Marvel’s Ant-Man table review for Zen Pinball 2, Pinball FX2

Zen Pinball 2 (and Pinball FX2) adds to the list of themed tables with the release of Marvel’s Ant-Man, just in time for the movie from Marvel and Disney. Each themed table has included varying degrees quirky tie-ins to the popular movie of the moment, funky new pinball ideas and old-school pinball challenges. We were anxious to see what they did with the campy, silly Ant-Man movie.

Let’s get this out of the way – there’s a lot less shrinking than one would expect. The table gets an Ant-Man, a Hank Pym and a Yellow Jacket running around spouting dialogue and fighting, but not too much shrinking. Or Ants.

There are surprises, however. The relatively open table makes space for the usual sprawling ramps and targets, including one that leads to a lower level. There are a few little minigames, as has been done on other themed tables. And just like the others, we enjoyed the change of pace. But the highlight is the big, glowing atomic particle in a wire cage up to the right. The pinball can fit through the bars enough to strike the particle. The more you hit it, the smaller it gets, until it sneaks through the cage bars and turns into a second pinball.

There’s plenty to do, a great mix between easy and very difficult shots, and solid visual effects. It’s a creative table. It requires plenty of play before giving up the big scores, and the journey is a pleasure – can’t ask for much more than that.