Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Star Wars Pinball standalone version hits PSN next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/star-wars-pinball-standalone-version-hits-psn-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/star-wars-pinball-standalone-version-hits-psn-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/star-wars-pinball-standalone-version-hits-psn-next-week/#commentsStar Wars Pinball standalone version hits PSN next week The Star Wars-themed pinball tables that found their way to Zen Studios' myriad pinball games last February will be released as a standalone product for PlayStation 3 and Vita next week. Star Wars Pinball will include the Star Wars Episode V, Boba Fett and Clone Wars tables previously seen in Zen Pinball 2, et al.

Players can choose to contribute their high scores to either the Galactic Empire or Rebel Alliance, with the game's interface changing dynamically depending on the global balance of power. The game will be Cross-Buy enabled at $9.99/€9.99, though anyone who already owns these tables in Zen Pinball 2 can download the new solo app for free. Likewise, anyone that purchases Star Wars Pinball will unlock the equivalent tables in Zen Pinball 2.

Continue reading Star Wars Pinball standalone version hits PSN next week

JoystiqStar Wars Pinball standalone version hits PSN next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-buyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNStar-Wars-PinballvitaZen-StudiosTue, 07 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX 2 flips onto Steam May 10 with Windows 7 support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pinball-fx-2-flips-onto-steam-may-10-with-windows-7-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pinball-fx-2-flips-onto-steam-may-10-with-windows-7-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pinball-fx-2-flips-onto-steam-may-10-with-windows-7-support/#comments
Pinball FX 2 rides the Steam ramp on May 10. The XBLA and Windows 8 game arrives next week as a free download, with six packs available at launch for $9.99 each.

The sextet includes Star Wars Pinball, Marvel Pinball, Marvel Pinball: Vengeance and Virtue, Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles, Pinball FX2 Core Collection, and Zen Classics.

The Steam version brings Windows 7 support to the pinball platform. As Zen Studios VP Mel Kirk tells us, the Steam version is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and even good old Windows XP.

Continue reading Pinball FX 2 flips onto Steam May 10 with Windows 7 support

JoystiqPinball FX 2 flips onto Steam May 10 with Windows 7 support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcpinball-fx-2release-datesteamZen-StudiosFri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 flies down the Wii U chute March 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/zen-pinball-2-flies-down-the-wii-u-chute-march-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/zen-pinball-2-flies-down-the-wii-u-chute-march-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/zen-pinball-2-flies-down-the-wii-u-chute-march-21/#comments Zen Studios has finally provided a concrete date for Zen Pinball 2 on Wii U in North America: Thursday, March 21. The free download will be available on the eShop next week, which lets you sample all available tables in Zen Pinball 2's vault for a limited amount of time before purchase is necessary.

Tables are purchased piecemeal through the in-game store, tables including the stock game tables and DLC such as the Marvel Pinball series and the Plants vs. Zombies tie-in. The freshly minted Star Wars tables have not been announced for Nintendo platforms, so naturally there's no mention of them in the announcement.

Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that purchases on other platforms won't transfer over to the Wii U. Zen Studios offered cross-play on PS Vita and PS3, but since the 3DS and Wii U use different stores, transferring already established content from the handheld to the Wii U is impossible.

Continue reading Zen Pinball 2 flies down the Wii U chute March 21

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 flies down the Wii U chute March 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvel-pinballnintendoplants-vs-zombiespopcaprelease-datestar-wars-pinballwii-uzen-pinball-2zen-studiosFri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Pinball experiences issues on Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/star-wars-pinball-experiences-issues-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/star-wars-pinball-experiences-issues-on-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/star-wars-pinball-experiences-issues-on-windows-8/#comments

Zen Studios is currently having issues with the recently released Star Wars Pinball on Windows 8 machines. Following up with the developer after receiving several tips this morning about a "Not_Yet_Localized" error on the Microsoft operating system, the company tells us it's working with MS to resolve the issue.

"Zen Studios rarely has release issues, and we really feel terrible whenever players spend their time and energy having to report issues instead of playing games," a company spokesperson told Joystiq. "Fixes are coming soon! Apologies to the players trying to play Star Wars Pinball on Windows 8!"

The issue appears to be platform specific and we haven't heard about the problem on consoles or other operating systems.

JoystiqStar Wars Pinball experiences issues on Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftpcpinball-fx-2star-wars-pinballwindows-8zen-studiosThu, 28 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CastleStorm makes a run at Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/castlestorm-makes-a-run-at-xbox-live-arcade-windows-8-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/castlestorm-makes-a-run-at-xbox-live-arcade-windows-8-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/castlestorm-makes-a-run-at-xbox-live-arcade-windows-8-in-april/#comments
Zen Studios has been working on its tower-defense game CastleStorm for well over a year now. During an appointment with the developer, Joystiq has learned the game is currently set for launch on Xbox Live Arcade and Windows 8 sometime in April.

CastleStorm is essentially a 2D, physics-based destruction game with tower-defense elements tossed in. As the Knights, you defend your castle from waves of attacking Vikings; players can defend with ranged weapons such as ballistas, or choose to put their boots on the ground and get right into the conflict as a hero.

There will also be a host of other modes to play outside of the campaign's 12 different environments, including online multiplayer and co-op, plus a castle editor - you can set up your own look and weapon loadouts for your castle, and test weapons within the editor to see how they'd bring it down.

Zen Studios hasn't announced a price for CastleStorm yet, but with only around a month left until launch, we're sure the developer will lob a price point over toward us soon.

JoystiqCastleStorm makes a run at Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlestormmicrosoftpcwindows-8xblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezen-studiosTue, 05 Feb 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios launching Star Wars Pinball this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zen-studios-launching-star-wars-pinball-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zen-studios-launching-star-wars-pinball-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zen-studios-launching-star-wars-pinball-this-month/#comments
Whether you're playing Pinball FX 2 on Xbox Live Arcade or Windows 8, Zen Pinball 2 on PlayStation Network or Mac, or Zen Pinball on iOS or Zen Pinball HD on Google Play, you'll be able to supplement your virtual table collection with a trio of new Star Wars-themed tables later this month. These three tables will be available standalone on iOS and Google Play, or in the aforementioned games as DLC.

The first three tables offered are themed around Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett and the animated Clone Wars series, each with their own unique missions and layout - and in the case of Episode V, even has footage taken directly from the film that will display in the dot matrix window prior to every mission.

A total of 10 different Star Wars Pinball tables are planned. Zen Studios has yet to finalize pricing, but we'll be sure to pass along that info as soon as it's announced.

Gallery: Star Wars Pinball

Boba Fett TableBoba Fett TableBoba Fett TableBoba Fett TableBoba Fett Table

JoystiqZen Studios launching Star Wars Pinball this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonelucasartsmacmicrosoftmobilepinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaps3psnstar-wars-pinballvitaxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezen-pinballzen-pinball-2zen-pinball-hdzen-studiosTue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 launches on Wii U eShop in Europe Jan. 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/zen-pinball-2-launches-on-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-jan-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/zen-pinball-2-launches-on-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-jan-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/zen-pinball-2-launches-on-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-jan-31/#comments Zen Pinball 2 on the Wii U was originally supposed to launch in December, but had to be pushed back to January. The North America launch is "coming very soon," developer Zen Studios notes - Europe can look forward to downloading Zen Pinball 2 on the Wii U eShop come January 31.

Zen Pinball 2 will be a free download on Wii U as it was on other systems, allowing players to sample individual tables free of charge which then may be unlocked in-game through purchase. Zen Pinball 2 features tables from Marvel Pinball, the Plants vs. Zombies table and many more. Thankfully not included: a sticky left flipper and a disgruntled pizza shop owner that wishes you'd actually buy pizza and stop hanging around playing pinball all of the time.

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 launches on Wii U eShop in Europe Jan. 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopnintendowii-uzen-pinball-2zen-studiosMon, 28 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 Wii U launch delayed to January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/zen-pinball-2-wii-u-launch-delayed-to-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/zen-pinball-2-wii-u-launch-delayed-to-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/30/zen-pinball-2-wii-u-launch-delayed-to-january/#comments Zen Pinball 2 was expected to arrive on Wii U this month, but has since been delayed to January 2013. Zen Studios broke the news earlier this week via Twitter without citing a reason for the delay. When the game does land in the Wii U eShop, it will be free with the option for players to purchase tables.

Those looking to get their pinball fix now could look to Zen Pinball HD, which launched on Android earlier this month.

Gallery: Zen Pinball 2 Wii U (12/17/12)

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 Wii U launch delayed to January originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delaynintendopinballwii-uzen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosSun, 30 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball HD loaded into the Android chute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/zen-pinball-hd-loaded-into-the-android-chute/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/zen-pinball-hd-loaded-into-the-android-chute/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/zen-pinball-hd-loaded-into-the-android-chute/#comments Zen Pinball HD now on AndroidThe folks at Zen Studios will not be content until their digital pinball wares exist on every platform known to man. Today the developer lets loose Zen Pinball HD onto the Google Play store, a free download for Android 3.0 devices and up.

Zen Pinball HD includes the "Sorcerer's Lair" table gratis - within the app, you may purchase up to 15 additional tables through micro-transactions, including selections from Zen Studios' lauded Marvel Pinball series of tables. In fact, the developer is offering a special sale price for each of those Marvel tables over the next week: $.99 each. You don't have to be a billionaire playboy to appreciate a good bargain.

Continue reading Zen Pinball HD loaded into the Android chute

JoystiqZen Pinball HD loaded into the Android chute originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogle-playmobileZen-Pinballzen-pinball-hdzen-studiosWed, 19 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Zen Classics' DLC flippers over to XBLA's Pinball FX2 this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/zen-classics-dlc-flippers-over-to-xblas-pinball-fx2-this-wedn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/zen-classics-dlc-flippers-over-to-xblas-pinball-fx2-this-wedn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/zen-classics-dlc-flippers-over-to-xblas-pinball-fx2-this-wedn/#comments Zen Classics DLC hits Pinball FX2 on XBLA this WednesdayZen Studios will add four classic tables to Pinball FX2 this Wednesday. The "Zen Classics" bundle includes four "digitally re-mastered" tables, altered from their already digital state, with upgraded graphics and physics for Pinball FX2.

The four tables in the pack are Tesla (pretty great!), Shaman, Eldorado and V12. The tables come as a bundle for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

Continue reading 'Zen Classics' DLC flippers over to XBLA's Pinball FX2 this Wednesday

Joystiq'Zen Classics' DLC flippers over to XBLA's Pinball FX2 this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpinball-fx-2xboxzen-studiosMon, 10 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 on Wii U this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/zen-pinball-2-on-wii-u-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/zen-pinball-2-on-wii-u-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/zen-pinball-2-on-wii-u-this-month/#comments

Zen Pinball 2 will be available some time this month on the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U. Per usual, the base Zen Pinball platform will be free, with the tables available for purchase in packs or individually.

"We cannot yet say how much the tables are, but you can expect pricing in line with what we have offered in the past," Zen Studios' marketing and PR honcho Mel Kirk told us. Tables are normally priced around $3 on other consoles.

Wii U's Zen Pinball 2 release will launch with three different Marvel Pinball packs, each containing four tables. It will also have the classic Zen pinball pack available, along with individual tables: Plants vs. Zombies, Excalibur, Earth Defense, Sorcerer's Lair, Paranormal, Mars, Epic Quest, Captain America and Fantastic Four.

Continue reading Zen Pinball 2 on Wii U this month

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 on Wii U this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendowii-uzen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosWed, 05 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX 2 ricochets onto Windows 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/pinball-fx-2-ricochets-onto-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/pinball-fx-2-ricochets-onto-windows-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/pinball-fx-2-ricochets-onto-windows-8/#comments Pinball FX 2 ricochets onto Windows 8Windows and free pinball games go together like computer labs and bored high-school students, and Microsoft's shiny new Windows 8 platform will be no exception to that rule, as Zen Studios has launched Pinball FX 2 on the new OS' Microsoft Store app repository.

The free download includes one table ("Mars," specifically), with 18 other tables available for $2.99 each, including Marvel-branded jams such as "Thor," "The Infinity Gauntlet" and "Marvel's The Avengers." Zen plans to support the Windows 8 version with new DLC just as it has the XBLA version, though no amount of DLC will complete that essay on Uncle Tom's Cabin that you're supposed to be working on.

JoystiqPinball FX 2 ricochets onto Windows 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeMicrosoftMicrosoft-StoreMicrosoft-Windows-8pcpinball-fx-2Windows-8Zen-StudiosSat, 27 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CastleStorm sing-along trailer invites karaoke for prizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/castlestorm-sing-along-trailer-invites-karaoke-for-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/castlestorm-sing-along-trailer-invites-karaoke-for-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/castlestorm-sing-along-trailer-invites-karaoke-for-prizes/#comments

Zen Studios has put out a sing-along trailer for its upcoming Angry Birds meets MOBA game, CastleStorm.

Interested participants just record themselves singing along to the melody and submit it to Zen at CastleStorm@zenstudios.com or through Twitter @Zen_Studios by November 16. Winners receive codes for the XBLA game, a code for the next Pinball FX2 table, and Zen Studios slippers.

If you've got the voice, comfy slippers are definitely worth the ensuing public humiliation.

Gallery: CastleStorm (Gamescom 2012)

Continue reading CastleStorm sing-along trailer invites karaoke for prizes

JoystiqCastleStorm sing-along trailer invites karaoke for prizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlestormmicrosoftxboxZen-StudiosFri, 19 Oct 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Civil War' table coming to Marvel Pinball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/civil-war-table-coming-to-marvel-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/civil-war-table-coming-to-marvel-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/civil-war-table-coming-to-marvel-pinball/#comments

Zen Studios announced standalone DLC for Marvel Pinball called Civil War at a New York Comic Con panel. The theme for this pinball table was taken from a multi-part comic event from 2006 of the same name that pitted Iron Man and Captain America against each other.

No specific release date was given for the DLC, though the trailer above teases that it's "coming soon" to PSN, XBLA, Apple's App Store and the Google Play store.

Gallery: Marvel Pinball (Civil War)

Joystiq'Civil War' table coming to Marvel Pinball originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcaptain-americaiosipadiphoneiron-manmacMarvelmarvel-pinballmicrosoftmobilepinballplaystationps3PSNXBLAxboxZen-StudiosSat, 13 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Flicks: Zen Pinball 2 and the Pinball-based films 'Tilt' and 'Special When Lit']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/stiq-flicks-zen-pinball-2-and-the-pinball-based-films-tilt-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/stiq-flicks-zen-pinball-2-and-the-pinball-based-films-tilt-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/stiq-flicks-zen-pinball-2-and-the-pinball-based-films-tilt-an/#commentsStiq Flicks - from film and video game industry freelance writer Kevin Kelly - examines video games and attempts to pair them with matching films. It's like wine and cheese, but with more aliens.
Stiq Flicks Zen Pinball 2 and Two Pinball Movies
Earlier this week, Zen Pinball 2 finally made its way onto the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita, updating the genius of the Zen Studios experience and making it mobile on Sony's new handheld. It also brings with it the shambling spectacle of the Plants vs. Zombies table, based on PopCap's botanic home-defense title, pushing to an impressive number of tables available for the digital pinball experience.

Alternatively, this piece could have been titled The Pinball Arcade and Two Pinball Movies, in reference to FarSight Studios' equally impressive flipper-flicker that recreates classics such as the Theater of Magic and The Machine: Bride of PinBot tables. With Zen Studios creating original tables and FarSight Studios bringing the oldies back to life, it's a good time to be a pinball fan.

But that hasn't always been the case. Pinball, the mechanical godfather to the video game industry, once reigned as the king of quarter-dropping entertainment. Pinball pulled in more money than the US film industry did from the 1950s - 1960s. In 1983, one of EA's early hits was the classic Pinball Construction Set from Bill Budge. Creating these boxes of glass, wires, lights, and plastic where you send a silver ball careening around ramps, toward targets, and through tunnels is and was an art form that nearly died. Though the modern spin on the classic game probably won't bring it near its former glory, it has returned in some capacity thanks to select developers.

There are two movies that can help bridge the gap and fill you in about pinball: Special When Lit and Tilt: The Battle To Save Pinball. Both films are well-produced, extremely informative and surprisingly emotional. If you're looking to be a true pinball wizard, both of these films are required viewing.

Gallery: Zen Pinball THD

Continue reading Stiq Flicks: Zen Pinball 2 and the Pinball-based films 'Tilt' and 'Special When Lit'

JoystiqStiq Flicks: Zen Pinball 2 and the Pinball-based films 'Tilt' and 'Special When Lit' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Opinionplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Stiq-Flicksvitazen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosSun, 09 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: NFL Sunday Ticket, Zen Pinball 2 and Borderlands (free for PS Plus members)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/psn-tuesday-nfl-sunday-ticket-zen-pinball-2-and-borderlands-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/psn-tuesday-nfl-sunday-ticket-zen-pinball-2-and-borderlands-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/psn-tuesday-nfl-sunday-ticket-zen-pinball-2-and-borderlands-f/#comments PSN Tuesday NFL Sunday Ticket, Zen Pinball and free Borderlands for PS Plus membersAre you ready for some apps that enable you to watch football on Sunday? Okay, so we failed Marketing 101 - it's our way of saying DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket is now available to PS3 users.

Joining football is free-to-play PS3/PS Vita cross-play compatible (phew!) Zen Pinball 2, from Zen Studios. If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, there are the usual discounts to consider, like 75 percent off Greed Corp and 40 percent off Daytona USA, and a free download of Borderlands. The full list is over on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: NFL Sunday Ticket, Zen Pinball 2 and Borderlands (free for PS Plus members) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsdirectvdirectv-nfl-sunday-ticketgearboxgearbox-softwarenfl-sunday-ticketplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonyvitazen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosTue, 04 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' Plants vs. Zombies pinball table lets in sunshine next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/zen-studios-plants-vs-zombies-pinball-table-lets-in-sunshine-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/zen-studios-plants-vs-zombies-pinball-table-lets-in-sunshine-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/zen-studios-plants-vs-zombies-pinball-table-lets-in-sunshine-n/#comments
Zen Studios' first mystery pinball table based on a PopCap franchise will be Plants vs. Zombies. The table, playable at PAX this weekend, features your favorite flora and undead continuing their epic battle with the assistance of giant silver balls.

The Plants vs. Zombies pinball table will be available on September 4 and 5 in North America and Europe, respectively, as a cross buy add-on for Zen Pinball 2 on PS3 and Vita. The table flips on in XBLA's Pinball FX2 on September 5. The table is $2.99 through the PlayStation Network, 240 Microsoft Points ($3) on Xbox 360.

Asked for a review of the table, Crazy Dave expounded, "Wabby-wibby woooo. Whaaaa! Wanna watta win."

JoystiqZen Studios' Plants vs. Zombies pinball table lets in sunshine next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpax-2012pax-prime-2012pinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaPopCapPopCap-Gamesps3vitaxboxzen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosFri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CastleStorm fires off new screens for Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/castlestorm-fires-off-new-screens-for-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/castlestorm-fires-off-new-screens-for-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/castlestorm-fires-off-new-screens-for-gamescom/#comments CastleStorm assets Zen StudiosZen Studios, which found success through its pinball games, is branching out and showed off Kickbeat and CastleStorm at Gamescom. Here's the latest screens for the real-time strategy, castle vs. castle physics based destruction game launching this autumn, "first on Xbox."

Continue reading CastleStorm fires off new screens for Gamescom

JoystiqCastleStorm fires off new screens for Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlestormgamescom-2012microsoftxboxzen-studiosSat, 18 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Zen of KickBeat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-zen-of-kickbeat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-zen-of-kickbeat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-zen-of-kickbeat/#comments The Zen of KickBeatZen Studios is best known for its prowess in the pinball market, amassing its fame from titles such as Pinball FX, Zen Pinball and Marvel Pinball (Notice a trend?). This success has enabled Zen to expand its creative department and develop a wide range of games for varying platforms.

KickBeat, for example, is a music-based crossover action title for Vita that throws a brilliant twist into the tired rhythm genre. It combines the quick dexterity of classic rhythm games with a few of the industry's favorite tropes and trends: fighting and ninjas.

The most noticeable fad that Zen Studios doesn't integrate in KickBeat also happens to be the game's best feature: It has absolutely no touchscreen or rear touchpad functions.

Continue reading The Zen of KickBeat

JoystiqThe Zen of KickBeat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionFightinggamescom-2012kickbeatplaystationplaystation-vitaRhythmvitaZen-StudiosThu, 16 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[KickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/kickbeat-trailer-partial-track-list-revealed-at-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/kickbeat-trailer-partial-track-list-revealed-at-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/kickbeat-trailer-partial-track-list-revealed-at-gamescom/#comments KickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom
KickBeat is a PS Vita game announced back in May by the pinball-loving developers at Zen Studios in which you'll lay the smack down on enemies in time to a musical beat. This week during Gamescom, the company released a trailer, as well as a partial track list for the title, which is set to arrive later on this year, exclusively on Sony's newest handheld.

You can find the announced track list after the break - it ranges from the gritty Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, to the groovy Styles of Beyond and even Mandarin Chinese rapper Shen Yi. That's a positively eclectic selection right there, and Kickbeat will also include a tool for players to create playable tracks from their own music as well. So if that works as planned, there will be no end of tunes to play as you kick a fool's heads in.

Continue reading KickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom

JoystiqKickBeat trailer, partial track list revealed at Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamehandheldkickbeatmusicplaystationplaystation-vitapsps-vitarapperrob-zombiesonyvitazenzen-studiosWed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 on PS3/Vita, PopCap table this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/zen-pinball-2-on-ps3-vita-popcap-table-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/zen-pinball-2-on-ps3-vita-popcap-table-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/zen-pinball-2-on-ps3-vita-popcap-table-this-september/#comments Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer'Zen Studios will pull back and launch Zen Pinball 2 for PlayStation 3 and Vita on September 4 through the PlayStation Network. The Zen Pinball 2 platform will support cross-platform play on PlayStation devices, meaning any Zen Pinball 2 table purchase will be playable on PS3 and Vita at no extra charge. Zen Pinball 2 will have 26 tables available at release (with free demos) and is a free update to Zen Pinball and Marvel Pinball.

Zen also announced today that its PopCap-branded table will pop up September 4 and 5 on PlayStation systems and Xbox 360, respectively. The company still hasn't revealed whether the table will be based on Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle or Bejeweled, but it plans to do that at PAX Prime, which takes place August 31 through September 2 in Seattle, Washington.

Continue reading Zen Pinball 2 on PS3/Vita, PopCap table this September

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 on PS3/Vita, PopCap table this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationplaystation-vitapopcapPopCap-Gamesps3vitaxboxzen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosWed, 08 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Pinball 3D saves the eShop June 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/marvel-pinball-3d-saves-the-eshop-june-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/marvel-pinball-3d-saves-the-eshop-june-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/marvel-pinball-3d-saves-the-eshop-june-28/#comments Marvel Pinball 3D saves the eShop June 28For those of you who choose to "Make Mine Marvel!" even when it comes to pinball simulations, Zen Studios will release Zen Pinball 3D on the 3DS eShop this Thursday, June 28, for $7.99 or €7.

The pinball sim puts four superhero-themed tables all up in your face, including Iron Man, Blade, Captain America, and the Fantastic Four - all tables that have been featured in the console Marvel Pinball game. None of the tables follow the journey of a newly created superhero with the power to control a giant silver ball with his mind, which seems like a missed opportunity.

Gallery: Mavel Pinball 3D (E3 2012)

Continue reading Marvel Pinball 3D saves the eShop June 28

JoystiqMarvel Pinball 3D saves the eShop June 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopmarvel-pinball-3dnintendoq3-2012release-datezen-studiosMon, 25 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[KickBeat gameplay trailer is punchy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/17/kickbeat-gameplay-trailer-is-punchy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/17/kickbeat-gameplay-trailer-is-punchy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/17/kickbeat-gameplay-trailer-is-punchy/#comments mini Kickbeat gameplay trailer
Zen Studios' upcoming rhythm fighting game KickBeat bursts with action in this new gameplay video, set to the tune of "I Can't Wait" by Cellweller. The downloadable game will launch sometime this year on Vita.

JoystiqKickBeat gameplay trailer is punchy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickbeatplaystationplaystation-vitavitaZen-StudiosSun, 17 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/zen-studios-first-popcap-pinball-table-coming-end-of-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/zen-studios-first-popcap-pinball-table-coming-end-of-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/zen-studios-first-popcap-pinball-table-coming-end-of-summer/#comments Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer'Zen Studios passively announced a few months back it was working on some PopCap-branded pinball tables, and now the company tells us the first one will be available by "end of summer." The company didn't reveal any branded table specifics, but looking at PopCap's highest-profile games, we'd venture to guess: Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle or Bejeweled.

Despite working on new intellectual properties like CastleStorm and KickBeat, the Hungarian developer knows where its bread is buttered and plans to support Zen Pinball and Pinball FX 2 into the future.

JoystiqZen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobileplaystationPopCapPopCap-Gamesps3xboxZen-StudiosFri, 08 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Pinball flips to 3DS through eShop this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/marvel-pinball-flips-to-3ds-through-eshop-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/marvel-pinball-flips-to-3ds-through-eshop-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/marvel-pinball-flips-to-3ds-through-eshop-this-summer/#comments
Zen Studios' Marvel Pinball will go 3D this summer on Nintendo's image-popping 3DS handheld. The game will feature four of the best tables available on consoles: Iron Man, Captain America, Blade and Fantastic Four.

The game will be available as a standalone product through the Nintendo eShop for $7.99 in the lands of North America and €7.00 across the vast continent of Europe.

Gallery: Mavel Pinball 3D (E3 2012)

Continue reading Marvel Pinball flips to 3DS through eShop this summer

JoystiqMarvel Pinball flips to 3DS through eShop this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmarvel-pinballnintendoZen-StudiosTue, 05 Jun 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' CastleStorm marching onto Xbox Live Arcade this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/zen-studios-castlestorm-marching-onto-xbox-live-arcade-this-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/zen-studios-castlestorm-marching-onto-xbox-live-arcade-this-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/zen-studios-castlestorm-marching-onto-xbox-live-arcade-this-yea/#comments
Zen Studios is just as busy as can be, it seems. In addition to the upcoming Kickbeat, the studio is also bringing CastleStorm to Xbox Live Arcade and other unannounced platforms. Promising a mix of real-time strategy, tower defense and destruction gameplay, CastleStorm lets players take up the roles of either knights or vikings as they fight to destroy each others' castles.

The game bears some resemblance to Ronimo's Swords & Soldiers, and has players sending out various troops, building their castles and using spells. Castlestorm is slated to be released this year. Check out the first trailer above and some screens in the gallery below.

Continue reading Zen Studios' CastleStorm marching onto Xbox Live Arcade this year

JoystiqZen Studios' CastleStorm marching onto Xbox Live Arcade this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlestormmicrosoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezen-studiosWed, 30 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' Kickbeat includes both kicks and beats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/zen-studios-kickbeat-includes-both-kicks-and-beats/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/zen-studios-kickbeat-includes-both-kicks-and-beats/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/zen-studios-kickbeat-includes-both-kicks-and-beats/#comments Image
Zen Studios' newest game is ... not pinball. Instead, Kickbeat is a Vita music game in which you fight enemies to the beat of background music. Enemies circle you, and you kick in one of four directions to beat them, in time with the licensed music that's playing in the background.

Should you happen to get tired of the included soundtrack (Rob Zombie, P.O.D., Papa Roach), you can also import your own music and generate additional levels. We're definitely interested in the included Mandarin-language rap track by Shen Yi, and we look forward to punching people to its beat sometime this year.

JoystiqZen Studios' Kickbeat includes both kicks and beats originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickbeatplaystationplaystation-vitavitazen-studiosWed, 23 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Archer' may take a shot at a Pinball FX 2 table, it's all Twitter's fault]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/archer-may-takes-a-shot-at-a-pinball-fx-2-table-its-all-twit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/archer-may-takes-a-shot-at-a-pinball-fx-2-table-its-all-twit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/archer-may-takes-a-shot-at-a-pinball-fx-2-table-its-all-twit/#comments ImageSo it went down like this: Someone tweeted Archer production designer and art director Neil Holman the idea for an Archer table in Zen Studios' Pinball FX 2, Holman said he could send the idea up to FX if Zen was down, and Zen said, "Yuuuuup" (paraphrased). Holman since requested Zen's contact info and said he'll "put the wheels in motion."

It looks to us like Twitter already got those gears turning, in a wonderfully public way. This is what happens when cool people work together: transparency and dead hookers. Uh, we mean, cartoon spy-drama pinball tables. Of course.

Joystiq'Archer' may take a shot at a Pinball FX 2 table, it's all Twitter's fault originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archermicrosoftNeal-Holmanpinball-fx-2tabletwitterxboxZen-StudiosFri, 20 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 flies out of the chute on PS3 and PS Vita this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/zen-pinball-2-flies-out-of-the-chute-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-this-spr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/zen-pinball-2-flies-out-of-the-chute-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-this-spr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/zen-pinball-2-flies-out-of-the-chute-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-this-spr/#comments Image
Fans of faux-bumpin' can bolster their collection of tables soon, as Zen Studios has announced Zen Pinball 2 for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita platforms. Now, if you've purchased the previous game or Marvel Pinball, fret not -- Zen Pinball 2 will be available as a free update. You may recall Zen Studios taking a similar approach with Pinball FX 2.

Zen Pinball 2 will incorporate the content from Zen Pinball and Marvel Pinball into the new platform. New users can also download Zen Pinball 2 and sample each virtual table, free of charge, via a built-in trial system. In addition to the free gameplay, Zen Studios is offering cross-play gratis. Purchasing any content in Zen Pinball 2 will grant players access on both the PS3 and PS Vita.

Zen Pinball 2 will launch alongside Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles this spring. And, yes, even those tables will work with Zen Pinball 2.

Continue reading Zen Pinball 2 flies out of the chute on PS3 and PS Vita this spring

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 flies out of the chute on PS3 and PS Vita this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3vitazen-pinball-2zen-studiosMon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World War Hulk pinball trailer smashes in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/world-war-hulk-pinball-trailer-smashes-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/world-war-hulk-pinball-trailer-smashes-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/world-war-hulk-pinball-trailer-smashes-in/#comments
The upcoming Avengers Chronicles pinball game includes four tables, each based off a story from the Marvel universe instead of a specific character. The "World War Hulk" table features the big green galumphing Dr. Banner seeking revenge against the Illuminati, X-Men, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange and anyone else in his way.

Gallery: Mavel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles (World War Hulk Table)

JoystiqWorld War Hulk pinball trailer smashes in originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avengers-chroniclesmarvel-pinballmicrosoftpinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxZen-StudiosThu, 05 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles coming this spring to Xbox 360, PS3 and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/marvel-pinball-avengers-chronicles-coming-this-spring-to-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/marvel-pinball-avengers-chronicles-coming-this-spring-to-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/marvel-pinball-avengers-chronicles-coming-this-spring-to-xbox-3/#comments
Proficient electronic pinball developer Zen Studios announced Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles this morning for the spring. The pack will be DLC for XBLA's Pinball FX2 and PS3's Marvel Pinball, and a standalone product for the PlayStation Vita.

The Avenger pack will include more character interaction, dialogue and action than any of the developer's previous tables, noted Zen Studios. The four tables include: Marvel's The Avengers, World War Hulk, The Infinity Gauntlet and Fear Itself. You had us at Infinity Gauntlet. Thanos is a badass.

Gallery: Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles

Continue reading Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles coming this spring to Xbox 360, PS3 and Vita

JoystiqMarvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles coming this spring to Xbox 360, PS3 and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avengers-chroniclesmarvel-pinballmicrosoftpinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxZen-StudiosFri, 16 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX 2 included in Windows 8 consumer preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pinball-fx-2-included-in-windows-8-consumer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pinball-fx-2-included-in-windows-8-consumer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pinball-fx-2-included-in-windows-8-consumer-preview/#comments Windows 8 isn't even really available yet, but you can already play Pinball FX2 on it. That's what we would call being "on the ball" ... if we were interested in terrible puns, which of course we aren't.

Windows 8 is available today in a consumer preview build, and Zen Studios' pinball game is included in the download, with the "Sorcerer's Lair" table. Of course, more tables will be sold as DLC. It's only fitting that this version of Windows, which touts some kind of Xbox Live functionality, will include one of Xbox Live's most popular games. To put it another way: free pinball!

Continue reading Pinball FX 2 included in Windows 8 consumer preview

JoystiqPinball FX 2 included in Windows 8 consumer preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcpinballpinball-fx-2pinball-fx2windows-8zen-studiosWed, 29 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Quest coming to Zen Pinball, Pinball FX2 this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/epic-quest-coming-to-zen-pinball-pinball-fx2-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/epic-quest-coming-to-zen-pinball-pinball-fx2-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/epic-quest-coming-to-zen-pinball-pinball-fx2-this-month/#comments
Zen Studios, the developer of Pinball FX2 and Zen Pinball, did say it was going bigger this year with different ideas, which leads us to pinball-meets-RPG hybrid: Epic Quest. The new table will be available through your Zen pinball platform of choice on XBLA, PSN, Apple iOS and Android this month.

"It is our quest to deliver the most entertaining and original pinball tables, and Epic Quest delivers on both fronts," said Mel Kirk, Zen's VP of Marketing and Public Relations. "With a wink and a nudge towards classic RPG tropes, Epic Quest blends frantic pinball action, obsessive character building, and liberally applied tongue-in-cheek humor."

What also makes this table different is experience and loot carry over from one game to the next. Players will be able to dress up the knight Max and defeat monsters to collect epic gear. It's an interesting hook to the classic fail state of any other pinball table.

Gallery: Pinball FX 2 (Epic Quest Table)

Continue reading Epic Quest coming to Zen Pinball, Pinball FX2 this month

JoystiqEpic Quest coming to Zen Pinball, Pinball FX2 this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidepic-questiosiphonemicrosoftmobilepinball-fx-2playstationps3xboxzen-pinballZen-StudiosFri, 03 Feb 2012 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 3D flips out on eShop January 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/zen-pinball-3d-flips-out-on-eshop-january-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/zen-pinball-3d-flips-out-on-eshop-january-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/zen-pinball-3d-flips-out-on-eshop-january-12/#comments Zen Studios is preparing the most realistic fake pinball imaginable: Zen Pinball 3D, which brings a 2D simulation of a real-world, 3D game back into 3D. The developer officially announced details of the 3DS eShop release today, revealing a January 12 date and a $6.99 price. Not quite the "fall" date we originally heard, but it's very close to now.

For those tokens, you'll get four tables, including Earth Defense, Shaman, Excalibur, and Eldorado. Zen Studios plans to follow those with DLC tables, which have yet to be announced. We're guessing they'll come from the lineup of tables made for other versions.

Gallery: Zen Pinball 3D (3DS)

Continue reading Zen Pinball 3D flips out on eShop January 12

JoystiqZen Pinball 3D flips out on eShop January 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopnintendorelease-datezen-pinball-3dzen-studiosWed, 04 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulk smash new Marvel pinball table next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/hulk-smash-new-marvel-pinball-table-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/hulk-smash-new-marvel-pinball-table-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/hulk-smash-new-marvel-pinball-table-next-year/#comments The Pinball games from Zen Studios -- Pinball FX 2 on XBLA and Marvel Pinball on PSN -- will receive a Hulk table sometime next year. XBLAfans took note of the forum post where Mel Kirk, VP of PR and Marketing for Zen Studios, explicitly announced the angry green goon's forthcoming appearance.

"Everything that comes from Marvel next year will be bigger, not necessarily character specific," Kirk told us when we asked about the table. "Hulk will be the main character, but it will be based on something in the Marvel storyline."

It would appear Zen Studios' relationship with Marvel is going well. The company launched the original Marvel tables last year, followed by DLC featuring Fantastic Four and Captain America (one of the best tables available), and the "Vengeance and Virtue" tables which came out last week. From what Zen Studios is saying, there's plenty more to come in 2012.

JoystiqHulk smash new Marvel pinball table next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcHulkmarvel-pinballmel-kirkmicrosoftpinball-fx-2playstationps3psnThe-Incredible-HulkxblaxboxZen-StudiosFri, 23 Dec 2011 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Name Zen Studios' next game, get a credit and a cameo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/name-zen-studios-next-game-get-a-credit-and-a-cameo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/name-zen-studios-next-game-get-a-credit-and-a-cameo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/name-zen-studios-next-game-get-a-credit-and-a-cameo/#comments Zen Fistball Zen Studios, creator of Zen Pinball and the Pinball FX series, needs your help. Your mission: come up with a name for the developer's next project, currently codenamed "Zen Fu" and described as "an experimental rhythm game featuring fully 3D characters and combat, aggressive music, and an East Asian theme." Damn, and we thought we had "Pinball FX 3" on lockdown.

Should a lucky boy or girl choose the perfect name (presumably not related to pinball), he or she will be featured as a character in the game and will receive a proper credit for their contribution. You can submit your title to zen-fu@zenstudios.com, and be sure to check the Zen Studios forums to see what other people are coming up with. The developer will accept entries until January 4.

Oh, and if you need some inspiration, check out the concept art above.

JoystiqName Zen Studios' next game, get a credit and a cameo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestzen-fuzen-studiosTue, 20 Dec 2011 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel 'Vengeance and Virtue' tables out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/marvel-vengeance-and-virtue-tables-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/marvel-vengeance-and-virtue-tables-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/marvel-vengeance-and-virtue-tables-out-now/#comments
The flippin' Marvel Universe-based "Vengeance and Virtue" DLC is available now on PSN for Marvel Pinball and XBLA via Pinball FX 2. The four tables feature Thor, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight and the X-Men for $10 (800 MSP).

JoystiqMarvel 'Vengeance and Virtue' tables out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmarvel-pinballmicrosoftpinball-fx-2playstationps3vengeancevengeance-and-virtuevirtuexboxZen-StudiosThu, 15 Dec 2011 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Pinball FX2 'Paranormal' table available now, free for a week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/psa-pinball-fx2-paranormal-table-available-now-free-for-a-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/psa-pinball-fx2-paranormal-table-available-now-free-for-a-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/psa-pinball-fx2-paranormal-table-available-now-free-for-a-we/#comments
The brand new "Paranormal" table for Pinball FX2 is available now for free until November 2. Just download the table off the marketplace and you'll be all set for a flippering Kolchak: The Night Stalker-inspired pinball table. As always, the Pinball FX2 platform is also free, so this is a win/win proposition.

After next Wednesday, the table will likely be 240 MSP ($3), but why pay tomorrow for what you can get for free today?

Download link to Marketplace

Gallery: Pinball FX 2 (Paranormal Table)

JoystiqPSA: Pinball FX2 'Paranormal' table available now, free for a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftparanormalpinball-fx-2xboxZen-StudiosWed, 26 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX2 offers free 'Paranormal' table starting next Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/pinball-fx2-offers-free-paranormal-table-starting-next-wednesd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/pinball-fx2-offers-free-paranormal-table-starting-next-wednesd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/pinball-fx2-offers-free-paranormal-table-starting-next-wednesd/#comments XBLA's Pinball FX2 will offer its new table, "Paranormal," for free between October 26 and November 2. The catch? You have to download Pinball FX2, which is also free... wait, that's not a "catch."

"Yes, you get to keep it FOREVER. Just download it between October 26 and November 2," Zen Studios' PR guru Mel Kirk told us. "In celebration of one year of Pinball FX2, and as a big thank you to all of our supporters, we are happy to offer the new Paranormal table free for one week!"

After the gratis period, the table will likely be 240 MSP ($3), just like the others. The developer has been on a roll lately with some pretty fun tables, so if you've never tried Pinball FX2, free is a pretty good price point to find out if you're a flipper phenom.

Continue reading Pinball FX2 offers free 'Paranormal' table starting next Wednesday

JoystiqPinball FX2 offers free 'Paranormal' table starting next Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpinball-fx-2xboxZen-StudiosWed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios bringing Pinball FX to 3DS, Vita, mobile; shows off X-Men table]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/zen-studios-bringing-pinball-fx-to-3ds-vita-mobile-shows-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/zen-studios-bringing-pinball-fx-to-3ds-vita-mobile-shows-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/zen-studios-bringing-pinball-fx-to-3ds-vita-mobile-shows-off/#comments
As if Zen Studio's Pinball FX series wasn't already enormously popular, studio reps told an audience of New York Comic Con attendees that the pinball franchise would be heading to Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and iOS/Android "phones and tablets" at some point in 2012. Get your flippin' fingers at the ready!

He also revealed a brand new table coming this winter as part of the upcoming "Vengeance and Virtue" Marvel DLC pack, themed around the X-Men. Which apparently means it's of the "Virtue" category, though we don't think Wolverine would appreciate being called "virtuous" very much.

JoystiqZen Studios bringing Pinball FX to 3DS, Vita, mobile; shows off X-Men table originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendonyccnycc-2011pinballpinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaps3vitax-menxboxzen-studiosSat, 15 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST