A Croft-Worthy Collection?
There’s simply no stopping the ever impressive and expansive catalogue of tables growing in Pinball FX. There are already cabinets from huge franchises available such as Marvel, Disney and even gaming classics such as System Shock. However, an undeniably legendary character has just joined the action, in the form of that fearless British adventurer Lara Croft.
The timing of this Pinball FX – Tomb Raider Pinball addition is interesting in itself, as the Tomb Raider series is currently between phases, with the next game tipped to change things once again for Lara after the excellent “survivor” trilogy. However, the two tables added to Pinball FX most certainly look back and celebrate Lara’s early adventures, and give no clues as to what may be coming next for her.
Secrets of Croft Manor & Adventures of Lara Croft
For a fairly reasonable price of £8.39 you get two new tables to add to your collection, Secrets of Croft Manor and Adventures of Lara Croft. The first is built all around the famous mansion that you had the opportunity to explore in the games and does feature the lovably loyal butler, Winston, too. The second is a mix of everything from the very first outing, all the way up to and including Tomb Raider: Underworld (which is criminally underrated by the way).
From Training Grounds to Global Expeditions
Anyhow, the Croft Manor table is beautifully detailed, drawing upon the iconic hedge maze, Richard Croft’s study and featuring a fully animated Lara in her training gear. Looping orbits take your ball off into some bonus areas, however it’s the central fireplace that holds the best secrets. Landing the ball there four times will unlock a choice of modes which will then place markers on the table that, when hit, will bag you some mega points.
My favourite table however, purely for nostalgia, is Adventures of Lara Croft. Here Lara is just north of the middle of the table, as she fires off rounds from her dual pistols, lights flares and more as you explore the table. It also features iconic tracks from the series which sound just as good as they did nearly 30 years ago.
There are loads of brilliant little details, such as the boat from Venice in Tomb Raider II which launches your ball, iconography of the gods in statue form from Tomb Raider and Lara’s ever famous trusty backpack. However, aiming for that alluring globe is the real prize.
Iconic Villains and Survivor Trilogy Nods
After a few direct hits, you’ll unlock a choice of modes once again, this time taking you back to each of the games in the franchise which feature some truly iconic villains. It’s brilliantly done, and if you’re skilled enough you’ll be able to wield Lara’s iconic dual pistols and even experience moments from the survivor trilogy. As love letters to Tomb Raider go, it’s a pretty darn affectionate one.
Beyond the Flipper
It’s not just the tables you get in Pinball FX – Tomb Raider Pinball, but as we have come to expect it’s the whole experience. This means collectibles to unlock as you master each table. Leaderboards are present and correct here too across all categories. Forgive my brag but I managed to place on a couple which was delightful if not unexpected.
There’s also a brand new questline which takes place across both tables that brings back challenges, such as a restriction on how many times you can use your flippers, how many balls you have or a limited time to hit certain score benchmarks. You’ll be able to earn up to three bumpers per challenge which will unlock questline rewards, but even getting the first one under your belt is no cakewalk.
An Essential Expansion for Tomb Raider and Pinball Fans Alike
From a neutral perspective, Pinball FX – Tomb Raider Pinball adds two enjoyable tables to an already impressive Pinball FX roster. However, as a Tomb Raider fan this expansion provides a different, but wonderfully creative way to engage with the franchise and take a trip down memory lane. For fans of the series, it’s hard not to recommend it as essential.
Pinball FX – Tomb Raider Pinball continues the consistent streak of excellence for the pinball game which, thanks to the franchise that has been added, will likely feel that little bit more special for many than other tables.
Important Links
Lara Croft Raids Pinball FX on Console, PC, VR and Mobile – https://www.thexboxhub.com/lara-croft-raids-pinball-fx-on-console-pc-vr-and-mobile/
Buy Tomb Raider Pinball – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/pinball-fx-tomb-raider-pinball/9PGD974HPKTQ/0010
Enjoy a free trial if you prefer – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/pinball-fx-tomb-raider-pinball-trial/9NBX20R1800V/0010
