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Impressions: Deadpool in Zen Pinball 2 | PSNStores

Impressions: Deadpool in Zen Pinball 2

Posted by on June 26th, 2014 | 3 Comments | Tags: ,

Marvel’s deadpan assassin “Merc with a Mouth” Deadpool has been celebrated recently in a number of ways including his very own game, and now in his own pinball table. That’s right, Zen Pinball 2 now offers up a Deadpool table, but does it meet the needs of Marvel fans and pinball afficiendo’s alike?

The Deadpool table has a number of key selling points. From the characters accompanying the never selfless Deadpool himself, such as Lil’ Deadpool, Blind Al, and Weasel. Some of the modes playable in the table triggered by repeated shots up any of the tables lanes or ramps. Instructions are extremely tough to follow in most Zen Pinball tables due to the amber score screen in the corner and the fact that it’s constantly changing with each shot.

One important instruction is “Shoot The Flashing Ramps Then The Spinners To Activate An Issue!” There are five “issues” to choose from and each functions as a mission or mini -game. Additionally, there are three levels of difficulty beginning with Easy to simply mix things up. Shooting the spinners on the far right or left will increase the difficulty as seen along the center ramp, and these are the most difficult shots to make.

The table layout isn’t anything particularly captivating or innovative or entertaining. During a mission where Marvel fans attack Deadpool one at a time, they must walk across the vast emptiness of the main playfield to get to him. Lil’ Deadpool jumps onto Deadpool’s back, and with properly placed shots Deadpool will hip toss him onto the playfield for you to strike him with the ball. Neither of these events are challenging or particularly fun to play.

Nolan North reprises his role as Deadpool and for the most part, it’s a great thing. However, his character driven one-liners and “family friendly” jokes do become repetitive. At first, they definitely added to the experience. But it didn’t take long, about 15 minutes of gameplay or two consecutive games, until it annoyed like nails on a chalkboard. It’s quite possible that a hardcore Deadpool fan would enjoy the Hellhouse out of this table, but not for a terribly long time.

This is one of my least favorite tables in Zen Pinball 2 history unfortunately. Most unfortunate is the fact that it is possible for someone to purchase this table on PS4, unaware of the fact that it is not Cross-Buy in that direction. Because I bought this on PS3 and imported it there and onto Vita first, I was then able to jump onto PS4 and get it for free. Why is it this way you ask? Free Sorcerer’s Lair could be why, other than that your guess is as good as any other.

My time with Deadpool has not ended, and my hopes that this is one of those Zen Pinball tables that grows on you. My excitement for this table was squandered away in anticipation for the hyped Blind Mode. It was advertised as being a dark mode where you can only see the ball, flippers, and target ramps/lanes. However, as seen in the video I captured on PS4 above, it’s not all that dark. Kind of a bummer, although consistent with the rest of the table.

EDIT: Thanks to commenters, I’ve edited away the complete misuse of the word “deadpan” in this impressions piece with an accurate phrase that actually describes Deadpool.