There has been a bit of a gap between new releases for Pinball FX3, and fans may have started to worry that the post-release content had stalled completely. The same fans may be disappointed to hear that this latest content drop is just the single table, where previous Williams packs have typically had three. But what we do have is an absolute classic with the Pinball FX3 – Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure joining the digital pinball roster.
First released in 1993, this table is based on the original trilogy of Indiana Jones films. Not to be confused with the later table that released in line with the fourth film – though the less said about that film the better.
It features all the standard identifiers of a table made around this time: the dot-matrix display, ramps aplenty, flashing lights and was actually the first pinball table to use the DCS Sound System. This sound board came in use for this pinball table. The iconic theme tune by John Williams was recreated, lines from all three films were used throughout, with some new lines recorded by John Rhys-Davies (Sallah from the films). Interestingly in this version for Pinball FX3, the sound hasn’t been cleaned up at all and sounds exactly as it would have back in 1993, outputting the sound in mono.
In Pinball FX3 – Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure there are twelve modes to complete, based around moments from the films. These range from shooting any ramp for points in Monkey Brains, specific ramps as displayed on the DMD to rescue Marion in Streets of Cairo, shooting Nazis on the DMD to obtain the medallion whilst avoiding being shot yourself or even selecting the correct grail to then drink from. All classic moments recreated well on a pinball table and then faithfully placed into Pinball FX3.Â
Unlike other tables, The Pinball Adventure only really has one discernible feature. In the top left of the table itself is a raised area that can be tilted using the triggers. If you manage to get the ball up there and to the end of the course you will be richly rewarded.
In fact, this pinball table doesn’t skimp on awarding points. If you are still struggling to unlock the Nine zeros achievement in the base game – for having a combined score of 1,000,000,000 across all tables – this one will definitely help that balance. The local saved high score is 500,000,000 so beat that and you are already halfway there. Completing all twelve modes also unlocks the wizard mode that throws a six ball multiball your way with every switch awarding 10,000,000. Hit every switch and the mega jackpot of 1,000,000,000 will be awarded.
Of course, this is still Pinball FX3, so it does come with a few extras. New additions include a blimp at the back of the table, the Ark of the Covenant and a tank at the front, and a little Indiana Jones whipping around the table. These are great additions, but the rain effects and planes flying that appear during certain modes can be offputting. These can be turned off and on as you please, but only as a whole, not individually.
It does also feel weird to be playing a pinball table – real or otherwise – that only has two flippers and not a third one further up the table. Obviously this is a sign of the times, but there is a perfect space for one on the right hand side and on more than one occasion have I hit the right trigger anticipating there being one there.
And then there is the fact that this latest content drop is just the one table. And that one table is priced at £12.49. More than any other DLC pack for Pinball FX3, and those before have usually contained at least three new tables. It is always contentious judging a game based on its price but here it definitely needs mentioning. The license for this table must have cost a small fortune.
Pinball FX3 usually does a stellar job of recreating physical tables in their world and the Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventures table is no exception; faithfully done with the majority of additions subtly improving it. But the price point is a major sticking point, as is the number of tables included. It is a negative that cannot be ignored and, at this point, I would recommend holding off until there is a substantial saving on this table. Or indeed it gets bundled in with others to sweeten the deal.
There are no snakes here in Pinball FX3 – Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure on Xbox
