is right. It is by far the worst version and isn't very much fun on that fucking tiny, lowres screen.

[ZeeM]

@akawhut He talks about it as if graphics are the only thing that matters here, and as if everyone has the option to play this on a shiny iPad instead.

The 3DS version is fine, a smaller screen is a trivial compromise when the gameplay is just as good, certainly among the best as far as pinball games go.

[akawhut]

@ZeeM My comment is less a rant about the game, but rather about the 3DS. I played it on PS3 and iPad before and after that the 3DS isn't nearly as much fun.

Nintendo should have either made the screen bigger or increase the resolution. So regardless of how much fun one can have with the 3DS version, it's as he says the worst version. Which apparently doesn't mean no one can like it.

I bought it too, but whenever I play, it just reminds me how much better it is on other systems.

[PersonaBrazil]

The problem is that he played this on 360 and PS3.

That's enough heh...

[LouisAndPillz]

I've played the 3DS before, and I can honestly say that the 3D does in fact make graphics blurry. But it could also just be me, since the 3D effect does not work for some games for me, too. It's just a matter of if it works for you or not. The 3Ds does not work for me. If it works for you, that's good. You just have to understand that not everyone views the 3D effect on the 3DS the same way, sadly enough.

[falconpunch94]

Probably the first CGR review I've totally disagreed with, I'm having fun with this at the moment.

[LEGOmations0091]

Could not disagree with you more. I love this game. One of the best games on the eShop. It's probably just because Mark is old.

[fontainelefunk]

@LEGOmations0091 Objective review, subjective comment.

[MrSaturn33]

@LEGOmations0091 Early 30's is old now?

[LEGOmations0091]

@MrSaturn33 Yep. Mhmm. Totally.

[IHeart16Bit]

wow, I highly disagree. It works very well, and the 3d looks cool as hell imo. The game is fun!

[MrDaaark]

I play Zen Pinball on my 10 inch Android Tablet, and it's amazing!

[Arctual]

I really like this version, and most people I know, do too. Strange that you dislike it :(

[MrBarrelson]

You should reduce the amount of reviews by half, and use more than 3 minutes

[drago939393]

@MrBarrelson IMO, it's fun just as it is... They review a lot of simple games (for simple platforms, or old ones for that matter).

Also, these reviews are supposed to be taken lightheartedly, and, at the same time, they hit right on the spot almost every time.

[Matrilwood]

An example of where being small and compact isn't an advantage. Maybe one day developers will get it through their skulls that you shouldn't make a game compatible with every single platform in the whole freaking world.

[MasterChief3624]

I'm sorry you dislike this version so much :(. I love it. I think the 3D adds a lot, and camera view 5 is perfect and alleviates the issue of the tablebeing too small, at least for me. Good review, though :)

[onlinedealfinder]

I do agree that the screen is to small to show the complete awesomeness of this game. however, it's still fun as hell!

[Laguzzaproductions]

cool review off a cool game

[911SuperGT]

the 3ds is simply a great system , this system isint made for all kind of games , he was right about saying the 3d sucks at this game , this game would be the best at any tablet , like ipad 2 and more dont lose ur money for this game on ur 3ds , and buy other stuff and have a nice day :)

[randomenvelope]

Nintendo keep rushing games for 3DS and they are all cellphone quality fun, Tetris? You can save your money and play that for free any were, I own a 3DS by the way, mariokart 7 is good, super mario 3D land has 3 comet coins thing per level that I hated in new super mario bros wii which is a huge downfall in my opinion, at the moment I have only been playing some DS games, like Pokemon, zelda, ocarina of time on the 3DS doesn't count, it already existed, wish they would hurry with the good stuff.

[ZeeM]

It doesn't take a fanboy to realise that the entire substance of this review is "Theres a better alternative, get that". He doesn't talk about the games features, doesn't acknowledge anything enjoyable about it, or give the game a chance in its own right.

CGR are capable of better, and any game deserves better, regardless of platform.

[jkazos]

@ZeeM He already said he's doing another review of the iPad version, which will likely include all the stuff you feel is missing from this one. Why the hell would we want to watch copy-and-pasted content between two reviews just so you feel he "did it justice"?

Everything the said is accurate, and gives you all you need to know to (not) buy this version. That's the purpose of a review. Nothing more is needed.

[ZeeM]

@jkazos So you agree. Until that review comes out, this one is incomplete and inconclusive.

[DaEdsta]

It's pinball.

Left and right shoulder buttons, it plays like a pinball game should play. It has nothing to do with Nintendo.

Forgot to mention that I can't play this game without the 3D. The 3D works beautifully.

OK, now you can come at me with the fanboyism.

[SobmicSSBB]

Some prefer them huge, others prefer them gigantic.

[Caije]

How dare you say anything bad about the 3DS! Don't you know it's a struggling system that needs all the support it can get? Why don't you just say all the great things that the 3DS brings to this game? For instance, the IPad doesn't have shoulder buttons to work the flappers! Solid logic there... you dropped the ball on this one Mark... the Pin Ball... (>.>) Yeah, I said it.

[EthonMullins]

@Skylins6681 You spelled "really" wrong. ;)

[flamemon11]

bad review for this one!

[DaEdsta]

This game is amazing, there's a view that zooms into the area the pinball is at.

Small screens is what portable gaming is about, an iPad isn't portable. There is no comparison.

[wtccrules1]

@DaEdsta fanboy much

[rodrigocapitelli]

I see a lot of unhappy nintendo fanboys in this video... A lot.

[lazysammich]

@rodrigocapitelli I'd say I'm a bit of a Nintendo fanboy, but even I agree with this review lol

[rodrigocapitelli]

@lazysammich Hahaha, ikr, just to see how much fanboy"ism" Nintendo has, they think all games for nintendo platforms are perfect xDDD.

[Skylins6681]

realy realy bad review!

[Inika966]

@Skylins6681 this review is bad as your grammar

[RoseDillinger90]

Its actually not so bad. I agree the screen size doesn't do this game justice, but the 3D does make this game pop. Not so sure its worth 7 bucks though. Could've been cheaper for what it's worth and Nintendo needs to realize this too lol. There are more affordable games on iOS and Android that are much more fun than this game, even at a buck.

[MasterOfPuppets4080]

I have to get ready for school, just ONE more CGR...

[asdasdsadsada]

First time I ever hear this guy say ANYTHING negative about ANY game...

[ZeeM]

Very poor review, CGR. In fact, its not a review. Its an advert for the Apple iPad.

Dissapointing.

[rodrigocapitelli]

@ZeeM You, sir, have been thumbed down =D

[AZAMENAZA]

thank god he said 'when it comes to pinball' hahahahah

[LuisFuchsi]

Wow, now that is... different..

[emojo1990]

i completely dissagree with this review. i love your reviews mark but in my opinion, this is one of the best e shop titles for the 3ds. the 3d looks great in view 6 and keeps me amused for hours!

[nym56789]

Looks pretty neat...

[theastronautdj]

:)

[theastronautdj]

View 88

[jasonvoorhees1428]

another great review :D

[MasterF998]

Cool



[ShutUpAndListen79]

Couldn't you use a Atari 2600 joystick on the 5200? Just wondered

[ochick1]

@ShutUpAndListen79 The 5200 has a different connecter. 2600, 5200, coleco and megadrive all use the same

[ochick1]

@ShutUpAndListen79 2600, 7800* woops

[whitelighter27club]

6th

[awwwyeea]

8====D------

[WoWFanX]

hello!



[kobra359]

3rd HELL YEAH

[ShutUpAndListen79]

2nd yay

[Erik89612]

cool