What does it mean to have “remastered” tables?
Remastered Williams™ Pinball tables have all been enhanced with features that make them feel fresh and new. 3D interactive characters and models, ball effects, particle effects, 2D objects and improved table lighting and textures have been added to the tables.
Our goal is to make these tables feel fresh and new for a modern-day play experience. We did not totally remake the games, which means rules have not changed. The classic gameplay and rulesets remain unchanged.
At the push of a button, the tables change from classic to remastered versions – COOL! Do the physics change instantly as well?
The first thing to understand is that pushing the button to transform the table from original to remaster does not affect the physics. This change is aesthetic only.
That said, we have given you the option to play both the original and the remaster with new arcade-perfect simulation physics or with standard Pinball FX3 physics. Starting the game in classic mode will initiate simulation physics, and then you can transform the table to the remastered version, or you can start in Single Player mode and then transform the table to play with the classic table artwork.
And Fish Tales will be completely free?
Fish Tales is free for all players, and you can enjoy playing the game in all available modes on Pinball FX3 including single player challenges, multiplayer matchups and user generated tournaments.
We wanted to give all pinball players the chance to experience what it feels like to play the classic version and the remastered versions of these tables at no risk. Fish Tales is the personal favorite of many on the Zen Studios team, so it made sense to give this one away for all to enjoy.
How is a “remaster” different than what Zen normally does?
Previously, Zen has created pinball games from scratch – the initial design, rule set, modes, artwork, characters and theme. In the case of Williams™ Pinball tables, we are taking something that already exists and adding enhancements. Our goal was not to totally remake the game, which would require the same process as an original game. Rather we wanted to make the game feel fresh and new. It is a fine line we are walking here and we want to know from players if we should take this further or if we are achieving the right balance between the classic and new feel.
What does it mean to say that the physics are different?
Zen is releasing a new physics simulation for the Williams™ Pinball tables that plays differently from Zen’s traditional pinball tables. The ball is more random and reacts differently on the table. We have adjusted surface materials on the Williams™ Pinball tables and you can see and feel different movement on the ball including ball spin. You can perform all of the “trick” shots in the game that are possible on a real machine. We are preparing a special video to demonstrate these shots!
Can we expect this to be the norm from here on out regarding all Williams tables?
Yes! Every Williams™ Pinball table that Zen releases will also come with a remastered version. When you purchase a table or pack you will receive the remastered version included – it is not a separate purchase.
Please let us know if you like our approach to the remastered versions, we are really interested in your feedback.
Which platforms will receive Williams™ Pinball tables?
Williams™ Pinball tables will first launch on Pinball FX3 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows 10, Steam and Zen Pinball 2 on Mac. There will be a dedicated game page for Williams™ Pinball content in Pinball FX3 and the first set of tables will launch in a pack.
Are the Williams™ Pinball tables coming to Zen Pinball on iOS and Google Play?
You can play the Williams™ Pinball tables in the Williams Pinball app on iOS and Google Play. The tables will not be released to Zen Pinball on iOS or Google Play.
Has there been any change to the physics for the Williams tables, or are they in line with Zen’s current physics offerings?
We have invested a lot of time and energy adjusting the physics simulation for the Williams tables, so they play true to form – it feels like real pinball. Early feedback suggests physics are spot on; however, we certainly welcome your own feedback as well. We think the ball moves and handles extremely accurately to the real thing, including accurate ball spin and “tricks” as well.
Will this game be very simulation heavy, or will there be options to have something like in Zen, where you can have score numbers popping up, etc.?
All Williams tables can be played with or without normal Pinball FX3 extras, such as score pops and in-game notification, allowing the table to be played in its purest form.
Do you plan the same kind of tournaments and leagues as in Pinball FX3?
All Pinball FX3 features are available for all Williams™ Pinball tables. This includes user-generated tournaments, multiplayer matchup and a brand-new tournament difficulty mode that is based on International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) rulesets. There will be no shortage of pinball competition in Pinball FX3!
Will you have modes like 1 Ball- challenges and 5-minute challenges as well?
Yes, each table has the FX3 feature set, all of these modes are included.
Does Zen’s license include both the Williams and Bally collections?
Zen has licensed the entire Williams collection, which also includes the Bally collection.
What kind of lighting can we expect? Is lighting being based on incandescent lights, like they originally had, or modern LED lighting?
The goal was to re-create as much of the original tables and their authentic pinball experience as possible, so we favored something very close to the behavior of their original incandescent light bulbs, as opposing to LED lighting.
While the tables are run by their original ROM images, meaning no additional darkening to the tables, players might still find the lighting just a tiny bit more vibrant. This better reproduces the tables’ original radiance in those dark environments where we usually played them.
Pinball FX3 has a rating of E10+. Will Zen censor Williams tables that contain content not appropriate for this rating?
Zen Studios is happy to confirm that unaltered versions of all William™ Pinball tables are available on Steam. You will have the choice to play either version based on what is best for you. Unaltered versions of the tables will also be available on mobile.
Zen Studios is very aware that certain tables, such as Medieval Madness, have content that cannot be included in an E10+ rated game. At this time we are running the Family Mode version directly from the ROM on consoles, Windows 10 and Mac. Zen is not censoring the game any differently from what Family Mode includes. On Steam, the game is not running Family Mode; however, this can be turned on in the game settings if so desired.
We hear from both sides – those who do not want Family Mode to be the only option in the game and those who appreciate Family Mode, and we will work to find the right balance for this situation.
Why are Williams™ Pinball tables priced lower on Mac than Pinball FX3?
Tables are released individually for Zen Pinball 2 on Mac instead of in packs. Pricing tiers are different on Mac than other platforms, so instead of pricing the games at the higher tier, we elected to price them at a lower tier. This pricing is in line with other tables in Zen Pinball 2.