14 DAY TRIAL // 
Pinball seems to be one of the game experiences that, while still enjoying a solid following in the real world, has benefitted greatly from the move to the PC and console space, mainly because developers now have a way of quickly designing and launching tables that could take much more time and resources to be crafted out of actual metal and glass.
Zen Studios has managed to create the best pinball mechanics for current-gen and next-gen consoles under names that range from Zen Pinball to Zen Pinball 2 and Pinball FX2, and those who own one of them can now get access to a special Deadpool-powered experience.
The company has used its domination of the pinball field to mix two elements: the use of high-profile intellectual properties, from Star Wars to FC Barcelona, and the delivery of constant innovation for the actual mechanics, most of it linked to the theme of the table.
Zen Pinball understands that gamers crave new experiences and situations that could not happen when using a real-world pinball machine, and the most recent content launched for its title clearly shows how far the genre can be pushed.
Deadpool is one of the most interesting characters from the Marvel Comics line-up and started life as a villain before becoming a mercenary and an anti-hero, known widely by his fans as the Merc with a Mouth for his humorous and often sarcastic lines.
Having been introduced relatively late, in 1991, writers who have worked on his series have also taken liberties, which include a large number of moments when Deadpool is breaking the fourth wall, actively addressing the readers and showing them that he knows he exists inside a comic book.
His true nature has been nicely captured in the new table from Zen Studios, which features an interesting design and plenty of moments that show self-awareness, including the display of an actual pinball machine inside the stage.
The Deadpool table includes a variety of words and locations associated with the various comics in which the character was featured, and best friend Weasel and longtime companion Blind Al are also featured.
The ball is launched via an explosion, but not before a few sarcastic comments from the protagonist, and as the player tries to accumulate a high score and activate the various elements of the table, Deadpool shows up to actively try and hinder his progress.
And when the mercenary himself does not manage to do that, the layout does a good job of delaying the player’s progress, mainly because it features a large, central channel in the upper side, which has a tendency of throwing the ball down at speed right through the flippers, with only a small chance for the player to react quickly and precisely to save it.
It takes a bit of work to calibrate the flippers and deliver pinpoint shots that activate the ??? House and open up the various comic book episodes that are available.
Once that happens, the Deadpool table is really rewarding, but at the moment I am more frustrated than happy with the overall design.
Zen Studios could also have done a better job of using the various elements of the character’s comic book career on the actual table.
The development team has also made a few dubious color choices for the newly added content, which make it sometime hard to know exactly what to aim for and which elements are close to being activated.
On the other hand, the studio has managed to evoke the classic comic book look of Deadpool, and the miniature pinball table included in the stage is a great touch.
The poor choices in the graphics department are compensated by a solid sound design, which manages to evoke an arcade experience.
Deadpool Pinball is certainly not the best table that Zen Studios has ever launched for its line-up of pinball experiences on home consoles, but it’s certainly worth playing, especially by those who have a long-term fan relationship with the character and by those who feel the need to complete all content launched for the games in the series.
Those who pick it up will experience some interesting moments, but they will also need to be prepared to deal with some frustrating design choices.
