ZEN Studios’ first game-themed table, based on Street Fighter II, was an arcade-lover’s dream: a pinball homage to the classic fighter that resuscitated the business. Pinball games based on other properties isn’t new – who didn’t like the Twilight Zone machines? – but having a digital version feature popular gaming franchises is actually pretty novel. It also doesn’t hurt that, like the Street Fighter table, the latest one based on Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a blast to play.
The new table differs greatly from its predecessor by offering more of everything: more table space, animations, gimmicks, and challenges. The Street Fighter table was also more traditional in that its hooks were along the lines of straightforward challenges, whether it involved spelling out “Akuma” or bashing the bonus car from the original release. Ninja Gaiden does things a little bit differently by introducing four chapters in addition to several challenges. As each challenge is met, a snazzy Ryu Hayabusa model and a model of the Black Spider Ninja Clan’s Genshin rotate in mock combat atop pathways and markers. As each chapter is complete, Ryu lunges across the table and makes contact, wounding Genshin and netting you millions of points.
The goal is to complete the four chapters, with the final chapter ending in the coup de grâce and Genshin’s defeat. But to get to the fourth chapter, Ryu will need the help of Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel. Ayane must avoid shurikens, Momiji squads of assassins, and Rachel two dragon fiends. Each challenge is timed and requires certain areas, targets, or ramps being hit before a countdown timer reaches zero. A short animation plays as the time ticks away with those who hit a mark in time staving off attacks and those lacking in flipper skills, like myself, end up having to restart. It’s a much more involved system than I’m used to, and I found that it made play all the more addictive.
In addition to the rewards being more visually impressive this time around, the table is also much more lively. In the beginning, though, the table is almost too busy: a large mural of Ryu and company adorn the bottom center while his oversized claws act as bumpers, the figures dominate the top of the table, and scores crank out combos with LED animations left and right. It doesn’t take too long to adjust though, often being downright impressive, and seeing Ryu slice a pinball in half is just awesome.
The Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Table is another great entry into the tribute series and well worth picking up for fans of both franchises. ZEN Pinball provides such a solid foundation that the only things the tables need are a decent layout and clever challenges - and that is exactly what you get here. The gimmicks are impressive, the challenges varied, and the design a mixture of familiar yet exciting. You can find few other ways to get so many hours of entertainment out of $2.49.
Purchase: Yes. Ryu has Ninja Gaiden-ed up pinball, making for an action-packed table that does its predecessor proud by packing more of everything.
(This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher.)
