Star Wars Pinball: Star Wars Rebels

Score: 85%
Publisher: Zen Studios
Developer: Zen Studios
Media: Download/1
Players: 1 - 4 (Online)
Genre: Arcade/Classic/Retro/Online

Introduction:

Well, after a long time, it's finally happened: I'm now reviewing a Zen Studios pinball table based on a franchise that I have absolutely no history with. I've heard good things about Star Wars Rebels, but despite my excitement over the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I've never felt any curiosity about the Expanded Universe, canon or otherwise. But reviewing Star Wars Pinball: Star Wars Rebels brought me to the same conclusion that I'd expected to come to when thinking about these circumstances: I knew I'd enjoy the table regardless. Whether you're a hardcore fan or a casual pinball player, this is a good table.

Aesthetics:

While I definitely had to do a little research on the look and feel of the television show, I knew it was almost unnecessary. Zen does their homework when it comes to theming, and it shows in the artwork that adorns each and every one of their licensed tables. Even having no experience with the television show, I'm still well aware of the way that the Star Wars universe looks. From the technology to character designs (how could anyone mistake an Imperial Stormtrooper for... anything else?

Everything sounds pretty great, too. The voice work skirts the line between urgency and camp, which is about right in a pinball table, regardless of what license is being represented. While I can't attest to the accuracy of the soundtrack, it still feels completely at home with what's happening on the table, and it would fit just fine in any Star Wars release.

Missions:

Clever mission design is kind of a hallmark for Zen's pinball tables, and the ones here don't disappoint. Even if you're the most casual Star Wars fan, you'll still be taken in by the tiny narratives that line the practical parts of each pinball goal. But you'll always want to start each ball the same way: by launching it up the ramp marked "Rebels."

True to form, the mission design rounds the bases in terms of character representation and conflicts. For example, you might find yourself taking on a smuggling mission that has Hera loading the Ghost and ultimately escaping from TIE Fighters as you frantically attempt to make the correct side shots to properly steer the ship. Of course, you get the option to beat up some Stormtroopers with Zeb, perform technical maintenance on the Ghost with Chopper, allow Sabine to express her artsy nature, and even have Kanan and Ezra take on the Inquisitor himself.

Value:

Star Wars Pinball: Star Wars Rebels is $2.99. That's pretty much a perfect price: it isn't a steal, but it's not a Call of Duty map pack, either. If you're a fan of Star Wars and enjoy a good game of pinball every now and then, there are tons of pinball tables that will probably interest you, including this one. As far as overall quality goes, Star Wars Pinball: Star Wars Rebels is par for this course, which is a very, very good thing.

-FenixDown, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jon Carlos

Introduction:

Aesthetics:

Missions:

Value:

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