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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Marvel Pinball mobile tables unite for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/marvel-pinball-mobile-tables-unite-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/marvel-pinball-mobile-tables-unite-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/marvel-pinball-mobile-tables-unite-for-sale/#comments ImageWith Marvel's The Avengers movie imminent, Zen Studios is dropping the price of its Marvel-themed tables. Until May 7, all of the proficient virtual pinball maker's Marvel tables are half-off for a dollar.

This means some super enjoyable tables - as pinball experiences, not just for the Marvel tie-in - will be discounted on iOS and Android. Captain America, Wolverine and Thor will head up team iOS, while Fantastic Four, Wolverine and Thor tables will be available on Android.

JoystiqMarvel Pinball mobile tables unite for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemarvel-pinballmobilezen-pinballMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 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[PSN's Zen Pinball free with Marvel Pinball purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/psns-zen-pinball-free-with-marvel-pinball-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/psns-zen-pinball-free-with-marvel-pinball-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/psns-zen-pinball-free-with-marvel-pinball-purchase/#comments There are few more satisfying ways to pass the time on a lazy summer weekend quite like practicing the science of the silver sphere. You'll be able to do so on the cheap if you grab Marvel Pinball from the PSN before June 29 -- until then, that purchase will also net you a free copy of Zen Pinball.

Continue reading PSN's Zen Pinball free with Marvel Pinball purchase

JoystiqPSN's Zen Pinball free with Marvel Pinball purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvel-pinballplaystationps3psnZen-PinballZen-StudiosSat, 25 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball THD has a ball with Tegra 2 on Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/zen-pinball-thd-has-a-ball-with-tegra-2-on-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/zen-pinball-thd-has-a-ball-with-tegra-2-on-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/zen-pinball-thd-has-a-ball-with-tegra-2-on-android-devices/#comments Zen Studios has announced that it's readying a Tegra 2-only version of its PSN title Zen Pinball for compatible Android phones and tablets. Set to arrive "soon," the game will be going up against the just-released Pinball HD port for Google's mobile OS, which also requires Nvidia's dual-core chip to run.

The announcement says that "several" tables will be included in the Zen port, including the one featured in the latest DLC for the console version, "Sorcerer's Lair" (seen in the gallery below). Also to be expected: head-to-head online multiplayer and achievements.

Zen Pinball THD -- as it's called -- will be playable at Google's I/O 2011 conference in San Francisco tomorrow, May 10, and Wednesday.

Gallery: Zen Pinball THD

Continue reading Zen Pinball THD has a ball with Tegra 2 on Android devices

JoystiqZen Pinball THD has a ball with Tegra 2 on Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcademobilenvidiategra-2zen-pinballzen-pinball-thdzen-studiosMon, 09 May 2011 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball and Castle Crashers top PSN sales in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/zen-pinball-and-castle-crashers-top-psn-sales-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/zen-pinball-and-castle-crashers-top-psn-sales-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/zen-pinball-and-castle-crashers-top-psn-sales-in-september/#comments Looks like Castle Crashers' volleyball was able to help win over PS3 owners. It tops the PSN sales charts for September as the best-selling paid game. At the top of the overall chart, however, is Zen Pinball, which earns its rank with the help of PlayStation Plus subscribers.

1. ZEN Pinball
2. Castle Crashers
3. Blast Off (Minis)
4. Echoes (MInis)
5. Syphon Filter 3 (PSone)
6. Sonic Adventure
7. My Aquarium
8. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
9. Red Dead Redemption: Legends and Killers Pack (DLC)
10. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue

JoystiqZen Pinball and Castle Crashers top PSN sales in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crashersplaystationps3psnpsn-monthlypspsonyZen-PinballTue, 19 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZEN Pinball goes to Mars next week for $2.49]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/zen-pinball-goes-to-mars-next-week-for-2-49/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/zen-pinball-goes-to-mars-next-week-for-2-49/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/zen-pinball-goes-to-mars-next-week-for-2-49/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been well over a year since the release of ZEN Pinball on PSN, and the updates keep on coming. On July 27, you'll be able to download the space-themed Mars table ... and, best of all, it'll only cost $2.49. Trailer after the break.

Continue reading ZEN Pinball goes to Mars next week for $2.49

JoystiqZEN Pinball goes to Mars next week for $2.49 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmarsplaystationps3psnZen-PinballZen-StudiosSat, 24 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZEN Pinball's Ninja Gaiden table trailer slices and dices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/zen-pinballs-ninja-gaiden-table-trailer-slices-and-dices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/zen-pinballs-ninja-gaiden-table-trailer-slices-and-dices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/zen-pinballs-ninja-gaiden-table-trailer-slices-and-dices/#comments Wondering what the official Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 table for ZEN Pinball looks like in motion? Wonder no more -- the video above will show you all of the Hayabusa-style bumper action you'll be able to find, complete with ramps, flashing lights, ninja spirits and... burning pagodas? Boy, those ZEN folks aren't really pinball traditionalists, are they? But it does look fun.

The table will bring new gameplay modes and missions along with it to the PlayStation Store on Thursday, January 14, for $2.49 (€1.99). Of course, it's DLC for the original ZEN Pinball game, so you've got to have that, too. Wait, we just rewatched it -- did Ryu just slice the ball in half? That's pretty awesome!

JoystiqZEN Pinball's Ninja Gaiden table trailer slices and dices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgameplay-modeshayabusalightsmissionsninjaninja-gaiden-sigma-2pinballplaystationrampsreleaseryu-hayabusascoretableweaponszen-pinballzen-studiosWed, 13 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden crosses over into ZEN Pinball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ninja-gaiden-crosses-over-into-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ninja-gaiden-crosses-over-into-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/ninja-gaiden-crosses-over-into-zen-pinball/#commentsWe're not sure how the ZEN Pinball team does it, but they've managed to create another crossover DLC table for the popular PSN pinball game. The follow-up to the Street Fighter table pays tribute to Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden series. The official details will be revealed on the PlayStation.Blog soon, but we're pretty sure it'll be similar to the last DLC offering.

[Thanks, HeavyToka!]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden crosses over into ZEN Pinball originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcninja-gaidenpinballpsnzen-pinballzen-studiosMon, 05 Oct 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: ZEN Studios' Zsolt Kigyossy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/interview-zen-studios-zsolt-kigyossy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/interview-zen-studios-zsolt-kigyossy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/interview-zen-studios-zsolt-kigyossy/#comments Today's announcement of ZEN Pinball's collaboration with Capcom was certainly a bizarre, unexpected one. We chatted with ZEN Studios' managing director Zsolt Kigyossy on the surprising success of ZEN Pinball, the studio's future plans with PlayStation Network, and how the Street Fighter deal came about in the first place.

ZEN Pinball debuted as the top-selling PSN game in May. Was the team surprised by that achievement?
Not too surprised! We've been working on perfecting our ball-and-table physics for six years now, so I guess our team's passion really shines through in the game. Although, with so many new games coming out each month we couldn't simply rely on quality to make our title stand out, and for that reason we owe much of our success to the huge support that we received from both Sony Europe and America. Not only that, our studio owes a big thanks to the PSN community for supporting our titles and helping drive ZEN Pinball to the number one spot. We couldn't have achieved this success without our dedicated fans.

Continue reading Interview: ZEN Studios' Zsolt Kigyossy

JoystiqInterview: ZEN Studios' Zsolt Kigyossy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewpinballpunisher-no-mercystreet-fighterzen-pinballzen-studioszsolt-kigyossyThu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZEN Pinball: Street Fighter II coming to PSN soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/zen-pinball-street-fighter-ii-coming-to-psn-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/zen-pinball-street-fighter-ii-coming-to-psn-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/zen-pinball-street-fighter-ii-coming-to-psn-soon/#comments It may not get the media attention of PSN titles like Flower or the PixelJunk games, but ZEN Pinball is one of the most successful PSN games around. To capitalize on its success, ZEN Studios is planning a number of DLC tables for the game. First up is ZEN Pinball: Street Fighter II, a PS3 interpretation of the Street Fighter II table from Pinball FX on XBLA. "Here at ZEN Studios, we are long time Street Fighter fans and have a great relationship with Capcom, so the idea came naturally," ZEN Studios' managing director Zsolt Kigyossy told us in an exclusive interview.

The price hasn't been revealed yet, but the team is aiming to release the table later this month.

JoystiqZEN Pinball: Street Fighter II coming to PSN soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpinballpsnstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-iizen-pinballzen-studiosThu, 06 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ZEN Studios teases new PS3 project with familiar logo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/zen-studios-teases-new-ps3-project-with-familiar-logo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/zen-studios-teases-new-ps3-project-with-familiar-logo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/zen-studios-teases-new-ps3-project-with-familiar-logo/#commentsZEN Studios,which has already created two PSN exclusives, ZEN Pinball and The Punisher: No Mercy, is teasing its new PS3 project. Looking at this logo, it should be pretty clear as to what the team is up to. While you can make your guesses today, the official announcement won't be made until tomorrow.

It's really not that hard, guys.

JoystiqZEN Studios teases new PS3 project with familiar logo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinballpsnstreet-fighterteasezen-pinballzen-studiosWed, 05 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ZEN Pinball is top downloaded PSN game in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/zen-pinball-is-top-downloaded-psn-game-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/zen-pinball-is-top-downloaded-psn-game-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/zen-pinball-is-top-downloaded-psn-game-in-may/#comments Looks like our glowing preview of ZEN Pinball paid off for Zen Studios. The first (and only) pinball game on the PlayStation Network met an incredible debut, taking the top spot in May. Perhaps the free demo, which showcased the game's solid physics engine and graphics, convinced gamers to go for the full version?

According to GamerBytes, Zen Studios' Pinball FX did "similarly well" on Xbox Live Arcade. That game went on to sell 250,000 units over time -- perhaps ZEN Pinball can meet an equally favorable fate? In addition to ZEN, the rest of the top 5 included many PSN mainstays:
  1. ZEN Pinball
  2. Worms
  3. Mortal Kombat II
  4. Wheel of Fortune
  5. Flower
For the rest of the top 10, and more analysis of PSN sales, check out GamerBytes.

JoystiqZEN Pinball is top downloaded PSN game in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinballpsnsaleszen-pinballzen-studiosWed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies: ZEN Pinball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/trophies-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/trophies-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/trophies-zen-pinball/#comments Four pinball tables, four Trophies to earn in each. Are you ready for some ZEN Pinball?

View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal

Continue reading Trophies: ZEN Pinball

JoystiqTrophies: ZEN Pinball originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinballpsntrophiestrophyzen-pinballzen-studiosFri, 08 May 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ZEN Pinball bounces onto PSN next week for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/zen-pinball-bounces-onto-psn-next-week-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/zen-pinball-bounces-onto-psn-next-week-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/zen-pinball-bounces-onto-psn-next-week-for-10/#comments ZEN Pinball will be available on the PlayStation Store on May 14th for $9.99. Our hands-on with the demo revealed a solid foundation for the game, with realistic (if not a bit fast) physics. ZEN Pinball doesn't offer too many frills: don't expect any boss fights, or hedgehog-inspired platforming segments. Instead, you'll get a rather faithful digital recreation of an arcade cabinet, LED display and all.

As expected, ZEN offers online leaderboards, multiple tables and Trophies. However, we're most intrigued by the video chat-enabled online multiplayer mode. You can check it out next week on the US PlayStation Store.

JoystiqZEN Pinball bounces onto PSN next week for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinballpsnzen-pinballzen-studiosThu, 07 May 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: ZEN Pinball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/joystiq-hands-on-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/joystiq-hands-on-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/joystiq-hands-on-zen-pinball/#comments The PlayStation Network features all sorts of innovative genre-defining games -- but where is the traditional pinball game? ZEN Pinball is looking to fill in this suspicious void, and does so with style.

Pinball is a rather straightforward genre to replicate. So long as the ball physics are accurate, pinball fans can generally be satiated -- but what we've played of ZEN Pinball has left us impressed. The core gameplay is exactly what you'd expect from a pinball game: busy tables with a classic emulated LED display on the top left corner. Each table features its own tricks to scoring free balls, multipliers and more. From what we've played of the first playable table, ZEN is attempting to represent the game as realistically as possible -- don't expect a Sonic Spinball-esque adventure here.

The ball feels weighty, and to our surprise, seems incredibly fast. The pinball rolls around with great speed, but for those that find the default difficulty a bit tricky, there are a few options that can be tweaked. Players can adjust the angle of the table, or even slow down the speed of the ball. However, don't expect to unlock Trophies if you decide to turn on any of these modifiers -- you have to play with the default settings in order to earn any achievements.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: ZEN Pinball

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: ZEN Pinball originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinballpsnzen-pinballzen-studiosTue, 28 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN scores a new exclusive: ZEN Pinball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/psn-scores-a-new-exclusive-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/psn-scores-a-new-exclusive-zen-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/psn-scores-a-new-exclusive-zen-pinball/#commentsThe PlayStation Network has a lot of games, but it's missing one key genre: a pinball game. ZEN Studios plans on rectifying this with a PSN-exclusive game this Spring. ZEN Pinball will offer standard pinball play, with a twist. There will be in-game missions, head-to-head online multiplayer and even worldwide tournaments.

ZEN Pinball will offer four tables -- V12, Tesla, Shaman and El Dorado. Players will be able to play multiplayer not only online, but locally as well. Looks like ZEN is offering all the features a pinball fan could possibly want.

JoystiqPSN scores a new exclusive: ZEN Pinball originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinballpsnzen-pinballzen-studiosWed, 15 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST