PSVR Review Code Provided by Zen Studios
I have to start this review out by simply stating that Star Wars Pinball VR was literally exactly what I expected it to be. Zen Studios delivered a neat little hideaway for Star Wars fans to play some pinball featuring their favorite films from the series and gave them the freedom to look around. While I can’t say that it is perfect, it does have pretty much everything you need to enjoy the experience and game room area.
Gameplay
It’s pinball, so when it comes to the gameplay I would have to say it is pretty straightforward. You have two paddle buttons and a launch ball button. That is pretty much it when it comes to the controls while playing a pinball game.
Now, moving around the room to customize the different posters, statues, and other items is a bit different. You have to use a controller to play the game, regardless if you are on the PC or PS4, and so movement is simply moving the left analog stick. You can turn around with the right analog stick or simply turning your body, given it is in VR after all.
Pretty much everything for your customization options has to be unlocked, but you are given a few starter items and songs for the jukebox. To unlock more, you have to complete achievements in the different pinball tables. Once you unlock something, simply go to the area in the game room that you would like it to be at (and that has a placeholder for you to set it at) and then select it from the menu.
Visuals
Everything in the room had a pretty standard graphical style to it. It wasn’t what I would call realistic, but it was like seeing everything in high-grade CGI. My favorite aspect was how they had animated characters around when you were playing the different tables - definitely a nice touch.
Sounds
It’s always nice to listen to Star Wars music while playing some Star Wars pinball in your Star Wars game room. Mixing that with the typical sound effects you would expect from a pinball machine, and you have exactly what you would expect from the game’s audio.
Replayability
Of course, there is replayability! It is pinball. You can keep playing pinball until the machine breaks, which in this case would be never since it is a virtual platform.
What Could Be Better
I don’t know why they didn’t allow players to use the move controllers if they wanted to. Sure, the controls are pretty simple and you really only need a controller, but part of the virtual reality experience is being able to grab stuff with your hands. Because I didn’t have the move controllers, I wasn’t able to grab the helmet collectables and look at them like I would a real collectable. Plus, it is always better to actually feel like your playing pinball than to just have the controls for it. Definitely seems like a pull away from the overall VR experience.
When you start a game of pinball, your visual placement is way too close to the table as well. I always had to premise myself by taking a step forward before starting a table just to take a step back once I load up. It’s like they think people literally hover over the top of the machine, body pressed up against it when playing pinball. This isn’t adjustable in the settings either.
Conclusion
Star Wars Pinball VR was literally exactly what I expected it to be. It featured Star Wars themed music, props, collectables, and various pinball tables. While some stuff could have been adjusted, or at least listed in the settings for players to adjust to their preferred style, it had a solid foundation. It is really like a little Star Wars hideaway for fans to enjoy their Star Wars environment and some classic pinball entertainment.
