Zombies Invade 'The Walking Dead Pinball'

Jeb Haught
Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

DEVELOPER: Zen Studios

PUBLISHER: Zen Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PS3, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
Updated: Fri Aug 29, 2014

DEVELOPER: Zen Studios

PUBLISHER: Zen Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PS3, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One)

PRICE: $2.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

When it comes to new video game releases, the months leading up to the holiday season seem rather ... err ... dead. That's why it's the perfect time to release Zen Studios' latest creation, "The Walking Dead Pinball!" Using a virtual steel ball to slay zombies may seem odd at first, but it's actually a great fit.

This game showcases the first season of "The Walking Dead" video game, and not the TV show. They're both set in the same world overrun with zombies, but "The Walking Dead Pinball" follows the adventures of Lee and Clementine rather than Rick and Carl Grimes.

All five chapters of the first season are represented by pinball "missions," and anyone who is familiar with the video game will appreciate the ability to choose certain outcomes, such as saving someone or scavenging food instead. However, these choices don't have much impact on the pinball game, and they're meaningless to those who haven't played "The Walking Dead" video game.

Still, this table is not only fun to play, but it's also visually appealing. I enjoy seeing familiar areas such as the bell tower and the fortified hotel incorporated into game play, and mowing down shambling zombies with a giant ball is a blast! Speaking of which, small touches such as hearing a shotgun blast when the ball is kicked back and replacing the plunger with a giant ax add authenticity to the experience.

One of my favorite features is the ability to make the entire table go dark with only minimal lighting by which to see. It really captures the feel of a dangerous zombie-infested existence! I also like the ability to initiate sniper mode where players use a reticule to shoot zombies out of buildings.

As a result, "The Walking Dead Pinball" emerges as one of my favorite pinball tables by Zen Studios.

'Heroes & Legends: Conquerors of Kohlar'

DEVELOPER: Cuve Games

PUBLISHER: Phoenix Online Publishing

SYSTEM: Windows PC

PRICE: $9.99

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 2.5 stars (out of 5)

I completely understand the idea behind stripping video games down to their basics in order to make them accessible on cell-phones and tablets. What I don't understand is why developers would do this with a strategy/RPG that's only available on PC's. "Heroes & Legends: Conquerors of Kohlar" does just that, and the result lacks depth and direction.

The forgettable storyline centers around stopping yet another ancient prophecy of doom from unfolding upon the hapless citizens of a typical fantasy era. Players guide a team of spell-casters, assassins and warriors as they engage in battle with more than 50 types of monsters using custom armor and weapons.

My first problem is the complete lack of exploration, which is one of my favorite parts about RPG's. There's no walking, exploring, discovering or meeting townsfolk. Instead, this game is limited to only fighting and crafting, and that gets old really fast!

Instead of interesting battles where players move their characters around and use terrain and/or placement to their advantage, each character is stuck in place and can only fight the enemy in front of him. Even worse is how combat is mostly automated and inventory consists of random items and potions that stream down a gauge on the side.

At least I can initiate character abilities on my own, but they're very limited in number. Sadly, there's no skill tree, just abilities that are automatically unlocked when characters reach a certain level. I can't even get enjoyment out of the crafting system because it's confusing, and nothing that's crafted can be equipped before battle.

Unfortunately, the only really cool aspect of "Heroes & Legends: Conquerors of Kohlar" is the stylish art design.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

"The Walking Dead pinball"

"Heroes & Legends"