By Ned Jordan
ZEN Studios pulls four of its older tables out of the back of its warehouse to bring you more pinball action and a chance to increase your Wizard Score multiplier. The four tables are Eldorado, Shaman, Tesla, and V12, all of which are 'classics' in terms of their age, but not all of which are so in terms of gameplay.
V12 is the simplest table in the collection, and it feels downright primitive compared to the tables ZEN Studios is producing today. The table's aesthetics are nice enough, although they are quite minimalistic, and evoke the appearance of a well-cared for muscle car engine. There's simply not much to do on this table, with only a few target shots and ramp combos to keep you busy most of the time. Consequently, the high scores you get on this table will be pale in comparison to those on more recent tables. V12 is more of a testament to how far evolved ZEN Studios' table design has become than it is a table you'll spend much time with.
Eldorado is clearly inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark, borrowing scenes and events from that film's jungle opening as much as it can without attracting a lawsuit. The table's major feature is an idol which will open its mouth after a sequence of hits. Land the ball in the mouth and you'll kick off one of the missions, one of which is to help the game's nameless explorer to escape from a giant rolling boulder.
Shaman is based on a tribal voodoo theme, and while it doesn't have as much to do on it as in more recent tables it does have a certain charm to it. It's hard not to get swept up by the drum rhythms, which you can help set off by hitting the targets set within the Shaman's drums.
Tesla is the star of the set, and probably marks a major milestone in the evolution of ZEN Studio's table design because it is the only one in the bunch that could try and pass itself off as a new table. I'd hesitate to call a table based on electricity as having a steampunk theme, but that term probably most closely describes the tables design aesthetics. Tesla coils and arcing electrical devices abound on the table, and all that electricity can have an effect on the ball physics as well.
The ZEN Classics pack gives you one great table, one throwaway, and a pair of enjoyable if average tables. While none of the tables is as feature rich as the latest offerings for Pinball FX 2, this pack does provide some additional variety for your pinball diversions. It would be easier to recommend if V12 was replaced by a table that you'd want to play more than once, so as it stands I'll call it recommendable for those who truly enjoy Pinball FX 2 and want as large a collection of tables as possible. If you've got a limited budget or only play Pinball FX 2 on occasion, you'll probably be better off going with one of the newer tables that are available.
Final Rating: 75%
