Bethesda Pinball review - Up pin creek without a paddle
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| Bethesda Pinball

Bethesda Pinball started off as an update for Zen Pinball, but now it's available all on its own.

If there's a definite difference between the two versions of Bethesda-themed Pinball games, it's hard to tell. They both have Fallout, DOOM, and Skyrim-themed tables.

But the real question is whether the game's actually any good. The real answer is - erm - kind-of, and kind-of not.

Pin paddles

It really is as straight forward as it sounds. Whatever table you choose first for free (since you only get one off the bat), it's essentially just a digital representation of Pinball.

Despite initially fearing for it, the main menu isn't just a cluster of information and purchase points, which is really great to see.

As for the actual controls, you ping your ball into play and tap on the left and right sides of the screens to work the paddles.

You can also swipe left or right to give the table a little nudge if it looks like your ball is careening in a direction you don't want it to go. Nice and simple.

After a little bit of merriment involving hitting the ball this way and that, your points will climb and, depending on the table theme you've chosen, you'll have the option to take on side-quests or to visit the shop or pick up a weapon.

It also has a great feel of each of the games, offering up character types, weapons, and lots of details that are pretty iconic - like picking your species on the Skyrim table.

These RPG elements are actually pretty neat and unusual, especially when you have to take down guards by aiming the ball at them.

Pin pong

Unfortunately, the cost of play at 120 coins for one round of the game in single player mode is a little too expensive for such a limited experience.

One small grace is that competitive play is free to enter. You'll actually earn you coins if you can beat the scores of those you're competing against, which is usually quite easy.

But, this is where the monetary stuff comes in. You can either grind for a while, winning over 30 Matchup matches in order to unlock the next table, or you can just buy the tables and unlock limitless single player.

If you really, really like the game this is a great option because it cuts off a bunch of the limitations in its free to play state. But, if you're not that fussed on it, it's just as likely to have you uninstall the app than bother to play hours of it, unlock the next table, and do it all over again.

Pin BALLS

All in all, Bethesda Pinball is one of those games you'll download because it's free to play and you love one of the three titles.

Once you get into the game though, you'll likely play for an hour or two, shut your device down for the evening, and never pick the game up again.

Its RPG elements really are interesting, but they aren't quite enthralling enough to give Bethesda Pinball that third dimension it so desperately needs.

Bethesda Pinball review - Up pin creek without a paddle

Bethesda Pinball shows initial promise, but its single player price points and two-dimension gameplay let the game down overall
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Emily Sowden
Emily Sowden
Emily is Pocket Gamer's News Editor and writes about all kinds of game-related things. She needs coffee to function and begrudgingly loves her Switch more than she lets on.