If you are not familiar with Pinball FX3 then you should know that it is one of the best digital games currently available for PC and consoles which allows players to re-visit the most iconic Pinball games from the early times. It was developed by Zen Studios and since its release in 2017 across platforms, it has received tons of new tables from different genres of entertainment. The most recent DLC to arrive for Pinball FX3 is Williams Pinball: Universal Monsters Pack and this is our review of this brilliant pack. Also, our review of Williams Pinball: Universal Monsters Pack was made on Xbox One.
The Universal Monsters Pack arrived just in time for Halloween 2019 and it brought with it 2 of the best tables suitable for the occasion. Unlike most of the pinball tables present in the game, both Monster Dash and Creature from the Black Lagoon contained in the pack are digital representatives of the actual tables released for the Williams Pinball machines. Due to this, both of these tables boast a huge nostalgic factor for pinball fans who have actually played on these pinball machines back in their glory days.
Starting with the Williams Monster Bash Pinball table, it was originally released in July 1998 and only 3,361 units of this brilliant machine were made back then. The version in the game features 7 figurines on the playfield and players can actually hit 2 of these figurines as well. The table is the exact layout of the original one and the remastered version is an absolute beauty to look at. It features excellent graphical features such as animations, special effects, and lights to make the table amazing. Players will find their favorite monsters from the classic era all packed in one Rock theme complete with its own soundtrack.
The second table is based on the iconic movie Creature from the Black Lagoon and this table was originally released back in December 1992 and 7,841 units were made of this pinball machine. This brilliant pinball table comes with the actual monster popping out from its middle as well as a Blue Van blocking the route which is a really good shoutout to the rude driver from the movie. Even the back-drop of the table is formed to look like a drive-in cinema. It is really well made according to the overall black and green theme of the classic movie.
Both tables offer tons of fun and replayability. As you begin your run, each table offers tons of different challenges and missions that you can complete. Similar to any other table, both of these tables also come with different hidden secrets that you can trigger by hitting the right spots with your skills. For any normal player, this might be boring however diehard Pinball fans will love the new tables and they are a must-have addition to their virtual collection of Pinball machines. Since physical machines are so hard to find now, playing these iconic tables in Pinball FX3 is closest to the best experience we can have these days.
Naturally, bringing back the iconic Monster duo table was not enough for Zen Studios so they included special 3D Remastered versions of both the tables as well. The 3D version of the tables features monster animations, improved graphics and highly detailed versions of the monsters present on the table just waiting to be woken up. Players can switch between the classic and the remastered version of the tables at the tap of a button at any time while playing the game. This allows them to switch to their favorite visual style at any time without even the requirement of going back to the menu.
Both the tables also come with their own challenges which players can complete to earn more Stars and unlock table upgrades. These table upgrades will allow the players to rack up even higher high scores and help them complete even higher challenges as they progress on each table. Both tables fully support all default play modes of Pinball Fx3 and the game also comes with a detailed guide on how players can opt for different special moves and rack up some serious points. Both tables offer plenty of easy and complex moves for hitting those high scores.
Final Verdict:
Pinball is not for every player however the community that is still a fan of this classic game would still love to get their hands anywhere where they find this brilliant game. Back in the early 90s, it was found in every arcade center however as gaming became more in-house activity, they started losing their value and companies who used to make physical arcade cabinets slowly went out of business or were merged with other companies. Zen Studios has done an amazing job in keeping this brilliant game alive in the form of digital Pinball machines which are available to a wider variety and allows the young generation to experience this brilliant game of the previous era. The Williams Pinball Universal Monster Pack is a brilliant addition to Pinball FX3 and it brings back some of the best memories of their respective times. This is must-have for any Pinball fan as they offer tons of fun along with a serious nostalgia. It is also the perfect Pinball to play since Halloween just passed.
Final Verdict: 9/10
