Star Wars Pinball: The Force Awakens (PlayStation 4) Review

The Light Side table is titled "The Force Awakens," and as the name suggests, this table delivers twelve key scenes from the film, as they are played out during the pinball game with 3D characters. Rey and Finn take centre stage on the table that is set in the desert world of Jakku, and it has all the setups of a pinball table. The stage features two loops; an inner and an outer loop, with the outer leading to the three bumpers. There are two ramps, also, with the left one being important when it comes to getting scenes from the film to play out. The names of REY, BB-8 and FINN are also scattered on the table, and being able to send the ball at each letter in order to highlight it yields bonuses. The bumpers also pack a punch, sending the balls flying through the course with an explosive strike that just adds to the excitement on this table. Of course, it would not be Star Wars without having the familiar Throne Room/End Credits tune from A New Hope playing in the background.

"Might of the First Order" is the Dark Side's table, as the First Order seeks to destroy all Resistance activity in the galaxy. Apart from the stark contrast of having a much darker table, the other main noticeable difference is that this table features a smaller playfield with its own set of flippers, below that of the main field, and it really provides a greater challenge, especially when the "Multi-ball" is commenced during play. Everything about this table reeks of evil, from the Tie Fighter plunger, to the Storm Trooper standing to the left of the board with a flamethrower, as well as the holographic visual of the Star Destroyer. Captain Phasma is also present, while General Hux is shouting commands over the intercom. Kylo Ren is front and centre on the playfield itself, to a darker music track in the backdrop. While the game does not outright say what secrets are beneath the two tables, the top left corner still features the helpful widget that displays how many strikes certain things need in order to experience something new.